William John Paul "Liam" Gallagher (born 21 September 1972) is an English singer and songwriter. He rose to fame as the lead singer of the rock band Oasis, and later served as the singer of Beady Eye, before performing as a solo artist after the dissolution of both bands. His dress sense – with a penchant for Parka jackets – and abrasive manner have been the subject of commentary in the press; through these and his distinctive singing style – where he “twists vowels to the stretching point” – he remains one of the most recognisable figures in British music.