[Noel] 2015.01. Interview with "Oor" (Dutch music magazine)

I. Frontman or second fiddle

N. Second man. All day. When the first High Flying Bird record was released, it was the first thing I was anxious of: me, in the spotlights, the one person that carries all the weight. Playing guitar all night, it’s all I know. Singing the whole night: that's pushing it. But standing in the spotlight that’s not where I feel comfortable. I knew that back then I know it now. I eased my mind by thinking, oh well, we’ll play some theatres and maybe some bigger venues, that will be manageable. But no, the thing grew and grew and in the end I was playing in a full 02 arena. Totally unexpected. Great of course that the tunes we’re liked, but it was never my intention. It’s the only thing that I’m not looking forward to now that I’ll be starting with chapter two: I know how big it could get and I just like being in the centre of the stage. I dare to say that I’ve grown accustomed to it, I know exactly what to do. But if it was an option I’d put a step to the side right now for a great frontman.

I. Name a frontman with who you’d feel comfortable?

N. Bono, U2. They already have The Edge but I wouldn’t have a problem with playing second guitar for them. I’d fit right in. As long as you don’t pass him by. And there are others: David Bowie, even though he works so little that I wouldn’t make anything of it. Neil Young, if a positions frees up in Crazy Horse he should call me. Bob Dylan. Paul McCartney. You know, I’d even dare to say Coldplay if I’d only have to play guitar.

I. Sometimes solutions are closer than you’d think…

N. From your view maybe. I see it more likely that I’d play with Coldplay or U2 then any other comparable band.

I. Planet earth or outer space

N. To live on this planet of course. There’s no there’s no other option, really. But personally I’d cut of my own arm to go to space. I believe it isn’t going that well with all the experiments and test flights that just drop out of the sky. Such a shame, because it’s one of my biggest wishes. If you see it in the grander scheme of things, throughout the ages there have been many, many billions of people on earth. And how many of them have seen their own earth from outer space? A dozen? A couple of hundred, perhaps? It is one of the most intriguing things you can have on your résumé. Next to the fact that it would be magnificent. Dangerous though, but in a good way. I’ve read books on the subject and the overall consensus is that you never really fully recover, so impressive that you can see it all in one glance. In one of those books 12 astronauts are interviewed and they’re still full of emotion about it. Still, after all those years, they still couldn’t comprehend what they had seen. I’d kill for such an experience. But that dream finds its way into my songs. Although those spacious influences and references are also inspired by David Bowie.

I. Baker Street or Careless Whisper

N. Ah, the saxophone. Baker Street, I guess. Proper tune. I’ve got it in my collection, but I never put it on – not to even speak of Careless Whisper -- but I do get it. The saxophone is a powerful instrument and that comes to the surface full on in those tunes. On this record I’ve got a sax and bass clarinet. That comes from some old 50’s rock ‘n roll which I enjoy, it’s more frequent in that era. And of course Pink Floyd. Dick Parry was the name of their sax player and he did lots of interesting things. Listen to Dark Side of the Moon. Pink Floyd to that moment- and still don’t- make music in which you would expect such an instrument to show up and still it’s just there. Great really. It’s a risky move, breaking though all the rules and boundaries. When it became clear that it would fit Riverman, I transparently thought Fuck it, bring in the sax!! Not in the line of expectations for a Noel Gallagher album, but it paid off immensely. Riverman just asked for it, it’s a tune that I’m very proud of, it’s a song that really hits home. I’m really proud of it- putting aside that I can blow myself away with my own tunes. I already thought it is one of my best. Then the lad came in to play the sax and I thought: now it’s the greatest thing ever. And that it happens now, even after all those years. The guitar solo is ace. The vibe is grand. Throw in the sax and it’s beyond belief. Pink Floyd meets fucking Santana in a weird funk atmosphere. Fucking amazing.

