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Oasis' Noel Gallagher: 'Jay-Z wrong for Glasto'

The guitarist says hip-hop is 'wrong' for the British festival

April 14, 2008 | 74 Comments
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Oasis' Noel Gallagher has said that he thinks the decision to book Jay-Z for a headline set at this year's Glastonbury festival was incorrect.

Speaking to BBC News, Gallagher said that deviating from the festival's tradition of booking guitar-based headliners was "wrong".

"If it ain't broke don't fix it," he said. "If you start to break it then people aren't going to go. I'm sorry, but Jay-Z? No chance.

"Glastonbury has a tradition of guitar music and even when they throw the odd curve ball in on a Sunday night you go 'Kylie Minogue?' I don't know about it. But I'm not having hip-hop at Glastonbury. It's wrong."

Noel Gallagher has also spoken about Oasis' UK live plans, responding to repeated rumours the band would play the O2 Arena in London.

See what Noel Gallagher had to say about the story on NME.COM now.

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Comments (74)

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The Felony

Apr 14, 2008

You tell 'em Noel. Although I don't agree entirely, a headlining hip-hop act could be good i.e. public enemy, a tribe called quest etc. Jay-Z doesn't stand for any of Glastonbury's values; money, guns, cars, bling, I don't think so..... F#@k off back to the US!

jordan56

Apr 14, 2008

oasis's glastonbury set in 2004 wasnt any goodpot calling the kettle black

Dakie

Apr 14, 2008

Noel Gallagher is a BNP supporting racist, probably a Thatcherite aswell... wanker.

Dakie

Apr 14, 2008

I like Jay Z, he is cool, I think his portrayal of Annie in the movie, Annie, was far better than Noel Gallgher's performance of an egotistical prick in that film. oh yeah it wasn't a film, its TRUE!!! FUCKING RACIST!!!

Soundedd

Apr 14, 2008

As always I agree with Noel 100%. Jay-Z is one of the best rappers however this should be a mainly rock festival and with the two rock bands that are headlining being awful anyway in has-beens The Verve and the worst band in the world Kings Of Leon the last thing we need as well is a hip-hop artist. Hopefully 2009 Led Zep and Oasis will headline haha.

gazmassie

Apr 14, 2008

'Sounded' i dont think you always agree with Noel 100% considering he has stated on more than one occasion that Kings of Leon are the best live act around at the moment and play 'proper rock n roll music' - And i think we all know of Noel's love for The Verve.

jordh

Apr 14, 2008

How the hell is Noel saying he dosent want Jay-Z headlining racist. Got nothing to do with his skin its about a rapper who is worth god knows how much singing bout money, cars and guns isnt the glasto way as it should be. Fair enough i dont think it will be a disaster him playing as he will bring a load of guests along to make it specialNoel however is right again

Glennon

Apr 14, 2008

Noel gallagher is racist for saying Jay-Z isnt worthy of glasto?? Is he f*ck, Jay Z shouldnt be a glasto at all... I hope he gets a dr martins boot straight in the head!! I do like Jay Z and in hip hop terms he's as big as it gets but Glasto aint no hip hop event. They should stay away and play somewhere in Brixton or summat.

Glennon

Apr 14, 2008

Whats wrong with BNP anyway?? They're a political party...

slimerg

Apr 14, 2008

It's incorrect to label Noel a racist because he doesn't like Jay-Z's music. None of the claims he made involved race. By the same logic if 50 Cent said Antony Costa shouldn't headline Glastonbury, he'd be racist.

snowy12

Apr 14, 2008

Mate what are you chatting about? Noel Gallagher a racist?? Thatcherite?? He was one of the artists which went to 10 Downing street when Labour got into power! He called for the end of the Tory reign, your a mug dont chat shit! Just becuase Noel says somthing against someone who is black doesnt make him a racist, at what point in this article has he said anything racist?? He is one of the most talented musicians ever, he is entitled to his opinion

gergbot

Apr 14, 2008

'glennon', whats right with the bnp?

cinderfella

Apr 14, 2008

Jay-Z is too good for glastonburyif Noel Gallagher has such a problem with it he should personally take it up with Jay-Zand my guess is Noel will get knocked on his ass!

rick 13

Apr 14, 2008

Noel G racist?!?! Have i missed a page or something cos how does that make him racist? hes hit the nail on the head, Jay Z should not play glasto at all!!! most of the time noel is right in what he says...hes the man! one of the most talented song writers of all time

Jacobks8406

Apr 14, 2008

Glennon being a political party doesn't make it okay to be fascists.

