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Oasis' Noel Gallagher: 'We're in the same league as The Rolling Stones'

Plus guitarist pays tribute to Ryan Adams

November 28, 2008 | 72 Comments
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Oasis leader Noel Gallagher has said his band are in the same league as The Rolling Stones now.

The guitarist made the admission during the band's current US tour.

"Everybody knows who we are. You have to see us in league with The Rolling Stones now," he declared. "Everybody's heard of the Stones, everybody knows what they sound like, everybody knows what they do. You either go because you like it or you don't. It's easy."

Gallagher also praised Ryan Adams, who is currently support Oasis in the US.

He told Rolling Stone: "I've got a lot of respect for the man. He's a great guitar player.

"He's a little eccentric. He wears stripy socks and platform shoes, but not everybody's perfect. I wouldn't be on tour with him if I didn't like him."

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Comments (72)

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Slushofield

Nov 28, 2008

Why most you continuously report eveything that this man says?

D. Conka

Nov 28, 2008

"You have to see us in league with The Rolling Stones now", I think what he meant to say was "You have to see us in league with The Rolling Stones (nowadays")

loveandmusic

Nov 28, 2008

yeah maybe in the uk:S They are not in the RS league by faaaar.. Im from holland and they didnt even sell out a pretty small venue over here. In comparison to the Stones who could play 3 stadium gigs in three days if they wanted to. Im getting a little tired of oasis. Why do they think theyre the best that's out? I thought their record company dumped them because the didnt sell enough records:S Get your feet on the ground guys.

tubbz

Nov 28, 2008

Yes you are like the Stones:You haven't been relevant for years. Your band is old, haggard and well past is sell by date. You will go on forever, just like the Stones, making the same old monotonous rubbish. You have nothing new to offer and will probably never realise when it is time to call it a day.

Ed_209

Nov 28, 2008

The Rolling Stones - over 200 million record sales world wide spanning a 40 year career. The biggest grossing live act of all time, revered the world over. Oasis, 50million album sales over a 15 year career, still haven't broken america, have only made two decent albums.Same league Noel?! You're not even in the same sport.

joebaia

Nov 28, 2008

I can only imagine how this is going to set the Oasis haters off on here. Should be a larf.

chrispaz

Nov 28, 2008

There is no way they're in the same league as the Stones. They've made too many average albums. Come back when you can match a run of albums like Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers and Exile On Main Street.

drgonzo2012

Nov 28, 2008

The Stones have been making music for 46 years and were pioneers. Oasis have been making copycat music since 1991. Same league? Fuck off Noel, even Keane are outselling you!

timmcollins

Nov 28, 2008

Oasis are certainly in the same league as the Stones now - trotting out the old hits for people who only quite like music.

ianblades03@hotmail.com

Nov 28, 2008

NO NO NO Absolutely not you big headed fool!!!

Jahwhitey

Nov 28, 2008

Just typical. Isn't really worth commenting on. Laughable quote from a totally irrelevant band

chalkorourke

Nov 28, 2008

I agree with Noel. The Stones are shit now as well.

Hillclimber

Nov 28, 2008

Silly old Noel...

TimesUp

Nov 28, 2008

Hahahahaha!! Noel your funny..... (Oh wait) were you being serious? oh dear, does he really think that? Bless Him...

Modern Rubbish

Nov 28, 2008

As much as I used to like Oasis, i wish they would just fuck off now.

Modern Rubbish

Nov 28, 2008

ps Ryan Adams is the most boring song writer of all time, fact!

fago1983

Nov 28, 2008

To the people who continue to post "oasis are not relevant anymore" what exactly does that mean? That nobody buys their records? That nobody goes to their gigs? That the press don't pay attention to what they say? That they no longer appear on the front cover of music magazines? That they no longer cause debate? Because the last time I checked they still do all of the above. Who exactly belongs in this elite "relevant" group of bands? It's a real internet forum term, it basically means fook all. Come up with an actual arguement

ed2005

Nov 28, 2008

Good God, Noel, yes you have made two decent albums and some good singles but you are becoming a nostalgia act. I'm not an Oasis hater, iether, but every single time a new Oasis album comes out, it's the same old story. Two very egotistical brothers. Face it, Andy Bell the bass player produced far better albums as a member of Ride.

binhawk

Nov 28, 2008

Noel is super random at times...

