Oasis Paris 'altercation': Vampire Weekend give backstage report

Vampire Weekend have spoken about the "altercation" within Oasis that led to Noel Gallagher quitting the band last night (August 28) in Paris.

As previously reported, the guitarist announced his departure from the band after an alleged fight between Noel and Liam Gallagher led to the band dropping out of headlining the Rock en Seine festival.

The Brooklyn band were also playing the event and had the dressing room next to the Manchester band where the incident occurred.

Keyboard player Rostam Batmanglij would not be drawn on the specifics but, speaking to NME.COM at the Leeds Festival, he said: "It's a story for Oasis to tell. We'd just come offstage. It was weird – you feel kind of good [having played], your mind is not in other people's problems. It was a strange time."

Drummer Chris Tomson added that many fans at the event took the news badly, after organisers announced there had been an "altercation" and that Oasis would not play.

"There were some people out in the crowd crying, we went and consoled them," he explained. "They put that sign on the screen, saying there's been an altercation in the band. We saw some people in the front row starting to cry. They were sad – they wanted to see Oasis."

Have your say on the split by taking part in NME.COM's vote: Can Oasis continue without Noel? now.

Vampire Weekend are set to play on the Main Stage at the Leeds Festival later today.

NME.COM will be coming live from both the Reading And Leeds Festivals sites this weekend (August 28-30). Stay tuned to NME.COM/festivals for news reports, blogs, video interviews and photos from the event.

Get next Wednesday's (September 2) issue of NME for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Plus have your say on this summer - fill in the annual NME Festival survey now to cast your verdict on 2009, and tell festival chiefs who you want to see next year.

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