Oasis. Is it over? Definitely maybe
So Oasis are breaking up. It had to happen eventually, right? All that arguing, the constant tension, and those haircuts. How long can you tour with someone that looks like the serial killer from No Country for Old Men?
Anyway, the news is a bit of a shame because by my reckoning the Gallagher bros were on a bit of a comeback. They released their best album since 1995's Morning Glory last year, the superior Dig Out Your Soul, and were mounting a world tour I was really hoping was going to hit New Zealand at some point in the next six months.
Even better, Liam had had that bowl cut shorn off.
Anyway, is it over? They've broken up before, and the Gallaghers have scrapped, bickered and fought through the band's entire existence, so the only real answer to that question is, 'definitely maybe'.
According to Noel, it's definitely the end: "The level of verbal and violent intimidation towards me, my family, friends and comrades has become intolerable," he said in an internet statement. "And the lack of support and understanding from my management and band mates has left me with no other option than to get me cape and seek pastures new."
"I'm gutted, you're gutted, what can I say," responded Liam on Twitter.
If it is over, here's how I'd like to remember Oasis. Invest 14 minutes of your life and listen, or relisten, to this classic confrontational interview from 1995, in which Noel and Liam argue over everything from who leads the band, to being escorted off a ferry and whether they know John Lennon.
It was released as a single called Wibbling Rivalries and reached No 52. It deserved to hit No 1, especially when it contains classic quotes like, "We all snort white lines every day," and, from Liam: 'That's why we'll be the best band in the world ... because I f**kin' hate that twat right there." Perfect.
Wibbling Rivalries: Part one
Wibbling Rivalries: Part two
(These audio clips are not safe for work. They contain explicit language, continuous swearing, constant bickering, and donkey noises. You have been warned.)
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I thought the last two albums were very good. I hope it isn't the end. I don't think they did much that was better than "Let There Be Love" off the Don't Believe The Truth album.
I was a fan back in the day and have a copy of said "Wibbling Rivalry" with its Krays style cover. I haven't been into their music for years, it's been diminishing returns but tracks like "Falling down" were an improvement.
Remember when "The Face" (I think) had Oasis on the cover as "The Sex Beatles". In their heyday they had the spit and the melody.
Poor old Noel, Liam was/is a Git.
I heard they are opening the BDO and the breakup is just a decoy.
Noel is God. Everyone over here knows that. Liam's a crooning, no talent tosspot who will end up doing his own solo album that will CRASH AND BURN. I'd bet good money Noel would coincide his release to be around the same time - and it'd go #1 in a second (and stay there much longer). Noel is a talented, talented man. Oasis never would've even gotten off the ground if it wasn't for him. Check Discography stats, and have a look at the number of tracks that were written by Liam. Then see how well the Liam written tracks actually did...
Oh and sorry to burst your bubble Scott, seeing as I agree with everything else you've said - but you've misinterpreted what Neil Young meant. "Burn out" rather than "Fade Away" is his implication to "Keep rocking" rather than to grow old and slink into the background (Think of a gas flame that burns full tilt until it runs out of gas, rather than slowly dimming from lack of pressure). Hence why he's still doing shows now sternly into his 70's. And I can assure you, as an attendee at Glastonbury this year where he headlined - he is to date the greatest performer I have ever seen.
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Strangely, as a big fan of theirs, I'm not too disappointed that Oasis has broken up. I never wanted them to become another Rolling Stones or Aerosmith still performing in their 50s and 60s. To me it's embarrassing for any rock 'n roll band to continue longer than they should. As Neil Young once wrote, "It's better to burn out than to fade away,". Two critically acclaimed final albums and the biggest UK and world tour of their career, including three sold out nights at Wembley Stadium is a great way to go out. In Noel's case, there's also something more dignified about becoming an elder statesman of rock, eg, Paul Weller, Neil Young, that bands, for whatever reason, can't pull off. Also, I feel the quality of Oasis' recent albums have suffered from allowing other band members to contribute tracks. Even Noel has admitted the albums would be better if he wrote all the songs, but that it would effect the wellbeing of the band. So I'm expecting the Noel Gallagher solo album to be a cracker!