March 4, 2009 11:40

Oasis deny reports that money rather than Tibet forced China cancellations

Band react to contradictory reports

Photo Gallery: Oasis

Oasis have denied reports that claimed economic issues led to the cancellation of two Chinese shows - and have reiterated their belief that the band's involvement in a Tibet concert over ten years ago is the reason why the shows were pulled.

The band initially issued a statement saying the show were off after Chinese authorities objected to Noel Gallagher's involvement in a 1997 Free Tibet concert.

However a Reuters report appeared subsequently which contradicted Oasis, quoting promoters Beijing All Culture Communication Co Ltd, who blamed the cancellation on cashflow.

Speaking to NME.COM, a spokesperson for Oasis insisted that money was not to blame for the cancelled shows.

"We don't want to dignify this nonsense with a response," they explained. "Our promoter, as already documented, was Ticketmaster China and the shows had each already sold in excess of 3,500 tickets and were on course to sell out. End of story."

The other dates of the band's world tour, including a show in Chinese controlled Hong Kong on April 7, are set to continue as planned.

Oasis are set to headline this year's V Festival. Tickets go on sale this Friday (March 6), and NME.COM's ticket shop will have an exclusive allocation.

What does Oasis' tour cancellation mean for music in China? Head to the NME Office Blog to join the debate.