The Mad Ferrit

Nov 28, 2008

When will all you anti-oasis losers stop taking the blatant bait set out by nme.com?Story after story is posted just to get all the keyboard warriors rattled.If you dislike Oasis that much then don't read about them. Simple.Go back to listening to your 10 benson records you bunch of student tossers.

Boycie06

Nov 28, 2008

So irrelevant that within hours of this article being posted there are several comments from people who dont even like Oasis commenting on TWO sentences he made about being like the Rolling Stones. So irrelevant that 90,000 people bought their album on the first day of it going on sale - admittedly it has dropped out the charts quickly but the fact they sold that many in its first week shows how many fans there still are hungry to hear more. The "relevant" argument is pathetic. How can a band who sells millions of tickets every tour, has a no1 album everytime one is released, are still all over the newspapers, magazines, radio, tv and internet be regarde as irrelevant?! If they are so irrelevant, why do you feel the need to post a comment underneath any article mentioning their name? I dont care if people dont like them, that is fair doos but just say you think they are shit, irrelevant though? C'mon, you have to be joking. OasisCLAPCLAPCLAPOasis!

nosurprises

Nov 28, 2008

Listen *loveandmusic*, how can you make such a rediculous comment of ''I thought their record company dumped them because the didnt sell enough records''. They have had 7 number 1 albums! NME should print things that Noel says because 9 times out of 10 they are always relevant. He is one of the sole reasons we have a music scene in this country..and a good one, probably the best, him and his band rescued guitar music and made it mainstream again. And as for comments like ''they havnt broken america''..of course they have!! They play 20,000 capacity venues in america including Madison Square Garden, top 10s in USA are different to top 10s in UK. Oasis should be respected for what they have done, wether you like them or not.

budg_ee

Nov 28, 2008

haha drgonzo2012 , you do realsie your argument about being copycats has more relavence towards the stones than oasis, seen as though the stones basically just took black rock'n'roll, conutry music and blues to a white audience

rorymates

Nov 28, 2008

What a tosser.

ed2005

Nov 28, 2008

fago - I think what people are getting at is that the band are producing songs that have gone down in terms of the quality. People are also irritated of the egoism they exhibit. This is not attractive in anyone. There is more to being in a relevant band than just selling out gigs, records, and having your mug on the front of magazines. making a positive ocntribution in terms of doing new stuff. Sure Radiohead can be pretentious, but at least they have not adopted an 'if it ain't broke, don;t fix it stance.' Oasis have been doing that for well over a decade now. FACT. End of argument.

STEVIEMACG

Nov 28, 2008

so irrelevent that they create the most amount of posts on NME on a daily basis. NME put up story's which create the most interest ( wheather or not you find them interesting). If any of you Oasis haters had a brain you would realise this.p.s 'love and music' when was this that oasis got dropped, i think your very much mistaken you foolish man.

James J

Nov 28, 2008

I like many others on here would like to know what the jumped up "lets take everything very seriously" brigade mean when they say Oasis are irrelevant. What do they class relevence being? The fact that they get so upset about every single word that comes out of Noels mouth makes me smile, they must have a bit too much time on their hands to be so worried about the thoughts of a guitar player. People were even sticking up for Mick F******* Hucknall over Noel on here cos Simply Red had a number 1 in America and Oasis haven't! What the hell is that? As for breaking America (I hate that term btw), the last tour of the states involved gigs at Madison Square Garden, Hollywood Bowl and Red Rocks. Dig Out Your Soul went to No. 5 in the album charts. Do these things not count? Oasis have and still influence the sound of countless bands in this country, every band who gets asked to support them jumps at the chance. And again, if you don't like Noel, don't read what he says, how hard is that ffs?!!

caescarna

Nov 28, 2008

I thought Noel had given up taking mind altering drugs? Whatever reality he's living in at the moment sure as hell isn't the same as the rest of us....

bez001

Nov 28, 2008

hahaha i fookin love noel. Oasis are better than the stones!! Ive been reading all you oasis haters comments, how many more times are we gonna hear that oasis arnt relevent??? So unrelevant they sell out massive venues in minutes!! If you dont like oasis dont make comments about them! When was the last time the stones made a good album? Could some of the haters tell us which bands they're into please???

the*strokes

Nov 28, 2008

'him and his band rescued guitar music and made it mainstream again' Thanks for that! on that arguement we can thank Noel for Razorlight, Snow Patrol, Keane, Travis etc etc. There is so much more inventive music out there away from the mainstream chart fodder you allude to, you're just too lazy too look for it or step away from the crowd. They may sell a bit but so does a hell of a lot of other chart shit, doesn't mean its good.