Jeff_Hefner

Apr 14, 2008

If Noel is a BNP supporter, then Dakie is nappy-wearing, dismatntled-face down syndrome victim in a pram.

DJM3355

Apr 14, 2008

Racist? You bunch of dicks

DJM3355

Apr 14, 2008

Racist? You bunch of dicks

stewhe1979

Apr 14, 2008

What this has to do about race I don`t know!I like Oasis and usualy respect Gallaghers comments but he`s wrong.Hip hop has been represented at Glastonbury for years.Also Jay Z is a good live act. I hope he brings the Roots with him for the show and they back him like on Jay Z unplugged.

Cooljon

Apr 14, 2008

How is Noel Gallagher racist you idiots, I totally agree with him and that Rock and Indie for once should have its time in the limelight and not be bastardised by some hip-hop drivvelle. Glastonbury should be opened with This Is Music... (Verve by the way)Also, the BNP are racist and its not okay being racist. Lol Noel Gallagher racist...

Glennon

Apr 14, 2008

Im not saying the BNP are a party i'd vote for but theyre a party thats there to be counted... i.e... you could vote for them if you wanted too. But Noel a racist lol, cracks me rite up... He's fookin honest thats all. Dakie, you're a dick.

Glennon

Apr 14, 2008

BNP suck ass but anyway.... Id vote for 'em!!! BNP, BNP, BNP lol, jokin

ragoo88

Apr 14, 2008

so, i don't like Jay-Z or hip hop that much, but Noel Gallagher is a douchebag tool who needs to stfu and respect other artists.

McGlasto

Apr 14, 2008

Hip Hop why not, it's been happening at Glasto for years. JayZ to 'headline' a rock festival? BAD idea. Does Glasto need Bling, Hos, Guns, and the 'Jiggerman' pimpin? Obviously not loooking at the interest and ticket sales. Stick him in the Dance Tent or pay Â£25 to see him tour. I've been to 8 Glastos and like many different genres of music including HipHop and Rock but Jay Z hardly promotes the ethics and values of the Glastonbury Festival ...McGlasto's soul is almost dead.

rossaj

Apr 14, 2008

Even though noel is one of my all-time hereoes, I do think he's wrong about young- hov. Jay-z, given the right chance will tear the roof off the pyramyd stage, you mark my words. Hopefully he'll not pull out and all the 'haterz' will be eating theirs!

Yemi G

Apr 14, 2008

While I don't think Noel's a racist (I'm a black Oasis fan), and he is quite rightly allowed his opinion, I do think musically he's being a bit narrow-minded. Personally I would have liked to have seen Kanye West headline cos his music is a better representaion of hiphop (i.e. not all gun-orientated/misogynistic bullshit). But to say hiphop should stay away entirely limits genre diversity, cos at the end of the day music's for everyone, not just the guitar crowd

McGlasto

Apr 14, 2008

Hip Hop why not, it's been happening at Glasto for years. JayZ to 'headline' a rock festival? BAD idea. Does Glasto need Bling, Hos, Guns, and the 'Jiggerman' pimpin? Obviously not loooking at the interest and ticket sales. Stick him in the Dance Tent or pay Â£25 to see him tour. I've been to 8 Glastos and like many different genres of music including HipHop and Rock but Jay Z hardly promotes the ethics and values of the Glastonbury Festival ...McGlasto's soul is almost dead.

witchdoctor180

Apr 14, 2008

I'm sure all those who are dedicated Jay-Z fans would not like to see Oasis, does that make them racists? Pull your heads from your asses and stop playing the R card so god damn frequently.

andrewmacmillan

Apr 14, 2008

I agree with Noel. Having Jay-Z headlining seems a little out of place. Voicing this opinion does not make Noel racist. That is one of dumbest things i've heard in a while.

