A Timeline of the Beef Between Oasis’ Noel and Liam Gallagher
The feud between Noel and Liam Gallagher, the two iconic frontmen of the British rock band Oasis, has been a subject of intrigue for fans and the media alike. Over the years, their volatile relationship has been marked by public insults, disagreements, and dramatic fallout. Despite their undeniable chemistry on stage, their personal differences have long overshadowed their music career. The feud began in the early years of Oasis and reached a boiling point in 2009, ultimately leading to the band’s breakup. Here’s a detailed timeline of the tumultuous relationship between the Gallagher brothers.
Early Beginnings: The Birth of Oasis and Initial Tensions (1991-1994)
Oasis was formed in 1991, with Noel Gallagher joining his younger brother Liam as the band’s lead guitarist and lead singer, respectively. Despite the success of their debut album Definitely Maybe (1994), the brothers’ relationship was already strained. Tensions were apparent from the outset as Noel, who was the primary songwriter, often clashed with Liam’s brash personality and vocal style. Early interviews also showcased their contrasting temperaments, with Noel frequently taking the role of the more composed and critical figure, while Liam’s fiery attitude began to surface.
The Heights of Success and Growing Frustrations (1995-1997)
The band’s sophomore album, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995), catapulted Oasis to international stardom, cementing them as one of the most influential rock bands of the 1990s. However, with fame came increasing tension between the Gallaghers. The brothers had frequent arguments, often involving Liam’s behavior and his refusal to acknowledge Noel’s musical contributions. The media often fed on the brothers’ feuding antics, and their personal differences became increasingly difficult to ignore, further straining the relationship.
The Infamous 2000 MTV Video Music Awards Incident
One of the defining moments of their feud came during the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. Oasis was set to perform live, but Liam refused to take the stage after an argument with Noel. The altercation led to Noel performing without his brother, and the incident became a symbol of their fractured relationship. This public spat sent ripples throughout the media and was another indication that the Gallagher brothers’ differences were far from being resolved.
The 2009 Breakup and Official End of Oasis
By 2009, the brothers’ feuding had reached an unbearable point. During a tour in Paris, an explosive argument broke out between Noel and Liam, with Noel reportedly walking off stage and announcing he was quitting the band. The incident marked the official end of Oasis, with Noel Gallagher leaving the group after 18 years. His departure not only marked the conclusion of Oasis but also solidified the brothers’ separation, as Noel later pursued his own solo career with his band, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
Noel’s Solo Career and Public Remarks on the Feud (2011-2015)
Following the breakup of Oasis, Noel Gallagher embarked on a successful solo career with his band, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. In interviews during this period, he did not shy away from discussing his strained relationship with Liam. He was often critical of Liam, calling him “unpredictable” and expressing his disappointment over the fallout. Liam, for his part, responded to his brother’s remarks with fiery rebuttals, often accusing Noel of being the cause of Oasis’ demise. The brothers’ war of words continued, with insults being exchanged in interviews and on social media platforms.
Liam’s Solo Career and Continued Tensions (2017-2020)
Liam Gallagher also found success as a solo artist after the Oasis split. His debut album As You Were (2017) was met with commercial success and critical acclaim, but his ongoing feud with Noel overshadowed his musical achievements. In interviews, Liam repeatedly stated that he would be open to a reunion of Oasis, but only if Noel agreed to reunite on his terms. The media continued to fuel the animosity, with both brothers taking jabs at each other during interviews and on social media. At times, it seemed as though their feud was the only thing keeping them in the public eye.
Recent Developments and Reconciliation Hopes (2021-Present)
In recent years, there has been a glimmer of hope for reconciliation. In 2021, Liam hinted at the possibility of an Oasis reunion, despite Noel’s firm stance against it. Fans of the band began to speculate about the chances of a reunion tour, especially after Liam posted a message on social media calling for the brothers to “end the beef.” Noel, however, remained steadfast in his refusal to reunite Oasis, citing personal and creative differences. Nevertheless, as time has passed, some fans have held on to the hope that the Gallaghers might eventually bury the hatchet.
The Future of the Feud: Will the Brothers Ever Reconcile?
As of 2025, the Gallagher brothers’ feud remains a defining part of their legacy, and the question of whether they will ever reconcile continues to loom large over the music world. While both have maintained successful solo careers, the potential for an Oasis reunion remains one of rock’s greatest “what ifs.” Whether they’ll ever resolve their differences is uncertain, but one thing is clear: their rivalry, though bitter, has only fueled the mythos surrounding Oasis. The story of the Gallagher brothers is a reminder that even in the world of rock and roll, family dynamics and personal rivalries can shape the trajectory of a band’s history.