Why Noel Gallagher Is Right To Not Reform Oasis

Oasis are one of the most famous bands of all time, and since they're infamous split in 2009, fans all around the world have craved for their return, but in my opinion, it would be better to just let it be. Oasis formed in 1991 and absolutely smashed their way into the worldwide music scene with their now legendary 1994 release 'Definitely Maybe'. The core band members were brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, and their 'hooligan' like antics and harsh but charming personalities have split the public's opinion on the pair throughout their careers.

Oasis Photoshoot in 1994. Noel Gallagher (left) and Liam Gallagher (centre).

Oasis had a violent and horribly timed break up in August of 2009, literally 5 minutes before they were meant to take the stage at the 'Rock En Seine' Festival in France, one of the final shows of their tour, supporting their latest album, 'Dig Out Your Soul' (2008). Since then, the brothers have parted ways, but each putting together their own separate bands, and throwing hate comments toward the other whenever they could. But most importantly, they've kept busy with great work, proving there is live after Oasis. Liam formed 'Beady Eye' and Noel formed his 'High Flying Birds', and both had former members of Oasis scattered throughout. The High Flying Birds are still going strong, but Beady Eye broke up in 2014, their most notable gig being at the 2012 Olympic's Closing Ceremony in London. They performed 'Wonderwall', but it's a painful performance to watch. Liam's vocal's were very off, and it later came out that he was drunk. Not surprising, let's be honest.

Beady Eye performing live at the Closing Ceremony for the 2012 Olympic's in London.

However, in 2017, Liam burst back onto the scene, seeming better than ever, with his solo debut LP 'As You Were'. It's a fantastic album in my opinion. Liam has said numerous times that the album is mainly credited to his 'army of songwriters', but it's Liam back to his best. With hits like 'Wall Of Glass', 'For What It's Worth' and 'Bold', which was actually written by Liam, being brilliant tunes with that Oasis sound really coming through. Noel's 'High Flying Birds' have released 3 Albums since forming in 2010, all being No. 1 in the UK, and they are actually great. It's very far from Rock and Roll, but 2017's 'Who Built The Moon' is a very different yet great album compared to Noel's Oasis work.

So, finally getting to my point, it was Liam's 'As You Were' that finally gave me that feeling that Oasis is no longer needed. Noel has said in numerous interviews since 2010 that he has no desire to reform the band, and I can't blame him. If you think of it from Noel's perspective, he's now a lead singer 100% of the time, which is a desire for any musician. He can write whatever music he wants, not limited to that Oasis mainly electric guitar centred sound, 'Who Build The Moon' is evidence of this, including a pair of scissors being used as an instrument on numerous songs. So Noel has freedom away from Oasis, and is in a much less hostile environment away from his brother on his solo ventures.

Noel Gallagher's 'High Flying Bird's' performing live in 2015.

But on Liam's side of things, especially over the last year, he's been constantly talking about wanting a reunion. Liam is no stranger to Twitter, and if you're in need of a laugh I highly recommend just scrolling through his latest tweets, it's always gold, but every now and then he'll pop up in a rage wanting to get 'The Big 'O' back together. Now, I've had the opportunity to see both brothers live within the last year, and Liam's gig blew Noel's out of the water. I enjoyed both, but with Liam's new brilliant solo material mixed with every Oasis hit you could want, in the same night, it's mind blowing. Liam's gigs are phenomenal, pure Rock and Roll, whereas Noel's, well it's 90% HFB material, which is good, but then it's 'Wonderwall', 'Don't Look Back In Anger', and you're off home. Bit underwhelming.

But, an Oasis reunion isn't needed, at least now. Firstly, the biggest detail never mentioned when the hope for an Oasis reunion is brought up, is that Oasis haven't even been gone for 10 years yet, and they were around for 15. They were around, for longer than they've been gone, if it's ever going to happen, it needs time to settle. And my biggest point, each of they're solo stuff is amazing. We were given 7 Oasis Studio Albums which is a discography unmatched by anyone, and now we have solo material from the two of them, which is a change, a nice one too, and with both touring now, how can we complain?

Noel and Liam Gallagher in 2008.

To sum it up, Noel is correct in not wanting to reform Oasis because it had it's time, hasn't even been gone for that long, and what each of them are doing now is fantastic work. Rumours will still fly around all year, every year, about a reunion until it eventually happens. But until then, I hope for and look forward to new Noel and Liam material, with both actually recording new material in the studio as this is being written, so for me, I'd like them to be civil to each other, but Oasis? That can wait. Thank you for reading.