I. Riverman or Live Forever

N. Well.. (makes a balancing movement with his hands) Pfff.. Then I would have to discard the historical significance of Live Forever. Live Forever is of course the bigger tune, that has proven its significance. I find it to be a beautiful song and I’m proud of it and it’s great that many people feel the same way about it. But I don’t play it anymore, its standing further away from me then Riverman is. So I’d have to go with Riverman. That is now, that is how I am now. From the two it’s the song I want to hear, play and let all the people experience right now. Fuck , I’m so immensely pleased with it. Ask me this in ten years, then we’ll see if it stood the test of time. I haven’t got a clue if these new tunes will be seen in line with Live Forever and Don’t Look Back in Anger. I do hope so, you never know—I knew transparently I’d written a world hit when I finished Live Forever. But I feel exactly the same about Riverman: It’s fucking great. We’ll see down the line.

I. Bar or Dancefloor

N. Fucking hell, I do like a bar. Yes, the bar, that’s my place nowadays. Dancing is not my thing anymore, to old. Back in the day, full on. I was often in the Hacienda in Manchester, I’d go mental, I found it fantastic. It’s become a mythical place now, but for my generation, in Manchester, it was the disco to go to. Funny how those things go. I wouldn’t dare to dance now. That’s one of the down sides of being famous: people stare at you. If I hadn’t been famous I could dance the whole night without being bothered, maybe even now. People would give a rats ass. You hardly ever see famous people on the dancefloor, such a shame. Fame kinda steals your dancing shoes…. Nice way to put it if I may say so.

I. Your music is becoming more danceable. Last time AKA What a Life took the lead, now I counted no more than three songs with a clear dance rhythm.

N. Oh yeah, more than enough dance influences. Not strictly dance, but the rhythms are clearly more diverse then they use to be. It can come from anywhere and can fit anything really. Look, I start every tune off on the acoustic guitar. Back in Oasis, three quarters of that had to be turned up to level stadium—that was the way it was. Now I’m fully in charge, even when it comes to producing the record. That was the first time by the way, nevertheless, I didn’t have to think about anyone other than myself and I didn’t have to listen to anyone. That went great. I take the bare bone tracks to the studio and then… magic happens! Take the Ballad of the Mighty I. Pure dance tune. For some time I’ve had a slower psychedelic version of that song with conga’s, very 1969. In in the back my mind I had the idea to make it lighter, a bassline played by my engineer Paul Stacey and a drum beat was added. They give it the needed energy. Then Johnny Marr did his thing and he really made a twisted disco tune. And knowing that no one can forbid me to make a dance tune and the fact that I was satisfied turned it into the cracker of the album. The first version of the song was great, the second even better. I was right. Again.

I. You don’t seem like someone that is spoken against very often

N. No, because I say: who should do it then? I’m the boss. The only one that can tell me I’m wrong is myself. That has happened in the past. But since I’ve been solo everything falls into place, it’s as if I’m in a warm airflow that pushes me further along automatically. The secret is in my tempo: I can decide my own pace and that gives my such a boost. No obligations or tour deadlines, like by Oasis. Oh.. we have to finish the record because the whole thing has been booked… No. I first finish the record and then we’ll see what we’ll do next. And yet Oasis is still in my way: this record was long ready but had to wait for the DM and WTSMG reissues to get out the door. It’s released by the same firm and once project one is finished project two could be put on the table, which was my record. Nevertheless, it only benefits me and it benefits my record. I am happy that it is finally there though. That is an example in which I don’t have any influence. But the end of the tunnel is in sight.

I. Definitely Maybe orMorning Glory?

N. Definitely Maybe sounds better, better songs, better memories. Everything was new and it changed the world. Morning Glory still pays my bill, so I’m grateful about it too. Definitely Maybe made what we are now. (counts with his fingers again) Rock N Roll Star, Live Forever, Slide Away, Columbia, Bring It On Down, Cigarettes And Alcohol, Supersonic, all these songs on one debut album. Married With Children, Up In the Sky which aren’t “classic”, yet they still belong to our best. We have made something wonderful and yet more to come, back in those days.

We were born from almost nothing, we had nothing. And suddenly there was this debut album. Wow.

I. The Stone Roses or The Smiths?

N. The Smiths. they have done so many things, have left so many impression in the music history behind. The Stone Roses made only one good album. A Fantastic album, but it lacks what The Smiths have - a fine hour of timeless music. I wouldn’t even count their second album. Each albums by The Smiths is legendary, six, seven albums long. Fucking hell, how many are they?...(counts with his fingers The Smiths, Hatful of Hollow, Meat Is Murder, The Queen Is Dead, Strangeways, Here We Come, Rank…including Compilation and live albums. All of them strike.