Lady L

Apr 14, 2008

Snowny 12, U got it all wrong I don't think Noel is saying that cus Jay z is Black.... Think about Noel Gallagher big mouth himself!!! if he don't like u because your race, I know he would have already said so!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lady L

Apr 14, 2008

I also think Jay-z feel like Hell this would be odd....

robc27

Apr 14, 2008

someone saying they don't like hip hop doesn't make them racist

Gregblade05

Apr 14, 2008

A couple of things, firstly I'd like to continue the attack on "Dakie" who is a complete and utter muppet. How is anything Noel said racist, you complete dolls head!Secondly, to the prick that had a pop at Kings of Leon, I believe their name to be "Sounded". Kings of Leon are currently one of the only bands that are worth going to see. They were immense at Leeds/Reading last year. Easily the best band of the weekend and completely upstaged the Chilli Peppers and Razorlight (the second, i admit, is hardly difficult).

user name already exists

Apr 14, 2008

without wanting to appear like someone who isnt a complete cunt, would anyone who has an opinion on the jay z glastonbury thing kindly refrain from sounding as though they think the organisors of glastonbury owe them something? thanks.

deanglover

Apr 14, 2008

Jay-Z - good rapperbut he's not got the popular scope outside of rap music that someone like Kanye West & Public Enemy have!if it was a rap festival fair do's.. but it's not - it's a mainly rock festival and he ain't got the indie cred to pull it off.as for the other headlinersThe Verve, will dissappoint... i saw them in december. let down.Kings Of Leon... who remembers glasto '97? remember that band who went massive after it? radiohead?you just watch the same thing happen this year my friends.

oasissisao

Apr 15, 2008

Jay-Z is shit. Noel is absolutely right. Bring Oasis to Glasto and it will be fuckin' great.

Soundedd

Apr 15, 2008

Skin colour is irrelevant, fact is there should not be a hip-hop artist at Glasto let alone headlining.

alex1419

Apr 15, 2008

wow people, lay off him. its just his opinion, and i dnt see how hes being racist at all?!?!hes got a point too. myb a good english rapper headlining like dizzee ill be cool with that.

AdamShanklyUK

Apr 15, 2008

Noel Gallagher should stick to what he's best at... making a fortune by ripping off the Beatles and every other decent 60s band. I'd sooner listen to Jay-Z over the dumbed-down lad-rock bullsh*t he's been recycling over the past ten years.

philoj

Apr 15, 2008

A moron musician who makes music for morons in a moronic statement shocker!He's a narrow minded dick who's music is for absolute dullards, who maintains his profile by saying pig ignorant things to grab headliners. Like he has here.Jay Z, while not for everyone, has actually displayed originality in his career, rather than re-releasing the same old 'anthems' over & over again, while saying 'We're fooking brilliant, we are'.

Procrastomate

Apr 15, 2008

In a time when diversity is the key to life it's nice to know theres still so many narrow minded people about, Just because jay Z doesn't play a guitar or have a needle hanging out of his arm doesn't mean he should not headline a festival the fact that he has a vast back catalogue to choose a set from is quite unbelievable considering when you see these bands such as the artic monkeys and razorshite headlining a festival on the strength of a few hit singles is refreshing to be honest. And if your not a a jay z fan don't complain go see some one else it's not like he's going to be the only artist on at that allotted time. Glasto is about much more than the music....... people get over your selfs

SimonD20

Apr 15, 2008

Personally I don't think theres anything wrong with jay z being at glasto because for one glastonbury has always been about diversity and celebrating all musical cultures. However I would of prefered to see public enemy top the bill but saying that jay z is a hell of a lot better than the likes of snoop dog and 50 cent.Point is its not jay z thats stopping me going this year its the usual crap weather and the verve, I also don't think KOL deserve a headlining slot even though they are amazing.

boneheads bank holiday

Apr 15, 2008

how do people get away with playing the race card everytime they dont agree with something? Ticket sales are what prove jay-z shouldnt be headlining glastonbury. If diversification is the way ahead for glasto lets see who they have planned for 2009, if a mainstream festival crowd is what eavis wants he should be letting simon cowell book the artists.

