In a derivative soft-rock battle of epic proportions, Liam Gallagher has sued his brother, Noel Gallagher – both of the band Oasis – for libel. (Source.) Liam’s basis for suing Noel relates to statements Noel made to the press in 2009, when Oasis was forced to cancel its appearance at the V Festival. Noel told journalists that the performance was cancelled. The official story, which Liam insists is true today, is that he was hungover.
Offhand, I am unsure if the U.K. recognizes the standard for defamation of a public figure (actual malice – knowing the falsity of a statement – or reckless disregard for the truth). More to the point, though, anyone who vaguely paid attention to music in the 1990s knows of Liam Gallagher’s temper tantrums, heavy partying, and other problems. In short, he’s libel-proof, and nothing that can be said about him that would harm his reputation, professionally or otherwise.
Growing up in the 1990s, I never found Oasis particularly compelling. I thought its contemporaries, the Brian Jonestown Massacre, led by heroin-addled guitarist/vocalist Anton Newcombe, actually were the counter-culturalists and talented musicians Oasis strove to be.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSRCLQAEhTQ&w=420&h=345]
