A spokesperson for the group confirmed to MTV News that Andy Bell, the former guitar player of the band Ride, has joined Oasis as its new bass player.

The announcement comes just weeks after Oasis announced that the guitarist known as Gem, formerly of Heavy Stereo, has joined the group (see [article id="1432807"]"Oasis Mulls December Dates In The States, Selects New Guitarist"[/article]).

I'm very excited," Bell said in a press statement. "When I got asked, it was not a difficult decision to make. Oasis have always been an inspiration. I'm looking forward to it.

Bell was recently rumored to be joining the band Gay Dad and is also a songwriter in his own right. It is not yet known whether or not he will contribute songs to Oasis in the future.

Oasis' membership drive occurs in the wake of the departure of two of the band's members, bassist Paul McGuigan and rhythm guitarist Paul Arthurs (see

[article id="1432809"]"Oasis Loses Bassist McGuigan; Gallaghers Vow To Rock On"[/article] and [article id="1432811"]"Oasis Parts Company With 'Bonehead'"[/article]).

The band's next album, "Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants," is due in stores on February 28, 2000 (see [article id="1432806"]"Oasis Feels Newtonian Gravity For Album Title, Adds U.S. Dates"[/article]).

Oasis will debut its new lineup at performances at three radio station concerts next month: the Y100 FEASTival in Philadelphia on December 3, a show for Chicago's Q101 on December 4, and a CIMX concert in Detroit on December 5.