jazzpah

Nov 28, 2008

I'm from Holland and I made an account here so I can comment just to this article. Who the @$#$# does Noel think he is? With a couple of mediocre albums from a 90's era where nothing really happened in England they sound pretty o.k. But this comparism to the Stones, really get out of here. Oasis with their â€œwe made a handful of records and we thing we are as cool as the Beatles and Stones together attitudeâ€, may does the trick for the Brits, but up here in Holland they aint shit. They are a bunch of lame ass wankers that should shut up for a moment and consider the fact that they will never get to the same level then all the bands ever did from â€œThe British Invasionâ€ during the 60â€™s! Respect your classics and compare yourself to nowadays groups, because this really does not work for meâ€¦

jazzpah

Nov 28, 2008

I'm from Holland and I made an account here so I can comment just to this article. Who the @$#$# does Noel think he is? With a couple of mediocre albums from a 90's era where nothing really happened in England they sound pretty o.k. But this comparism to the Stones, really get out of here. Oasis with their â€œwe made a handful of records and we think we are as cool as the Beatles and Stones together attitudeâ€, may does the trick for the Brits, but up here in Holland they aint all that, really nothing at all actually. They are a bunch of arrogant bast$#$# that should shut up for a moment and consider the fact that they will never get to the same level then all the bands ever did from â€œThe British Invasionâ€ during the 60â€™s! Respect your classics and compare yourself to nowadays groups, because this really does not work for meâ€¦

tubbz

Nov 28, 2008

Some of you seem to think that because Oasis are popular it makes them relevant. Nickelback are hugh! If you like them cool, each to their own. I haven't wanted to listen to any of their music for years, they bore me. Therefore they are not relevant to me.

captain slow

Nov 28, 2008

Right, you're fucking clueless. "Mediocre albums" fuck off and go and listen to the kaisers or something. They released one of the best albums this country has ever heard (def maybe). They haven't made it America because they are such an english band. OK their recent stuff hasnt been too great but even on a bad day Oasis are pretty fantastic. He never mentioned anything about sales. Noel is saying that Oasis have created their sound that is synonymous with them. The reason the rolling stones sell so many albums and are still touring is because Jagger is a business man now. I'm bored now!

jumbo999

Nov 28, 2008

oh dear noel. this is asking for trouble.

Chris007

Nov 28, 2008

In the same league as the Rolling Stones? I'm sorry Noel, you're wrong. I think Noel's being too modest here. Oasis is so much better than the Rolling Stones, or anything else you brits have given the world that they are definitely NOT in the same league. I'm from Norway, so I basically only hear the English music that comes over the pond, and all I can say is - out of all I've heard, there is nothing that can compare to Oasis. Their latest album is better than anything Coldplay, Kaisers, keane, U2, Pete Pothead - ANYONE can make! All you Oasis-haters can sod off and rather listen to your 50 Cent and Puff Diddly, or whatever his name is today. Oasis are even better than their idols - the Beatles!!!!

Bonehead_90

Nov 28, 2008

http://www.nme.com/news/oasis/40650That's just how relevant Oasis are. People complaining about everything Noel says being mentioned on here, well your hypocrits cause its idiots like yourselves who comment these stories everytime they are mentioned.Comparing record sales from a band who are past the 40-year mark, compared to one 14 years old, is not at all fair. Records aren't the same no more, you aren't going to get the same amount of sales when downloading is so popular. In 2034, we'll see who's sold the most records! Noel, you're a fuckin' genious!

TimesUp

Nov 28, 2008

I am also supprised that he believes that his 'Beatles Tribute Band' can possible match the stones? I'm personally waiting for him to make a comparison between Oasis and the Beatles!! Now that will get people calling for Blood.... I hope Noel aint that stupid? Then again he did say this about the stones!! oh dear.

the*strokes

Nov 28, 2008

except Keane dont play guitar that much, replace the Stones for the Quo and Im happy for the article to stand!

