Robbie Williams' Street Poster Swipe at Noel Gallagher Fuels Decades-Long Feud
In a move that has reignited one of music's most enduring rivalries, Robbie Williams has taken a bold swipe at Noel Gallagher by placing a promotional poster on the very Manchester street where the Oasis legend grew up. The cheeky act, executed ahead of Williams' performance at Aviva Studios in Manchester for Brits Week, has sent fans into a frenzy, harking back to the heated exchanges of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
A Poster That Speaks Volumes
The poster, plastered on Whitworth Street West in Manchester City Centre, features a four-star review of Williams' album Britpop from the Daily Telegraph. It reads: '...sing-along choruses to make Noel Gallagher question whether he ever needs to bother writing another song.' Below this provocative excerpt, star ratings from other publications like The Sun, Classic Pop, and Sunday Express are displayed, highlighting the album's critical acclaim. Williams shared images of the poster on his Instagram with the caption: 'LONG 90’S IN MANCHESTER…TONIGHT! [sic]', sparking a wave of reactions from fans who reveled in the ongoing drama.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
On social media, supporters quickly chimed in with comments that ranged from playful to outright partisan. One user declared 'Team Robbie ❤️', while another joked about the review being from Liam Gallagher, adding to the familial tension. The post garnered laughs and applause, with fans noting the 'never ending beef' between the icons. This public display underscores how the feud remains a captivating spectacle for music enthusiasts, blending nostalgia with modern-day banter.
Historical Context: A Rivalry Spanning Decades
The animosity between Robbie Williams and the Gallagher brothers dates back over two decades. Initially, Williams was friendly with Liam Gallagher after going solo in 1995, but the relationship soured. At the 2000 Brit Awards, Noel Gallagher infamously called Williams the 'fat dancer from Take That', prompting Williams to challenge Liam to a £100,000 fight on stage. Since then, the feud has included symbolic gestures, such as Williams sending tap shoes to Noel after outselling Oasis at Knebworth Park, and public insults exchanged through media interviews.
In recent years, Williams has described Oasis as 'gigantic bullies' during their peak, though he has also expressed admiration for their music. Liam Gallagher has denied bullying allegations, apologizing for any hurt feelings while defending his character. The rivalry has persisted through personal milestones, including Liam's marriage to Williams' ex, Nicole Appleton, and Oasis's highly publicized reunion tour announcement in 2024.
Current Events and Future Implications
This latest incident coincides with significant events in the music calendar. Robbie Williams is performing at Brits Week, showcasing tracks from his albums Life Thru A Lens and Britpop, while Noel Gallagher is set to attend the Brit Awards to receive the songwriter of the year award. The timing adds a layer of intrigue, as both figures will be in the spotlight, potentially leading to further public exchanges. Williams has previously offered to support Oasis on their reunion tour, stating they are 'not exactly friends, but I don’t think we’re enemies', yet this poster suggests the competitive spirit remains alive.
As music fans await any new developments, this episode serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of Britpop-era rivalries. It highlights how personal conflicts can evolve into cultural touchstones, engaging audiences across generations. Whether this leads to reconciliation or more drama, the story of Robbie Williams and Noel Gallagher continues to captivate, blending artistry with human emotion in a way that resonates far beyond the charts.
