The long-awaited Oasis reunion was finally announced on Tuesday morning, with brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher confirming the band's first concerts in 15 years. While their relationship has been notoriously fraught with tension, their on-stage chemistry and the enduring appeal of their music have fans eager for a return to the glory days.
Oasis' split in 2009 was a culmination of years of public clashes, often fueled by Noel's songwriting dominance and Liam's rebellious nature. Their fights were as legendary as their anthems, with the pair's 1994 NME interview infamously released as a bootleg single, "Wibbling Rivalry."
Despite the announced reunion, the brothers' rivalry remains evident. Reports suggest they haven't reconciled, but the potential £400 million payday appears to have trumped any sibling grudge.
Here's a look at some of the most memorable Gallagher brother battles:
A Soaked Stereo and the Seeds of Rivalry:
Liam, six years younger than Noel, recalls a pivotal moment in their childhood: "One night I come in pissed and I couldnât find the light switch, so I pissed all over his new stereo." This incident, he believes, encapsulates the root of their enduring feud.
"Wibbling Rivalry" â The Birth of a Legend:
Their 1994 NME interview, a chaotic exchange filled with insults and profanity, became a cult classic. Liam, berating Noel for his perceived lack of rock 'n' roll credentials, famously suggests he become a "football hooligan" instead.
Tambourine Tussle and a Cricket Bat Bust-up:
From a tambourine attack in 1994's Los Angeles Whisky a Go-Go show to a cricket bat incident during the recording of "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?", physical altercations became a recurring theme in their relationship.
MTV Unplugged â The Brotherly Bickering Continues:
Liam, claiming laryngitis, skipped the 1996 MTV Unplugged performance, leaving Noel to lead the vocals. Yet, Liam heckled from the balcony, his lack of a sore throat seemingly a testament to his defiance.
A Fork in the World of Soup:
In the lead-up to Oasis' final split, Noel described Liam as "the angriest man youâll ever meet" and "a man with a fork in a world of soup." Liam responded years later with a video of himself eating soup with a fork, highlighting his enduring sense of humour.
"Potato" and "Tofu Boy" â A Social Media Showdown:
Their feud extended to social media, with Liam regularly mocking Noel with the nickname "potato" and later calling him "tofu boy" in response to a demo release.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame â A Final Dig:
Even the prospect of an Oasis Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination wasn't enough to quell their animosity. Liam expressed his disdain for the institution, labelling it "full of BUMBACLARTS," before focusing his ire on Noel's desire to attend.
The Gallagher brothers' history is filled with animosity and explosive outbursts. Their relationship is a complex mix of sibling rivalry, creative tension, and a shared passion for music that continues to define their legacy. Whether their reunion will be short-lived or a true reconciliation remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the Gallagher brothers' tumultuous journey will continue to fascinate fans for years to come.