TimesUp

Nov 28, 2008

Oh and one more point!! He states: "Everybody knows who we are. You have to see us in league with The Rolling Stones now,"The makes no sense? It's like saying everyone knows who Britany Spears is? But does that put her in the same league as the Rolling Stones? Or another example, the killers are massive now!! Everyone knows them.... Are the in the same league too. The answer, of course not. Im sure someone will comment on the fast Oasis have more albums then the killers or brittany? Very true, buit do Oasis have more albums then Rolling Stone? Answer = NO!!

jim.123

Nov 28, 2008

Oasis are a little like Celine Dion as well these days. Millions of people buy her records but no one will admit to it - and you never get to meet the people who do buy them either...

outtathaway67

Nov 28, 2008

Oi. Haven't broken North America? I'm from Edmonton Canada and I can assure you when they played here that our Venue of 17 000 was completely sold out. Same goes for the other Canuck shows they did.

HunterUk

Dec 1, 2008

Oasis are the band the Rolling Stones could have been.

hitchy249

Dec 1, 2008

and by the way, blur were better

Darcyheartsmusic

Dec 1, 2008

while they may have a strong fanbase in the U.S., they're still not as big as the Rolling Stones, who are a household name. most Americans have no idea who the hell Oasis is

Tw1stedN3rve

Dec 1, 2008

also... this "sold out" mega-tour.... there are still plenty tickets for sale on see-tickets website.. they should stick to studio releases and save the touring for the young folk, as unlike Oasis, the lead singer of The Stones can sing live still

vinceshouldrock

Dec 1, 2008

Noel Gallagher is a smart business man. He knows for sure that Oasis is not in the same league as the Rolling Stones or The Beatles. He's a marketing master who knows how to create big publicity free waves. The band is still in a good shape. There is still hope with the band. Still waiting for the masterpiece.

newarkitecture

Dec 1, 2008

The only good thing to come out of the Stones is Liv Tyler... so who cares.

charmlessman2d

Dec 1, 2008

btw, oasis and the beatles sound nothing alike. the only connection is that oasis like to cover beatles songs, and reference beatles phrases and titles in their songs. c'mon now? who really thinks oasis sounds like the beatles? different voice ranges, different approaches to songwriting, different subject matter of lyrics, diiferent looks, attitude, different band dynamics, etc...

cantona89

Dec 1, 2008

ok they definitely have not broken North America if you compare them to the stones or even the Beatles who both have huge fan bases worldwide. If they were so great they would be big here in the U.S. too. Plus if you actually look at Oasis's songs, they have basically just rewritten Beatles songs and claimed them for themselves. Even the stones have changed up their style slightly from their first album to later albums. With Oasis any of their songs can be switched around to any album and no one would no the difference because of their lack of diverse songs.

Arni S

Dec 1, 2008

About the comment *loveandmusic* made: oasis actually sold out their show in Amsterdam after half an hour, another show was added and sold out the same day!

elvis_minogue

Dec 1, 2008

I agree with chalkorourkeAnd why is every post defending Oasis riddled with spelling mistakes? My personal favourite is genious.

dayfri

Dec 1, 2008

right now they are in Mexico.they just finished playing to a sold out crowd of 22 thousand+,with two more sold out gigs to be followed -hell ,check out their tour dates-if they are not sold out ,they are near to it.their latest release opened no#5 in the US,no#1 in the UK ,they"ve sold close to 60million records.check the nme,q magazine for the greatest albums of all time,and you will see oasis no#1,2,14,25---the stones are not even in the top 10. yup ,so , i'd say oasis are irrellavent. i can go on,but enough said.ps.ask Bo Diddly ,and Chuck Berry where the stones got their music styles from.

jazzpah

Dec 1, 2008

Will people know Oasis in 40 years from now, as we all now The Rolling Stones these days? I don't think so, The Stones and Beatles (and Cream, The Who, Led Zeppelin and all the others), made it all happen. Without them there wouldn't be any fuckin Oasis for that matter, and don't you ever forget!

craig_89

Dec 1, 2008

I am a massive oasis fan and tbh if u don't like oasis, and most fans will agree, just fuck off and don't comment on this article, they are still relevant if they can sell 500,000 tickets in half a day, don't see many other bands nowadays doin that?

safewaysavers

Dec 1, 2008

My God you cant help but laugh at all the haters! Every1 knows how over the top Noel always goes, that one of the reasons why you gotta love Oasis....its hilarious. No of course Oasis arent in the same league.....YET! But they have wrote some of the best anthems for this generation such as Wonderwall, Dont look back in Anger etc, ok last album was a bit dodgy but they are more than capable of matching the stones! Plus lets be honest here..... the Stones are over rated!!!

Readtheword

Dec 1, 2008

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAI would love to hear Keef's view on that bold statement!I have to say though, Oasis are probably the best beatles tribute band around.