Johnny - from a brilliant second man of The Smiths to solo artist, he’s been doing his own things for ages. For Example, how he built up his career with his guitar work from start until now.. Yeah, The Smiths, all day.

I. Nostalgia or renewal?

N. Musically or personal?

I. Put it in context of your album title

N. Fuck sake, I’m already regretting the title! I was so wrong with taking that title but I can’t go back on it now. The line comes from this piece in which someone says: ‘’let’s stop chasing yesterday’’. And I’ve mistakenly only took the last two words which takes it out of context, it means something totally different. And of course because it’s the title everyone goes on about it. Oh well I’ll just let them..

I. The choice remains..

N. Something can be said for both. Nostalgia can be less favourable, so can renewal. Only looking back doesn’t do any good, but on the other hand progression is going so quick that I’m afraid they’re forgetting history. I can’t see the wood through the trees. Apple is a good example: it has become the norm, the standard and I wish we never started with that. Unfortunately a lot of people think differently about it so I’m afraid it won’t change in the foreseeable future. Concerning everyday life, I can do without both. Musically it’s a bit different, I mainly listen to music from the 60s. That makes me a bit nostalgic. That’s not the case with my own music, as you can hear it has dance rhythms, in my opinion that’s pure progressive. Oddly when it comes to music other peoples progression doesn’t interest me the slightest. So, yeah, I prefer progression and when it comes to other peoples music I prefer nostalgia. I am not, even though the record title suggests otherwise, trying to find and revive the past. Fuck no!

I. Sell a thousand or give away a million records

N. Uh, none of both, it’s in the numbers. If you’d say: sell a thousand and give away 600 million copies, then it isn’t that hard. Then I’d gladly do a U2. 1 million or 600 million makes the difference for me. On more realistic terms 1,5 million, because that’s the amount that the first High Flying Birds managed to sell. But I’m not the person that likes to give away stuff. Great that U2 comes with new ideas and fallows through on them, and I really hope it works out for them. I find that art, in what form that might be, loses its value when you throw it on the streets. As in: pointless. What if everyone had a Mona Lisa at home, then the fun would ware off quickly.

I. But there was only one made

N. Yeah, bad example. I mean it differently, emotional value, for the person that owns it. Take the U2 record. Everyone got it, if you liked it or not. Nothing you had to do for it. And that in these times. There will be people that think: what’s behind it? They’re fucking suspicious on it. While the first High Flying Birds is in 1,5 million homes. Those people walked to the record store, or went online for that matter, and paid with their hard earned cash. The record is in their home, it’s theirs. That’s the feeling I still get when I look at my record collection. I kept all of them, it’s a piece of me. If a burglar would steel my record collection from my house I would be filled up with anger. Not for the value in money that I would have lost but because I would have lost a piece my identity, a piece of myself. But if I’d lose my Ipod, with the same music on it and maybe a higher monetary value it wouldn’t bother me at all. My self-bought copies of War and The Jushua Tree will always be precious to me unlike Songs of Innocence. Not because they’re better records but because I can see myself sitting in the bus, on my way to high street, making up my mind on what I’d spend my hard earned cash. I can remember Songs of Innocence suddenly being there with a little check-mark through some sort of update.

I. How are you doing in the modern times? 

N. Three years ago you just bought your first computer.

I’ve got an iPad now, it has some games for the kids. So that they shut their fucking mouths when we’re travelling. I’ve got an app for Manchester City on which I can check the scores. And I’ve got access to my music. For me that’s quite a progression. I know people that really feel part of the whole progression. I’m not one of those people. It reflects my previous answer not so much nostalgia but not full on progression either. The computer is a pain in the ass. If I do get to using it, it never works, then it always needs some kind of update and that goes on forever. I’m sick of running into these things and especially having to call this computer guy: I can’t get it to work! Then he’ll drop by presses a few buttons, takes about five minutes and he’ll say: it’s up and running, that will be 500 pounds. Fucking hell! I wish I had that job haha! Shoving lazy old rockers their lack of skills in their face. What doesn’t help is that I’ve got my guitars in the same room. So sometimes I’ve got the motivation to use the computer but then there’s always a guitar staring at me. And in the Gallagher home, the guitar always wins,.

