Noel and Liam Gallagher, once famously estranged, presented a united front at the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of the Oasis documentary, "Don't Look Back In Anger." The brothers, who have overcome a 15-year feud, walked the red carpet together, posing with their arms around each other, signaling a significant thaw in their relationship.
The documentary chronicles the journey of the Oasis reunion tour, which grossed approximately £100 million for each brother and is slated for a follow-up tour next year. Until the film's premiere, the specifics of their reconciliation remained untold. Noel Gallagher described Liam as "delightful" and acknowledged that while Liam had not formally apologized, they had successfully rebuilt their bond. "All the little things that used to annoy us about each other have gone away," Noel stated. "We have come out of it now as equals." He also shared that he was moved to tears at times during the tour, occasionally turning away from the audience to hide his emotions.
Despite the apparent peace, the Gallagher brothers opted out of a press conference, avoiding questions about their personal relationship. Filmmakers noted that the brothers were not on speaking terms when filming began. They traveled separately and were paid only after completing all 41 tour dates due to their history of conflict. Initial interviews for the documentary were conducted separately, with Noel initially unable to envision sharing a stage with Liam again. Their first meeting during tour rehearsals saw them unable to make eye contact. Liam's initial interactions were brief, arriving late and leaving promptly after his vocal performances.
"He comes in a bad mood. He leaves in a bad mood. He just comes in and then f***s off," Noel was quoted as saying about Liam's early behavior during rehearsals. Producer Steven Knight commented on their dynamic, "These are British working-class men, they are not going to hug and kiss each other. It wasn't until they were into the tour that they were in a place where they were able to sit down with each other."
The documentary reveals that Liam did not apologize for past transgressions, including public insults directed at Noel's daughter and ex-wife. Liam downplayed past conflicts, saying, "Leave it out mate, we had a little argument, you know what I mean." He later added, "I didn't mean it to be the way that it was."
As the tour progressed, their children met for the first time in years, further mending relations. Noel has two teenage sons and a daughter from previous relationships, while Liam has children from his marriages and relationships. "My kids met his kids. They didn't know each other they have never met they are all best friends now," Noel said. Liam added, "They are loving it - f***ing spangled every night."
Noel admitted to a personal struggle with forgiveness, stating, "I was born with one fatal flaw in my character: I will not forgive people. That is something I was born with." He characterized Liam as "a man who truly does not give a f***. He is who he is and that's the way of that."
Later in the film, the brothers are interviewed together, with Noel remarking on Liam's humor, "I forgot how funny he was." Director Will Lovelace described a turning point during the tour: "There was definite tension and, from our perspective as observers, that didn't dissipate until that first moment when the expectant energy of the crowds met the nervousness of the band. That was a real moment of alchemy."
The film "Oasis: Don't Look Back In Anger" is set to launch in IMAX screens and cinemas on September 9. The directors hope the film offers fans a close experience to the reunion concerts. They also noted the presence of 179 instances of the word "f***" within the edited film.