Liam Gallagher Announces Oasis' New Guitarist

Temperamental British pop-rockers Oasis have signed a new guitarist to replace Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, who left the band in August. The band is also confirmed to appear at a music festival sponsored by Philadelphia radio station Y100.

According to the band's British label, Creation Records, founding member Liam Gallagher announced that Gem, formerly the guitarist for Heavy Stereo, has joined Oasis. Heavy Stereo was on the bill for some Oasis shows in 1996, Creation's statement said.

Gallagher reportedly made the announcement at a release party for the Jam tribute album ''Fire and Skill''. He and his brother, fellow bandmate Noel Gallagher, each contributed tracks to ''Fire and Skill,'' as did Heavy Stereo. The album hasn't been released in the United States.

In an August press conference, the Gallagher brothers said they plan to launch a world tour next March in support of a new album that's expected to be released in February. The band called the press conference after Arthurs and bass player Paul McGuilgan announced in quick succession that they were leaving Oasis. The band still hasn't signed a new bassist.

According to Y100's website, Oasis and the Foo Fighters are on the bill for FEASTival, the radio station's winter benefit concert scheduled for Dec. 3 at First Union Center. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale Oct. 30.

Oasis is rumored to be considering offers to appear at other U.S. radio station festivals in December, according to MTV News, but so far no additional dates have been confirmed.