July 6, 2009 8:05

Oasis' Noel Gallagher: 'I spent £1m on drugs and enjoyed every minute'

Guitarist has some harsh words for Coldplay's Chris Martin

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Noel Gallagher says he has spent £1 million on drugs before quitting in 1998.

The Oasis leader made the admission when asked about rock stars like Coldplay's Chris Martin, who say they do not indulge.

The guitarist told Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera: "I look at Chris Martin, who says he has never taken drugs in his life, and I think he is an idiot. Doing drugs is the most beautiful thing about being in a rock band.

"Up until 1998 I must have spent £1 million on drugs - then I stopped, because it is bad for your health, brain, life and for people around you. But while you use them - except for heroin which kills people and which I have never tried - as you lot [Italians] would say, 'Mamma Mia'."

Gallagher added he was not too keen on the political messages that the likes of Martin and U2's Bono put into their live shows.

"We get on the stage and play," he declared. "I have been to loads of concerts where bands don't play, they just talk about politics. "At a U2 or Coldplay concert there is always a message about poor people or people dying from hunger. OK, but can't we just have a nice evening? Do we always have to feel guilty?"

Oasis are set to play three nights at Wembley Stadium in London this week (July 9, 11 and 12).

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