The rivalry between Robbie Williams and Noel Gallagher, a defining thread of the British music scene, has flared up again. It’s a throwback to the explosive energy of the early 2000s, a time when Britpop battles dominated headlines and fueled legendary careers.
The origins of this feud stretch back decades, ignited by a challenge. At the 2000 Brit Awards, Williams famously offered to fight Liam Gallagher for £100,000, a brazen act that instantly cemented the animosity. It wasn’t just a fleeting moment of anger; it was a public declaration of war.
Over the years, Williams hasn’t shied away from voicing his opinions. He’s described Oasis as “gigantic bullies” during their peak, yet surprisingly offered to open for them should they ever reunite, acknowledging a complex relationship that wasn’t entirely defined by hostility.
Now, Williams has escalated the conflict with a particularly pointed move. He strategically placed a poster promoting his new album on the very street where Noel Gallagher grew up in Manchester, a calculated jab aimed directly at the heart of his long-time rival.
The poster wasn’t just advertising; it was a statement. It featured a glowing review from the Daily Telegraph, pointedly questioning whether Noel Gallagher even *needs* to write another song, a provocative challenge delivered in public.
Williams shared images of the poster on social media, captioning it with a knowing nod to the era: “LONG 90’S IN MANCHESTER…TONIGHT!” The response was immediate, with fans enthusiastically declaring their allegiance to “Team Robbie.”
The history between these artists is layered and complex. Initially, there was a period of camaraderie, with Liam Gallagher taking a young Robbie Williams under his wing. But that connection fractured, as Williams felt he didn’t quite fit into the Oasis world.
The tension reached a boiling point when Noel Gallagher publicly dismissed Williams as the “fat dancer from Take That.” Williams responded with a series of calculated moves, including outselling Oasis at Knebworth Park and sending Noel a pair of tap shoes with a pointed message.
Personal lives became entangled in the feud when Williams’ ex-girlfriend, Nicole Appleton, later married Liam Gallagher, adding another layer of complexity to the already fraught relationship. Despite these life changes, the animosity persisted.
In a 2022 interview, Williams admitted to still harboring resentment, describing Oasis as “gigantic bullies” and acknowledging the lasting impact of their behavior. Liam Gallagher responded with a surprising apology, admitting to potentially going “too far” with his playful jabs.
Recently, with the news of an Oasis reunion, Williams offered a backhanded compliment, praising Liam Gallagher’s stage presence while subtly acknowledging Noel’s presence as well. He even previously stated he’d happily support Oasis on tour, despite their history.
The dynamic remains captivating. While Williams performs at the Brit Awards, Noel Gallagher will be honored with a songwriter of the year award, guaranteeing a potentially charged atmosphere and a continuation of this decades-long saga.