I. Epiphone or Gibson

N. Now Gibson of course. If you can afford them you don’t want anything else, there’s nothing better. I started with an Epiphone because they were cheap and they look a lot like a Gibson. You saved two thirds on the price and that’s a lot when you’ve got nothing. I’ve never really parted with Epiphone, I’ve still got all my old Epiphones, the guitar on which I wrote Rock ‘n Roll star… Just like my old records, they have emotional value.

I. I’ve never seen you with a Stratocaster

N. Luck may have it, I just got one. Maybe I’ll take it on the road. It’s one of those things you try and they’re pretty good. In Oasis I played a pink Telecaster for a while, I still have that one. It’s been painted, it now has a classic yellow/white just like Springsteen. I didn’t do it myself obviously, can you see me painting a guitar? I didn’t like the colour, but it was a great little guitar, I couldn’t let it go.

I. City of Manchester Stadium or Maine Road

N. City of Manchester Stadium. That’s where City made history. I’ve got many great memories of Mainroad, especially from my youth. But it was an old place and it didn’t go that well with the club. The club titles way heavier than the atmosphere in the stadium. The last Oasis gig in the new stadium had a great atmosphere, the public went through the barrier and we had to stop the show. It was a mad house.

I. Will Oasis drive further apart or come back together

N. The ever returning question. Every time I’m done with one, the other comes. Maybe they have to, because otherwise you might not do your job properly. But I don’t get that journalists keep asking. I now get 10 questions a day, or sometimes 10 times per interview a question concerning a reunion. If I had news would I make it known through you? I don’t think so. I always thought and still find those questions pointless. Same goes with have you spoken to Liam? What’s your best song that you’ve ever written? What’s your ultimate supergroup? Mainly that last one is often asked by some dumb wit that thinks he has reinvented the wheel. I get those four every time and I fucking hate them. Next choice.

I. Different Gear, Still Speeding or BE?

N. The second one, BE, even it’s a sh**t title, but it’s a good record. Interesting, more succeed en especially better produced than the first one. Flick of The Fingers and Second Bite Of The Apple were nice singles. And more likely these were nothing more – what Beady Eye didn’t tie around.. Good band, good members, good frontman, but no songwriters. No fucking songwriters. And that’s what you need , Sad

I. And nou we’re waiting for the reunion

N. I can easily say that there will be no reunion for Beady Eye. Haha!

I. Jazz Odyssey or Piggy in the Middle

N. Jazz Odyssey is Spinal Tap, what was the other?

I . The Rutles. Legendary Beatles-pastiche from the Python/Saturday Night Live group

N. Aah yeah! Haha! I’ll still go for Spinal tap. Jazz Odyssey , that’s where the guy quits the band and goes jamming for half full venues, brilliant! I’ve named my new track The Right Stuff space jazz, so everyone starts asking me about jazz. It obviously a lot better than Jazz Odyssey. I love the film, it’s a classic. I’ve got it on DVD, although I don’t watch it any more. If it comes by on the telly I’ll keep it on though. When you’re on tour as an artist you come past the same things as in Spinal Tap. Spinal Tap must be quarter of a century old, but it’s still relevant. How many times have I not been on stage in Detroit and said Hello Seattle! Or when you power up your amp all the lights in the venue turn off, even in bigger venues. Or the wives of musician that you bump into. Spinal Tap has that one girlfriend that pulls everything towards her… Ha! Spot on.

I. Selfie or Autograph

N. Autograph. I thought that was annoying, but then people showed up with their fucking phones. I never like going on photo’s but now you get approached by everyone guarded or unguarded any time of the day. If I’m shopping with my misses , or when I’m having lunch with the kids. Even in the toilets people come up and ask: photo, Noel? Fuck no… That’s Spinal Tap. I don’t get those selfies I really don’t. You know what I would like to pass on to those people? I believe it’s from Africa—that every time you photograph yourself a piece of your soul disappears. It also sounds freighting, you’ve been caught on camera. You can’t leave you’re stuck. It’s something I believe. So fuck of with your camera, especially when I’m walking in the street.