CowboyChamploo

Apr 15, 2008

lol this is all so irrelevant! I'm black and i don't for a second believe Noel to be a rascist! Hell, i don't wan't Jay-Z at Glasto! Something about it just feels off to me. You people are forgetting that Noel is Noel. He's been slagging off artists and their music for years and i hardly think it's fair that just because his lastest target is black that he should be persecuted. Noel seems to hate and hate alike, regardless of colour or creed lol. As for Jay Z headlining, perhaps if it were a relevant and conscious group like public enemy then sure but as far as i'm concerned his music is shallow, nonsensical, self-indulgent, egotistical, brazen, theatrical bullshit that lacks any real heart (a passion for more money is not heart) and should be left in the states where it belongs

indiemoni

Apr 15, 2008

too fukkin right! Noel's aboslutely right! i mean wtf was michael eavis thinking when he thought Jay-Z would be goood to headline!I didnt sign up for glastonbury on this point! If jay-z is headlining (meaning best act), thats no fukin headliner in my eyes! load of shit! Glastonbury is about guitar based music....british music! no fukin american imported shite, tht dnt sing, or play an instrument!line-up werent tht great either.....The verve and babyshambles are good though, but ths prob about it!

Ferhat Khwaja

Apr 15, 2008

Glastonbury tradition means Fela Kuti headlining as well as Jay Z, only of late has it come mean turgid, has-been guitar bands Oasis et al. So fare play for a return to a more traditional glastonbury line up. Anyhow the headliners on the pyramid stage are a miniscule part of the fun to be had at glastonbury.

Ferhat Khwaja

Apr 15, 2008

And another thing........I wonder if Noels grudge against Glasto. stems from Oasis being turned down to play on a previous occasion, because they were asking for too much money!!!!!

eldooderino

Apr 15, 2008

a musician headlining a music festival? the worlds gone mad!P.S. noels a badass!

alxhut1991

Apr 15, 2008

Noel Gallagher doesn't like Jay - Z so he must be a racist? Anyone considered that maybe it is because Jay - Z's music is pure and utter shite? You tell em Noel...

slugorange

Apr 15, 2008

Noel isn't racist just because he doesn't want Jay-Z to headline. Grow up people. Also i understand what he means about not being right for Glastonbury, Jay-Z's good at what he does and i can understand the organizers wanted to make it more "modern" but whats wrong with current guitar bands? Alrite some are shite but alot of them are great SO.. i reckon the organizers just reckon all teens listen to rap nowadays.

abigailrose1979

Apr 15, 2008

Noel is absolutely right this time, Glastonbury is supposed to be 'alternative' and although the term is wildly ambiguous, the likes of Jay-Z and Kylie don't come anywhere near it in any sense of the word.

JanenJoe

Apr 15, 2008

As an Oasis fan it really disappoints me when they come out with Shit like that. Glastonbury is a Festival Of Contempary Arts and should not be reserved just for Indie shoegazers or Rockers past their sell by date. I appreciate that Jay-Z may not be everyones cup of tea but the solution is simple. Just go and watch somebody else.

simonpimpernell

Apr 15, 2008

I think sum people have missed something, its not a "rock" festival at all... It's a festival of contemporary performing arts (or at least that's what it says on the ticket!)And Jay-Z is a contemporary performing artist is he not?No one complained when the dance village was set up, thats not guitar based rock either is it?If you don't like hip-hop then don't go to see Jay-z, but I'm sure there a 101 other things happening at the same time.

