Don’t Look Back in Anger? The Bitter Oasis Brother Feud Explained

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In 1994, when Definitely Maybe was released, Oasis didn’t merely attend the Britpop bash; instead, they forcefully burst in and claimed their throne as rulers. At the heart of the turmoil were two brothers from Manchester who appeared to be arch-rivals.

Brothers In Arms (And Elbows)

Liam Gallagher possessed the gruff demeanor and charisma befitting a lead singer. On the other hand, Noel Gallagher had the songs, and as time went on, he showed remarkable tolerance, given that he was in a band (and shared a family line) with an explosive personality. From the outset, their creative synergy and personal strife were inextricably linked. Oasis thrived on this tension – and eventually, it was destined to crack apart.

By 1994, Oasis was starting to experience tension backstage. During a concert at L.A.’s Whisky a Go Go, Liam altered lyrics during a performance, verbally abused the audience, and reportedly struck Noel with a tambourine. The following day, Noel left the band and headed to Vegas, where he requested room service from an individual dressed as a pharaoh. Quite unusual, isn’t it? However, he returned eventually, and the song “Talk Tonight” was created out of the aftermath.

In 1995, tensions rose during the Morning Glory recording sessions in Wales. Liam invited a group of unknown individuals to join him in the studio. This move sparked a reaction from Noel, who allegedly struck Liam on the head with a cricket bat. Remarkably, an uncensored interview they had with NME was later released as a single titled “Wibbling Rivalry” and managed to chart in the UK.

Reminiscing on one of their most bizarre moments, I recall when Oasis was all set to record an MTV Unplugged session. In a surprising turn of events, I myself backed out at the last minute, using a sore throat as an excuse, yet showing up none the less – clutching a cold beer, lighting cigarette after cigarette, and heckling my brother from the balcony. A few days later, I turned down our U.S. tour, blaming it on “house issues.” My brother carried on with the show (and indulged in food). However, behind the scenes, the ground was starting to crumble beneath us.

By the year 2000, things had reached a point of no return. In Barcelona, a heated verbal dispute between Liam and Noel escalated into a physical altercation when it was reported that Liam made offensive remarks about Noel’s daughter. Noel stormed off during the tour and never reconciled with him. “He is my brother,” he stated later. “But he remains distant until he offers an apology.” To this day, no such apology has been forthcoming.

By 2000, things had become irreparable. In Barcelona, a heated argument between Liam and Noel turned violent when it was said that Liam made disrespectful comments about Noel’s daughter. Noel left the tour abruptly and never reconciled with him. “He is my brother,” he later stated. “But he remains distant until he apologizes.” To this day, no apology has been given.)

Instead of fading away quietly, Oasis concluded dramatically when a guitar was wielded as a weapon rather than played. Behind the scenes at Rock en Seine in Paris, there was a fight between Liam and Noel over an advertisement for clothing. That very evening, Noel destroyed one of his own guitars. He chose to leave the band that same night. The remainder of the tour was subsequently called off. Thus, Oasis officially came to an end. Later, Noel succinctly stated, “I could no longer continue working with Liam for another day.



Aftermath: Tweets, Insults And The Impossible Reunion

After some time, both Gallaghers pursued individual careers, yet their competition remained the most intriguing aspect. Liam would label Noel as a “potato” on Twitter, to which Noel retorted, “a man with a fork in a world of soup.” Liam then opted to eat soup with a fork, and so the banter continued. Awards couldn’t bring them together – when the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame contacted them, Liam declined by saying, “I’m getting my hair washed and having a pedicure.

Potato

— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) May 24, 2016

Amazingly enough, here we are in the year 2025, and Oasis has reunited after a fifteen-year hiatus. The Oasis Live ’25 tour is happening, but apparently not due to forgiveness – only a whopping $530 million fee. Regardless of the reasons, the band that once disbanded is together again. So let the arguments resume, once more.

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2025-07-12 00:09