Oasis have split

Noel Gallagher announced he had left the band in a short statement on their website last night (28.08.09), in which he blamed his deteriorating relationship with brother Liam for his decision.

He said: "It's with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight. People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.

"Apologies to all the people who bought tickets for the shows in Paris, Konstanz and Milan."

The group cancelled last weekend's performance at Britain's V Festival in Chelmsford, claiming Liam had contracted laryngitis.

They were due to play Paris' Rock en Seine festival yesterday.

It has been claimed the brothers had a fist fight shortly before they were to take to the stage, resulting in Noel, 42, calling time on the group.

A source said: "It all kicked off after a few jibes were thrown back and forward between them. It got totally out of hand very quickly and all the pent-up anger just exploded.

"Noel has been so mild-mannered and above it all, but everyone has a breaking point. The fight was split up quickly but Liam smashed up one of Noel's guitars to make his point.

"That was it. The last act of anger that Noel could put up with. He just doesn't need the hassle any more."

Scottish singer Amy Macdonald was due to watch their Paris performance, and wrote on her Twitter page last night: "Oasis cancelled again with one minute to stage time!!! Liam smashed Noel's guitar, huuuge fight (sic)"

Music executive Alan McGee, who initially signed the band, wrote on Facebook: "Just got phoned by somebody at Rock en Seine that Oasis have just split up an hour ago and manager or tour manager made the announcement to 50,000 fans (sic)."

Liam, 36, has apparently said the group will continue without Noel.

The brothers have a famously fiery relationship, the ‘Wonderwall’ songwriter has quit the band before, only to return at a later date.

In 2000, they got into a drunken fight in Barcelona after Liam questioned the legitimacy of his brother’s daughter Anais, provoking Noel into headbutting him.

The guitarist quit the tour, leaving the remaining members to carry on without him, however, he returned for the later UK dates.

During their phenomenal career Oasis scored eight UK number one singles and sold over 50 million albums worldwide.