Noel Gallagher Fans Attack!

Ben Barna

April 18, 2008

Earlier today, a concerned gentleman e-mailed BlackBook demanding I issue an apology for my post on Noel Gallagher’s negative reaction to Jay-Z headlining Glastonbury (the gentleman doesn't think it's right). Apparently the article was picked up by an Oasis fansite, causing the minions of Oasis Nation to unleash their wrath upon me in the comments. Throughout the day, my colleagues and I shared laughs over gems such as: “ben barna you have your head jammed up or [sic] politically correct ass,” while another lauded “Classic idiocy from a low-grade journalist who clearly hasn’t done their research.” At least they consider me a journalist. Thanks guys! See the comments yourself for the full effect. What pissed them off so much, was that apparently I called the fragile Mr. Gallagher a racist.

I have since learned that you cannot use such a loaded term when discussing someone as beloved as Noel, which is why Emily Eavis, co-founder of Glastonbury, tip-toed around it. Allow me to address those upset by the post, in all caps, so you don’t miss it this time: EMILY EAVIS INSINUATED THAT NOEL GALLAGHER’S COMMENTS WERE RACIALLY MOTIVATED. I SAID THEY WERE NOT. I SAID THEY WERE BASED ON JEALOUSY. Read the last sentence again, and maybe you’ll get it. Take your time, no rush. What I found so delicious about this whole episode is that everyone who isn’t a rabid Oasis fan (i.e. doesn’t spend their time on Oasis fan forums) didn’t interpret the post as a anti-Gallagher smear. Meaning, fans let their commendable passion for Noel Gallagher and his band override those equally commendable reading comprehension skills.

I am a huge fan of Oasis—I grew up with their music, and I love the Gallagher brothers. Noel is a brilliant songwriter, and Liam has one of the most distinct voices in modern rock. Five years ago, after leaving the hospital after an 18-day stay, the first song I listened to on my walk home was “Cast No Shadow.” It was inspiring. But, having said that, I will never ever let my love for Oasis alter the way I read and understand sentences. That would be dangerous and irresponsible. But I’m glad you guys do, because this last day has been an absolute hoot.

Posted by Ian on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 01.54 pm

Well Ben perhaps if you keep using attention hogging words such as jealous and racist in your headlines you might get that big break you’ve been waiting for after all.

Posted by jure on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 02.00 pm

Sorry, i apperently need glasses…

Posted by Emily on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 02.22 pm

I am an Oasis fan, but I do not blindly follow anyone, nor do I resort to abuse when someone says something I don’t agree with. I am sorry some of the Oasis fan community reacted to your article in the inappropriate manner they did. You are certainly entitled to your opinion and have the right to express it in print. I am just writing to point out one flaw in your argument. Why would Noel be jealous when his band headlining Glastonbury resulted in massive ticket sales, and Jay-Z’s didn’t? That’s not logical. Besides, I think Noel’s too busy doing his own thing to be jealous of anyone else, especially of someone in an unrelated music genre.

Posted by Susana on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 02.28 pm

Ben,

I consider myself a diehard Oasis fan for over 13 years now and did not interpret your article as Noel bashing. What a good laugh for you, anyway.

Posted by chris on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 02.44 pm

Exactly what Ian said.

When I read your article, I noticed what you said at the end. You can’t seriously tell me that you thought the headline wouldn’t start a stir (prob your intent). Congratulations, you got a bunch of hits by hinting toward the idea that Noel is a racist.

Posted by Joe Rauschenberger on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 03.01 pm

Noel has always been straight-forward, honest, and to a degree, unfiltered/uncensored when giving interviews.

It is the journalist here, quoting Emily Eavis, who actually brings the idea of racism into the picture. It shows that, if it might’ve been on Noel’s mind, it certainly was on Emily Eavis’ and Ben Barra’s mind.

So....you’re the hypocrite.

Noel has an opinion on the festival. As a man who headlined it twice, he has earned it. You as a press-pass carrying journalist, trying to be the festival...nahhh....

Just do your job covering the stars, and give us funny Gallagher quotes.

Posted by Paul on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 03.06 pm

Did you know that if you mix up

“I Ben Barna” you get “Bean Brain”

Just an observation.

Posted by Rod on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 03.08 pm

Whatever lets you sleep well at night, Mr. Barna. If that explanation satisfies you, it’s ok, whatever, we’re not dumb and we read your previous article, and if you think this “clears” it up, good for you!

Posted by Another Oasis Fan on Fri Apr 18, 2008 at 03.29 pm

There’s no quesiton noel is not racist.

And he’s definitely not jealous. Jealous of what? If Oasis wants to headline glastonbury all they have to do is tell the people at glastonbury they’re going to headline, and that’s that. That’s how big they are.

What noel expressed was his deep disgust for main stream hip-hop, which is just as big as mine. There’s no possible defence for it. But whatever.

The point is he’s saying he doesn’t like hip-hop.
Big deal. Since when is it politically incorrect to not like hip-hop? It’s just like any persn who says they don’t like rock. You don’t see us writing articles and crying about it.