Noel Calls It Quits (R.I.P. My Childhood)
Noel Gallagher announced on the Oasis website earlier today that he has officially left the band:
“It’s with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight. People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.”
As a child, Be Here Now was one of the first proper albums I bought and I quickly worked my way backwards from there, getting into (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? and Definitely Maybe, which remain two of my favourite albums of all time. They were the first band that I truly fell in love with; at one point my obsession became so over-the-top that for a lengthy period of time — about a year or so — I refused to listen to anything but Oasis. It’s kind of funny and sad when I look back on it now, but my point is that I can’t even begin to describe how much of a role their music played in my youth.
So, while I know that this news shouldn’t really surprise me (it’s the Gallagher brothers, after all), I still can’t help but feel a bit like my childhood is being ripped out of my hands. I’ll try to get back as much of it as I can by listening to these personal faves on repeat, just like the good ol’ days.
mp3: Oasis - Stand By Me (acoustic) originally from Be Here Now
mp3: Oasis - Don’t Go Away (solo acoustic) originally from Be Here Now
mp3: Oasis - Slide Away (solo acoustic) originally from Definitely Maybe
** UPDATE **
Noel posted this message on his blog the following day:
Dearly beloved, it is with a heavy heart and a sad face that I say this to you this morning.
As of last Friday the 28th August, I have been forced to leave the Manchester rock’n’roll pop group Oasis.
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.
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.
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 fuckin’ pleasure.
Thanks very much.
Goodbye.
NG.
