Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher appeared together at the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of the documentary "Oasis: Don't Look Back In Anger," marking a public display of their reconciled relationship after a 15-year feud. The brothers, who have grossed approximately £100 million each from the 'Live in 25' reunion tour, detailed how they navigated their estrangement, with the tour expected to be followed by another next year.
Noel Gallagher described Liam as "delightful" at the premiere, noting that while Liam has not issued a direct apology, their relationship has been rebuilt. "All the little things that used to annoy us about each other have gone away. We have come out of it now as equals," Noel stated. He added that they now communicate like "normal people" via text and that "the music brought us together."
Despite the apparent peace, the Gallagher brothers opted not to participate in a press conference where their relationship could be discussed. Co-director Will Lovelace commented that they "seem to be getting on pretty well."
The Road to Reconciliation
The documentary reveals that the reconciliation was largely achieved "without saying a word." Liam indicated that he did not intend for past conflicts, including remarks about Noel's daughter and ex-wife, to escalate. He described their past issues as a "little argument." The film's producers noted that the brothers were not on speaking terms when filming began during tour rehearsals.
They traveled separately, and tour promoters unusually paid them only after the completion of all 41 dates due to their history of conflict. Initially, they were interviewed separately, with Noel expressing doubt about sharing a stage with Liam again. The first meeting before the tour saw them unable to make eye contact, with Liam entering and leaving rehearsals promptly after his vocal performances.
Noel described Liam's initial tour behavior as being "in a bad mood" and then leaving. Producer Steven Knight remarked, "We didn't really know how it was going to go when we started. These are British working-class men, they are not going to hug and kiss each other." He added that it was only during the tour that they were able to sit down together.
Liam recounted an incident before the first concert where he arrived just 20 minutes prior and, after asking about catering, grasped Noel's hand as they went on stage. He characterized the reconciliation as needing to "put on your big boy pants and get on with it."
As the tour progressed, their children met for the first time in years, which seemed to thaw relations. Noel has two sons, Sonny and Donovan, and a daughter, Anais. Liam has sons Lennon and Gene, and a daughter Molly, with his ex-wives and a daughter Gemma from a past relationship. "My kids met his kids. They didn't know each other they have never met they are all best friends now," Noel said.
Noel admitted to a personal flaw of being unable to forgive, stating, "I haven't got any forgiveness in me at all." He described Liam as someone who "truly does not give a f***." Later in the documentary, the brothers are interviewed together, with Noel finding Liam's jokes amusing and remarking, "I forgot how funny he was."
Director Will Lovelace noted that initial tension dissipated when the band connected with the audience's energy. "It was like something incredibly special happens when these people who've been waiting 16 years for this momentous thing to happen got it," he said.
"Oasis: Don't Look Back In Anger" is set to launch in IMAX and cinemas on September 9. The directors hope the film will offer fans who could not attend the shows a close experience of the concerts. The documentary reportedly includes 179 instances of the word "f***."