I. London or Manchester?

N. Manchester is home. I always go back to the town even I live in London for years now. (thinks deeply) You know what, I say London. The only place where I want to live, then New York as a far second place. Manchester is fantastic for 3 days , then a so called “home coming” feeling goes away . Family, old friends, the pub , a match. They’re great, but there is nothing more for me to keeping myself there. I recently said to my wife , you know what makes London nice? Shall we go to London for a couple of days? While I live just around the corner. You read about so many nice things, the hidden places , but also the big attractions. I would love to visit Buckingham Palace or The House of Parliament. I’ve never been to the Tower Been only once in the Eye long time ago. and I see tourists enjoying of the city. I’ll definitely do same one day. We gonna make a weekend of it.

I. Manchester United or Liverpool FC?

N. Liverpool, without a doubt. The rivalry in Manchester between City and United is even fiercer than between Manchester and Liverpool as cities. And United is just scum. Just scum. From the fucking lady who takes care of the tea to the smallest little youth player- horrible scum.

I. Russell Brand or Ricky Gervais?

N. Russell, he's a good friend of mine and we see each other often. A much more interesting person. You never know what he's up to, just that you always have to watch him.

I. Last year I saw you on the comedy night of Teenage Cancer Trust with Russell Brand in The Royal Albert Hall. You gave a somewhat questionable look from the box.

N. Yeah, that's because I'm very involved in the Teenage Cancer Trust and Russell and Noel Fielding were hosting the annual comedygala. However, they had not prepared anything, and it showed. It was a big mess. It was funny, but messy and sometimes a bit over the edge. At the end of it, Russell got this boy up on stage, and shaved his head. Bald. Which is kind of acerb in a hall full of people who are sitting there in the context of the fight against cancer among youngsters. But, like I already said, you never know what he's up to.

I. Sympathizer or an activist?

N. I haven't been very active in charity lately. And when it concerns the big world events, somehow I can always see both sides being right. I think I belong more into the first category. The only thing I would want to fight actively is terrorism. And all violence in name of whatever religion. I'm not inclined to see the reasoning of the idiots who blow themselves up in crowded trains. And the weirdo's who are screwing things up in the Middle-East..I wish I could break them. But really break them. Bombs on them, a lot of bombs, and done. That people will later say ''Those terrorists were cruel, but that Noel Gallagher..''

I. That's a bit extreme..

N. You are right..Maybe will to severely wound them do. Like, if it was up to me they could fall off the stairs. Twice, even. I hope it's just a generationthing, that it will blow over and that the reasoning will return. Because what's happening now, is fucking insane. All those religious extremists are insane in their heads. Just the fact that you'll chop someone's head of in name of something you can't even prove. But I don't know if it will stop. The only thing you can do is live in hope.

I. God, or ''I am my own God''?

N. What I like about religion is the faith. That's fine even. Have faith, share it and benefit your surroundings. But keep me out of it. I'm not religious, for me there's no God. Understand that. I'm in the sidelines and I'm astounded that people who do believe are attacking each other, because their God is the only right one. And it's only getting worse. Is that the progression we like so much, with the world at everyone's feet and the people united as one? No, and in my life so far, it hasn't been as bad as it is now. We'll throw witches on the pyre again. We haven't been closer to the Middle Ages in ages.

I. But do you have a spiritual side? Do you have your own God?

N. I believe a bit in some religious aspects. Take karma for example, that just speaks to me. What you offer the world, you will receive back. It's very simple, actually. The whole chess play of the gods, like it was portrayed in the Sinbad movies, doesn't exist. Why would something like Al Quaida exist if it did? There's an unwritten law of cosmic karma that I subscribe to. It doesn't control my life. If I'd help an elderly woman cross the street, or if I'd give a cab driver an enormous tip, I wouldn't want to get anything in return for that. But there are small moments where I think to myself: ''See, it was just meant to be like this''

I. What kind of moments are they?

N. When one of those bastards really falls off the stairs and breaks his neck. That's karma. There's more between heaven and earth, is my thought at a moment like that. Hahaha!.