The reconciliation between Oasis brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, culminating in their "Live in 25" reunion tour, is explored in the new documentary "Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger," premiering at the Venice Film Festival. Noel Gallagher described his relationship with his brother as "delightful," indicating a significant thaw in their long-standing feud.
Despite never receiving a formal apology from Liam, Noel stated that they have successfully rebuilt their relationship, with "the music brought us together." The brothers displayed a more amicable dynamic at the Venice Film Festival photocall, posing with their arms around each other. Noel, 59, admitted to being surprised by his emotional response to their reconciliation during the 41-date tour, sometimes needing to turn away from the audience to hide tears.
"All the little things that used to annoy us about each other have gone away," Noel said. "We have come out of it now as equals." He added that they now communicate like "normal people."
Despite the outward appearance of peace, the Gallagher brothers opted out of a press conference at the festival to avoid direct questions about their relationship. Director Will Lovelace noted that they "seem to be getting on pretty well."
In the documentary, Liam reflects on their reconciliation as having occurred "without saying a word." The film touches on their contentious history, including rows before Oasis disbanded in 2009 and subsequent public spats, though personal matters like Noel's divorce from Sara are not explicitly detailed. Liam, when asked about past conflicts, reportedly dismisses them as "a little argument."
Filmmakers acknowledged that the brothers were not on speaking terms at the beginning of the tour's filming and rehearsals. They traveled separately, and tour promoters only paid them after all 41 dates were completed due to their history of conflict. Initial interviews for the documentary were conducted separately, with Noel expressing doubts about ever sharing a stage with Liam again.
The first filmed meeting in a rehearsal room before the tour depicted an awkward atmosphere, with neither brother able to make eye contact. Noel described Liam's demeanor during these early stages as consistently moody. Writer Steven Knight commented on the challenges, stating, "These are British working-class men, they are not going to hug and kiss each other." He added that it took until the tour was underway for them to reach a point of mutual comfort.
The documentary captures moments of tension, such as Liam's delayed arrival for a pre-concert rehearsal. Noel recounted his astonishment when Liam, upon arrival, initiated physical contact by grabbing his hand as they walked onto the stage together. Liam's approach to resolving conflict is characterized by a pragmatic outlook: "You just have to put on your big boy pants and get on with it."
As the tour progressed, their children began to meet, further thawing relations. Noel has children Sonny and Donovan with ex-wife Sara, and Anais with first wife Meg Mathews. Liam has children Lennon, Molly, and Gene, who attended the tour, and a daughter named Gemma. "My kids met his kids. They didn't know each other, they have never met, they are all best friends now," Noel stated.
Noel initially harbored doubts about a true reconciliation, admitting, "I was born with one fatal flaw in my character: I will not forgive people." He described his brother as "a man who truly does not give a f***."
Later in the film, the brothers are shown interviewed together, with Noel laughing at Liam's jokes and remarking, "I forgot how funny he was." Director Will Lovelace described a moment of "alchemy" when the band's nervousness met the audience's anticipation, creating something "incredibly special."
"Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger" is scheduled for release on IMAX screens and in cinemas in November. The directors hope the film will provide fans who couldn't attend the concerts with an immersive experience. The documentary also humorously notes the high frequency of profanity, counting 179 instances of the f-word used by the brothers.