In a candid and revealing interview, the Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, have opened up about the internal dynamics that ultimately led to the demise of one of Britain’s most iconic bands, Oasis.
Known for their explosive personalities and sibling rivalry, the two have often been at the center of media attention. But for the first time, they’ve delved deeper into the real reasons behind the band’s split in 2009, offering fans a glimpse into the complex relationship that both fueled and fractured their legendary partnership.
Oasis, formed in 1991, quickly rose to prominence with their debut album Definitely Maybe and the follow-up (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, which cemented their place as Britpop royalty. Their anthemic tracks, including “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” and “Champagne Supernova,” became the soundtrack for a generation. Yet, behind the scenes, tensions between the Gallagher brothers were brewing.
Noel Gallagher, the band’s chief songwriter and lead guitarist, has often been seen as the more reserved of the two, focusing on the music and the band’s artistic direction. Liam, on the other hand, was the flamboyant frontman, whose charisma and larger-than-life personality captivated audiences. However, these very differences in personality and vision were also the root of their conflicts.
In the interview, Noel reflected on the years leading up to the split, revealing that their relationship had been deteriorating for some time. “It wasn’t one big thing that broke us; it was a thousand little things,” Noel admitted. “We were two different people with two different ideas of what Oasis should be, and we just couldn’t find common ground anymore.”
Liam, never one to shy away from speaking his mind, had his own perspective. “We were at the top of our game, and we should have been enjoying it, but we were tearing each other apart,” he said. “I’ve always been about the music and the fans, but when you’re fighting with your own brother, it’s hard to keep it together.”
The breaking point came in August 2009, just before a scheduled performance at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris. The brothers had a heated argument backstage, which culminated in Noel smashing one of Liam’s guitars. Shortly after, Noel announced his departure from the band, effectively marking the end of Oasis.
Looking back, both brothers acknowledge their role in the band’s downfall. “We were like a married couple that couldn’t stand the sight of each other anymore,” Noel said. “We needed space, but we were too stubborn to admit it.”
Despite the bitterness of their split, both Noel and Liam have gone on to have successful solo careers. Liam, with his raw vocal talent, has found success with his solo albums, while Noel, with his High Flying Birds, continues to push musical boundaries. However, the question of a potential Oasis reunion remains a topic of speculation and hope among fans.
When asked about the possibility of getting back together, both brothers were noncommittal. “Never say never,” Liam teased, while Noel added, “If the stars align, who knows? But for now, we’re happy doing our own thing.”
As the years have passed, the wounds have somewhat healed, but the story of Oasis remains a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of fame, ego, and the fragility of even the closest relationships. Fans can only hope that time will eventually bring the brothers back together, not just as musicians, but as family.