oasis on april1

Tight-Lipped Gallagher Lets Music Speak for Oasis

Oasis will perform in Seoul April 1. / Courtesy of Yellow Entertainment
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

Oasis returned to the music scene last year with the critically acclaimed album ``Dig Out Your Soul'' filled with pounding rock tunes ``The Shock of Lightning'' and ``Waiting for the Rapture.''

However, frontman Noel Gallagher, not necessarily known as the most loquacious interviewee, doesn't seem to like talking about the music, preferring the music to speak for itself.

When asked where Oasis gets its musical inspiration, Gallagher simply replied, ``smoking and drinking.'' Not surprising since Gallagher and his younger brother Liam, at the height of Oasis' fame, were once known as the bad boys of British rock.

Like most brothers, Noel and Liam have often had disagreements, leading to persistent rumors about Oasis splitting up. Gallagher simply brushes aside rumors, saying ``it doesn't affect (the group) at all.''

Noel has been responsible for many of Oasis' hit songs, but Liam wrote ``I'm Outta Time'' which was included in their latest album.

While acknowledging his younger brother's songwriting skills, Gallagher does not see any future songwriting collaborations with him.

``He's a good songwriter. I think he regrets not starting earlier. But we don't see each other very often. And I like writing on my own,'' he said.

Their latest album ``Dig Out Your Soul'' was praised for its aggressive sound, but Gallagher doesn't know if the band will go down that same musical direction in the future.

Asked if he sees a difference between Asian and British media, Gallagher said he noticed ``(The) Asian media seems to be more polite and philosophical, while the U.K. media is very cynical.'' Despite these stark differences, he still preferred to give one-line answers to the Korean media's ``polite'' questions.

Oasis is one of the most anticipated rock acts to hit Seoul this year. The group's first concert in Seoul in 2006 was an undeniable success, selling out thousands of seats in advance.

The Gallagher brothers, along with guitarist Gem Archer and bassist Andy Bell will hit the stage in Seoul April 1 at the Olympic Gym #1, Olympic Park, southern Seoul. Tickets are 88,000 won, 77,000 won, 66,000 won and 55,000 won. Call 1544-1555 or visit ticket.interpark.com. For English bookings, call (02) 3444-9969 or email 9ent@naver.com.

cathy@koreatimes.co.kr