wesley1

Apr 15, 2008

fuckin too right. i'm sure that Jay-Zzzzzzzzzzz is good at whatever it is he does, whatever that may be, but c'mon, who the fuck wants to go to glastonbucket too see that steaming pile of shit!!!! As if it couldn't get any worse when it's pissing down of rain, imagine being soaked through and then seeing that fucking arsehole bounce on stage......... :-0

Lethalsiddle

Apr 15, 2008

There's a lot more to Jay-Z than "guns, bitches and bling". This isn't 50 Cent we're talking about! What next? Chuck D being called a gangster 'cause he told us to Bring The Noise? Noel Gallagher isn't a racist but he isn't exactly in posession of the broadest scope of taste when it comes to music. Who cares what he thinks about Jay-Z? It's like asking Geoff Boycott if he prefers cricket or rugby! Hip-hop does have a place at Glastonbury, just like everything else. If you don't like it, don't watch it. Just stop moaning and let those of us who do enjoy it have our fun!

shaunyeah

Apr 15, 2008

Why has this statement fuelled some sort of uneducated political debate, the reason Noel has critisized the choice of Jay Z as a headliner is because he is a rapper, not because he is black. If eminem was headlining Noel would probably say the same, would that mean he is being racist towards whites, according to some of you, yes. Remember he has made this judgement on musical terms, not racial terms. Then to start calling him a right-wing extremist, what? I think some of us have been brainwashed by political correctness. Whatever happened to freedom of speech? Finally, whatever you think, Noel is completely right, since when have people gone to Glastonbury to hear about how many bitches somebody has slapped, or how many people they ended, never i don't think. Glastonbury is a rock festival, if we wanted to see Jay Z we'd watch MTV base.

wendytime

Apr 15, 2008

Wait a minute. How is Noel a racist? The dude is entitled to his opinion about Jay Z headlining Glasto and that's it. Any commentary about Jay Z was purely done from another artists point of view. I'm not a huge fan of Noel, but I have to agree with him. Jay Z is not a good choice in headlining a traditionally rock act festival.Now don't get me wrong: I do think Jay Z has talent, but there are few Hip Hop acts that are fierce and interesting to watch live and as good as he is on record, Jay Z is pretty boring live (and yes I saw Jay Z in concert).

scotcha

Apr 15, 2008

Now i'm no Jay-z fan but Noel declaring that he is not right for glasto is bullshit. What is not right for glasto is a great band like Oasis trudging through a fucking half arsed set as they did a few years back in an effort to rekindle the old magic which disappeared after "morning glory"

justanothergirl

Apr 15, 2008

I don't think Noel's got the right idea here like. He should be a bit more open-minded to different styles of music. I mean, I'm not a great fan of hip-hop and Jay-Z, but it might be alright to give different styles of music a chance at Glastonbury instead of guitar-based stuff all the time. Could make things a bit more interesting, rock fans could have their eyes opened to stuff they wouldn't normally choose to listen to.

weaguey

Apr 15, 2008

Its got absolutely nothing to do with race and anyone who thinks he's being racist is an absolute idiot. Its all about the music. RnB does not suit Glastonbury. If eminem was booked to play there would be the exact same response regarless of race.

Chris Nicks

Apr 15, 2008

IT'S ONLY ONE FU*KING ACT OUT OF HUNDREDS!! Well done to the Eavis's for booking something that's different. I aint much of a fan of Jay-Z but I hope he doesn't pull out, diversity is important. Seeing as the Saturday at Glasto is now some sort of hallowed slot maybe they shudda put Kings Of Leon on Saturday and Jay-Z on the Friday.