Franky Hoon

Dec 1, 2008

Tubbz got it right. Relevance is dependant. most of the people here just don't find Oasis relevant to them, and that is the point. They are becoming a group with a sense of nostalgia, and the rubbish coming out of the gallagher brothers' mouth doesn't make any good for Oasis either. People just won't take'em seriously anymore, Including myself, regardless of their music's quality (tho I do find their music annoying and repetitive, but again - this is not why people really hate oasis).

skintish

Dec 1, 2008

canada, ma grannys big in canada

macca3218

Dec 1, 2008

nothing worse than a band who thinks they are better than they really are, i can only think of around 5 decent songs since their first couple of CD's, Liam is a terrible singer i think and Noel would do better on his own but his arrogance fails to impress, Blur still beat them back in the day

flavio985

Dec 1, 2008

The Stones are great but how many many top songs have? Maybe 20 -25.............Oasis definitely much more, maybe 40-50........probabily more than The Beatles.

stewartoasis

Dec 1, 2008

i dont really rate the stones, i prefer the beatles to the stones,So Oasis all the way

Daydreamingphilly

Dec 1, 2008

Why do folk bother to come on here and leave negative comments and slag Noel/Oasis? why don't you go pick up you f*ckin guitar and write a song? might be a bit more productive than wasting your time slagging off, what, lets face it, is the last truly great band Britain's produced

gazplayford

Dec 1, 2008

Infinitely more important than the Stones.Oasis are nothing like Celine Dion. There fans are proud, with Oasis written accross their foreheads. Youl see that next year when they pack out wembley stadium on 3 days, heaton park and all the other ones. Clever.

ezales

Dec 1, 2008

I totally agree with Noel, they are in the same league when the best rolling stone song is "Bittersweet Symphony" and they didn't even write it .... live forever 90's music.

rutger

Dec 1, 2008

*loveandmusic* what are you talking about?? I'm from Holland too, and I don't know where you get your news, but the boys have sold out one of the biggest indoor venues of the country (the HMH) TWICE in less than 45 minutes!!!Oasis are definitely in the same league as the Stones: they are absolute legends, still sell shitloads of records (yes, in Holland too!), and contrary to the Stones continue to make brilliant music. I don't understand why so many people over here keep slagging Noel off. The man is funny, the best songwriter of his generation by miles, and sure as hell is nearly always right. I wish we had a guy like him or a band like Oasis in Holland.

MartynDavenport

Dec 1, 2008

Did someone say "The only good thing to come out of The Rolling Stones is Liv Tyler?Last time I checked she was Steven Tyler's daughter, who's in Aerosmith. She's not even English lol

cantona89

Dec 1, 2008

flavio you are suuuuuuuuuuuuuch a dumb ass with your last comment. How the hell can Oasis have more hits than the beatles when they have only had 5 or 6 good songs since morning glory?

little james

Dec 1, 2008

Can anyone calling Oasis Beatle's rip offs please tell me why they think so?! I've always wanted to know that. Listen to Definitely Maybe (Rock 'n' Roll Star, Columbia, Live Forever, Slide Away etc etc) and tell me how it is like the Beatles... Long live Oasis, every bit as good and better than the Stones...But seriously people calling them Beatle Tribute bands actually give me a genuine reason. I really look forward to you're response...

bonnieprince

Dec 2, 2008

oasis really do think a lot of themselves. they have not made a half decent record in years. liam sounds like crusty the clown. after 8 weeks there new album is no longer in the top 40. oh dear. what a dull bland pub band.

Andyshine

Dec 2, 2008

one thing sticks out a mile for me here....Noel Gallagher says these things to get these reactions from you people, and he is a total genius for it. Makes me smile so much to see the silly arguments on here...do u actually think he cares what you think whilst he is on tour, selling out venues, partying ever day, whilst you lot sit downloading obscure bands from myspace in your dark bedroom? I think not.Anyone who can disagree with what oasis have achieved is totally uninformed and delusional. Arguably one of the most influencial british bands of all time. Full stop.Ps. Whats with all the dutch folk on here? Name a decent band to come out of that country? Didn't think so. Live Forever General Dread

lollinuz

Dec 8, 2008

I don't have anything against Oasis, and this statement sounds more like a way of getting attention when the sales of the new album are not going that well... I think Oasis made few good songs, but in future i guess nobody will remember them... My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive... this kind of bands made the real good music in the 90s in Uk....