Noel reveals reasons for split
Noel Gallagher looked back in anger tonight as he revealed he quit Oasis because of intolerable “violent and verbal intimidation”.
The Mancunian multi-millionaire also blamed a “lack of support and understanding from my management and bandmates” as a reason for his abrupt departure.
Fans were left reeling last night after he announced he could not work with his brother Liam a day longer.
But, in a statement on his blog at Oasisinet.com, he said: “The details are not important and of too great a number to list.
“But I feel you have the right to know that the level of verbal and violent intimidation towards me, my family, friends and comrades has become intolerable.
“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.”
He went on to apologise for the band pulling out of a recent festival after Liam fell ill.
He added: “I would like firstly to offer my apologies to them kids in Paris who’d paid money and waited all day to see us only to be let down AGAIN by the band. Apologies are probably not enough, I know, but I’m afraid it’s all I’ve got.
“While I’m on the subject, I’d like to say to the good people of V Festival that experienced the same thing. Again, I can only apologise – although I don’t know why, it was nothing to do with me. I was match fit and ready to be brilliant. Alas, other people in the group weren’t up to it.
“In closing I would like to thank all the Oasis fans, all over the world. The last 18 years have been truly, truly amazing (and I hate that word, but today is the one time I’ll deem it appropriate). A dream come true. I take with me glorious memories.”
He concluded: “Now, if you’ll excuse me I have a family and a football team to indulge. I’ll see you somewhere down the road. It’s been a f****n’ pleasure.”
Oasis are expected to decide in the next few days whether to continue without Noel.
Alan McGee, who originally signed the band, predicted they would not tour together again for another five years or so.
“This is the most serious it’s ever been... Noel’s a proud person, he won’t go back on it. And he knows he could make a successful solo album,” he said.
The group’s spokeswoman said tonight: “I expect in the next couple of days a decision will be made as to how to continue or if they continue.”
There was no word from either Noel or Liam Gallagher today while two security men stood guard at their family home in Burnage, Manchester.
One said they were posted there to ensure that the Gallaghers’ mother, Peggy, would not be bothered by fans or reporters.
There was also no answer from the intercom at Noel’s leafy residence in Buckinghamshire. The iron gates at the end of his gravel drive remain firmly locked.
Johnny Hopkins, the band’s spokesman from 1993 to 2000, said a break may do the band good, but suggested it may just be another of the many instances over the years in which Noel or Liam has walked out.
He said: “It’s always been a volatile band. There have been regular incidents where one or other of them has walked off stage or walked out before a tour, but maybe it has gone a step too far this time.
“They’d probably benefit from time apart to develop their own things. If this is a real split rather than a temporary blip, they’re bound to come back together at some point.”
