Oasis Reunion: The Day a Guitar Became an Axe and the Band Split
One of Britain's biggest rock bands, Oasis, captivated millions of fans worldwide. However, their meteoric rise was abruptly halted 15 years ago by a backstage brawl between the Gallagher brothers at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris.
On 28 August 2009, just before they were due to take the stage, founding brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher engaged in a vicious fight. The altercation was reportedly sparked by Noel's decision to quit the band, prompting Liam to smash Noel's guitar in a fit of rage.
The incident was so severe that medical staff and security were called to the scene. Noel confirmed the gig was cancelled, marking the official end of Oasis, a band that had sold over 50 million records.
Following the brawl, speculation about a potential reunion has intensified. Rumours of a big announcement have been swirling, with Liam Gallagher hinting at a reunion during his set at Reading Festival on 26 August 2024.
A backstage witness, speaking to The Mail on Sunday at the time, described the fight as "truly vicious". "Liam was goading Noel constantly, and then they both just snapped," the witness said. "There were proper punches, and Liam smashed up one of Noel's guitars. Liam was like a man possessed. He was swearing constantly and was really angry."
Medical staff and security were called to the scene, and Noel promptly left the venue. Scottish singer Amy Macdonald, who was also performing at the festival, tweeted about the incident, confirming that Oasis had cancelled with only a minute to go before their set.
Fans in Paris were initially confused by the cancellation. Bloc Party, who had played earlier that day, were the first to inform the audience that Oasis wouldn't be performing. Many thought it was a joke, until screens confirmed the cancellation due to "an altercation within the band".
Bloc Party lead singer Kele Okereke, who had previously clashed with Oasis, made light of the situation, stating, "Oasis have cancelled. So I'd like to take this moment to say, 'That's a shame, isn't it guys?' So I guess by default, we are headlining." He then dedicated the band's next song "to anyone who really wanted to see those inbred twins."
Following the incident, Noel issued a statement on the band's official website, stating that the rift with his brother had become unbearable. He left Oasis "with some sadness and great relief," adding, "People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer."
In a further statement, titled "Tales From The Middle Of Nowhere", Noel elaborated on the situation, claiming that "the level of verbal and violent intimidation towards me, my family, friends, and comrades has become intolerable." He also said that the lack of support from his management and bandmates left him with no other option than to leave.
The altercation in Paris was the second cancellation for Oasis that week. The band had already pulled out of the V Festival in Chelmsford due to Liam's vocal issues.
Two years later, in 2011, Liam told The Daily Telegraph that "Noel was acting like a d*, I was acting like a d*. Two d*heads in a room - f*ing hell. Band over."
Noel confirmed the account of the fight in a press conference, stating that Liam was "quite violent." He described an incident where Liam threw a plum at a wall in their dressing room and later returned with a guitar, which he "wielded like an axe". Noel said he was forced to leave due to the intensity of the situation.
The Gallagher brothers had previously clashed in 1994 when Liam deliberately sang different words to the song "Live Forever" as a way of mocking his brother.
Throughout their career, the two brothers have frequently had public disagreements, with Noel once stating that he would have "blown [Liam's] head off" if guns were more accessible in the UK.
While fans have been yearning for a reunion since their split, the possibility has become increasingly plausible in recent years. The brothers have seemingly been mending their relationship, and rumours of a tour next year, including dates at Wembley Stadium and Heaton Park, have circulated in the media.
There is also speculation that a Glastonbury headline slot could be on the cards. Liam has fuelled the reunion rumours with cryptic messages on social media. Following an article in The Sunday Times claiming that the brothers were planning to reunite, Liam responded to a fan's comment on the band's planned venue, saying, "See you down the front."
When another fan asked when the reunion dates would be announced, Liam replied, "Next Friday." He also tweeted that he "never did like that word FORMER," indicating a desire to reclaim the identity of Oasis.
The band's classic debut album "Definitely Maybe" is celebrating its 30th anniversary this week with a special edition release. Liam Gallagher has been touring the UK on his "Definitely Maybe" tour, and while Noel has been absent, Liam has frequently dedicated songs to his brother, implying a desire to reconcile.
Fans eagerly await the official announcement, which is expected on 27 August 2024 at 8am. Whether a reunion will finally bring the brothers together remains to be seen, but the speculation and anticipation surrounding a potential return of Oasis is undeniable.
