A timeline of the Gallagher conflict: from brawls to court disputes
The tumultuous saga between Noel and Liam Gallagher has spanned decades and has included numerous public disputes and sibling rivalries. Here are some notable incidents:
- April 1994: Leading up to their rise to fame, the brothers engaged in a heated exchange during an interview with NME, arguing about their perspectives on music and personal grievances. This exchange later became known as “Wibbling Rivalry,” a release featuring their argument as a single.
- September 1994: Tensions escalated during a Los Angeles concert when Liam hit Noel with a tambourine. Following the incident, Noel briefly left the band but returned for the remainder of the tour, eventually using the experience as inspiration for his song “Talk Tonight.”
- Spring 1995: While recording their iconic album, Noel confronted Liam about having guests in the studio, leading to a physical altercation where Noel struck Liam with a cricket bat. The bat itself was later auctioned as a notable piece of music history.
- August 1996: For an MTV Unplugged performance, Liam canceled his appearance at the last moment but then proceeded to heckle Noel during the show. This was indicative of their ongoing tumultuous relationship.
- May 2000: Following a night of heavy drinking, Liam made a serious remark regarding Noel’s daughter, which prompted Noel to walk away from the band temporarily once again.
- December 2002: After experiencing vocal issues, Liam caused a scene at a Munich bar, culminating in a brawl that resulted in him losing teeth. In light of the incident, Noel commented on their lack of communication.
- October 2005: In a candid interview, Noel remarked that Liam was intimidated by him and that he could manipulate him easily, exposing the underlying power dynamics in their relationship.
- 2009: Tension reached a breaking point as the band canceled a performance due to Liam's reported illness. Noel claimed Liam was hungover, leading to a libel lawsuit from Liam which he later retracted. Ultimately, this was the month Noel left the band for good, following an explosive backstage argument shortly before a scheduled performance in Paris.
Continued exchanges post-breakup
Following the split of Oasis, the conflict did not subside. The brothers continued to make public jabs at one another:
- Their social media presence became a battleground, with both brothers using platforms to air grievances and provide pointed commentary on each other’s careers and personal lives.
- Despite their separation in music, the rivalry remained a constant theme in interviews and public appearances. Liam frequently referred to Noel in a derogatory manner, and Noel reciprocated with veiled insults.
- Even as they pursued their independent careers—Liam with Beady Eye and Noel with High Flying Birds—they referenced each other, sometimes in humorous, though often contentious, terms.
- Their exchanges included everything from song lyrics to public statements, keeping the rivalry alive and drawing in fans who thrived on the drama.
The dynamic between the Gallaghers has become a defining aspect of their identities, intertwining their artistic output and personal lives in a complicated tapestry of brotherly rivalry and mutual disdain.