Sibling Rivalry: Liam Gallagher Sues Noel Gallagher

  • Share
  • Read Later
Alexander Natruskin/Reuters and Luke MacGregor/Files

Former Oasis front man Liam Gallagher (left) and his brother Noel Gallagher

They once took on the world together. Now they’re talking law suits due to alleged “hangovers.” It’s only rock ‘n’ roll, but we don’t like it.

Remember the British band Oasis? You know, those feisty Mancunians Liam and Noel Gallagher, who released so many memorable tunes that postmen around the globe could whistle them (which is always the sign of a successful song)? Admittedly, the longer they went on, the less essential they became. But even when the end eventually came, who didn’t think they would one day get back together?

Well, that appears increasingly unlikely in light of Liam deciding to sue his brother over the band’s demise. He’s filed a high court action in reaction to Noel’s allegation that he pulled out of a 2009 headline performance at the V festival because of a “hangover.” In addition, he’s taken umbrage with his older brother’s claim that the split was, at least in part, due to a disagreement over whether Liam could advertise his Pretty Green clothes in the concert’s program.

(MORE: How Liam’s Pretty Green was affected by the England riots)

Now fronting the thus far distinctly underwhelming Beady Eye, Liam told the Sun that “I have taken legal action against Noel Gallagher for statements he made claiming Oasis pulled out of the 2009 V festival Chelmsford gig because I had a hangover. That is a lie and I want Oasis fans and others who were at V to know the truth.”

Liam clearly feels passionate about setting the record straight, even emphasizing that he had laryngitis, which he maintains was diagnosed by a doctor. Noel’s comments, per the statement by Liam, went “way beyond rock’n’roll banter and questioned my professionalism. I tried to resolve this amicably but have been left with no choice but legal action. All I want is an apology.”

He may be waiting for some time. As another song tells us, “sorry seems to be the hardest word,” and there don’t seem to have been too many in the course of their fractious relationship. They’ve frequently fought with each other, both in a physical and verbal sense, and if this ultimately does end up in court, it could tarnish much of what was most fondly cherished about them: a sense that, through thick and thin, the Gallagher brothers wanted to let their music do the talking.

For now, the only words are coming via official statements and the language of legalese, which is a far cry from their early days where the only ambition was to “Live Forever.” Take away the letter ‘v’ in that first word and you’re quite possibly left with what both brothers now think of each other. (via The Guardian)

LIST: Top 10 Albums of 2011

Glen Levy is an Executive Producer at TIME. Find him on Twitter at @glenjl. You can also continue the discussion on TIME’s Facebook page and on Twitter at @TIME.