Bring Back Britpop

Apr 15, 2008

If you're gonna post a comment at least make it sensible you tools who claim Noel is being racist. You lot know fuck all about anything, remember that Glasto ticket sales are the lowest they have ever been. Noel Gallagher is the elder statesman of rock music, none of your arty farty cocks like Klaxons and Does It Offend You, Yeah! would speak this because they're scared to speak the truth.As Noel said, if it ain't broke don't fix it! So remember, if you're gonna spout off don't sound like a dick

bark12

Apr 15, 2008

People of Britain please stop this overly PC madness. There is absolutely nothing in what Noel said even remotely relating to race. Why do some people feel the need to mention racism when ever a party involved in the situation has different colour skin?! It was a good call by Noel, and most Glasto fans would agree â€“ lets keep it about the MUSIC yeah?

Lord of The Flies

Apr 15, 2008

Ok some people really need to think about what they are saying here, are you really stupid enough to suggest that Noel Gallagher is racist because he thinks Jay-Z is a crap choice for Glastonbury? Are you really that stupid? You guys are idiots, there is absolutely nothing racist in what Noel has said here. You're not a racist just because you don't like R 'n' B. As for the issue that is actually supposed to be discussed here, I wouldn't go to glastonbury to see Jay-Z but I don't see anything wrong with him playing the festival, if you don't like it then go watch another stage.

Soundedd

Apr 15, 2008

Firstly I'd like to have a pop at the cunt that is Adam Shankley. How dare you suggest that Oasis rip of The Beatles, what a moron you are, Oasis are easily the best band of the last 10 years by a country mile. Hip-Hop is fucking dog shit, I want it as far away from Glasto as possible. Each Oasis album down the years has been different from the last, but always ends up being fantastic, all hip-hop artists talk the same, and sound the same. The sam goes for philoj, what a pilloc. Wake up twat. I would also like to "attack" GergBlade05, I don't know what shoe you were watching but as always Kings Of Leon were god shit and the musical gods the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and one of the best and most unique bands in modern times Razorlight were world class. Bring Oasis to Glasto 08 that would be good, not these dog shit headliners like Mr Beyonce.

CrashingBlimp

Apr 15, 2008

Jay-Z is one of the classiest guys out there. If any rapper SHOULD be playing Glasto it should be him.

punkylass

Apr 15, 2008

Can't wait to see Jayzee at Glasto, there'll be just him and a coupla fans, cos no-one is interested in that pile of wankshit.

slugorange

Apr 16, 2008

yer but you have to admit oasis do take alot from the beatles, not that theres anything wrong with that, they turn it into there own style and its fukin immense.

Sachin

Apr 16, 2008

Noel is no racist!he hates hip hop like people with any brains should doHere is a quote from noel in 2005 -"NG: I fucking despise hip hop. Loathe it. Eminem is a fucking idiot and I find 50 Cent the most distasteful character I have ever crossed in my life. It's so negative. Eminem's new song about his kid - isn't it the most ridiculous piece of music you have ever heard in your life? I just don't like the dragging women around on dog leads and all that stuff. I'm not fucking having that. "

howarj

Apr 22, 2008

Glast isn't any place for rappers/hip-hop. That isn't what Glast is about, and it's putting a whole new downwards spin on the event that was... and it's nothing to do with colour or creed...just that awful music that Jay what'shisname plays....

tevesy

Jun 27, 2008

I also think he should learn the definition of hip hop lol

Spinerch73

Jun 27, 2008

I'm sorry but Noel is a moron this time as well as any dick that's going to make a blanket statement that hip hop has no place at Glastonbury..... C'mon.... Don't know what you guys get over there but if all the UK knows about hip hop is Eminem, 50 and Jay-Z that's pretty pathetic...

baronsamedi

Jun 28, 2008

it's unfair to call noel a racist for simply saying jay z wasnt right for glastonbury. had he explained his opinion in greater detail however the prejudice would have been hard to avoid.

baronsamedi

Jun 28, 2008

hip-hop is an original, innovative and intelligent music, you cant judge a whole music scene by a handful of comercial acts like noel who's music by the way sounds like every song from "greatest hits of the 60's" crudely mashed together so the next time you here a "negative" hip-hop lyric try looking a bit deeper that is if you can bare the thought that black people are capable of irony and satire too