Liam Gallagher Defends Oasis Fans Amid Controversy Over Local Officials' Remarks
Scottish officials criticized Oasis fans as 'overweight drunks' in documents relating to upcoming concerts, prompting a strong response from the band's frontman.
Liam Gallagher, the lead singer of the iconic Britpop band Oasis, has publicly defended the group's fans following critical remarks made by local Scottish officials.
These comments emerged in internal documents related to the security arrangements for an upcoming series of concerts scheduled for August in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The documents, which were leaked to the media, included descriptions of Oasis fans as 'overweight middle-aged drunks'.
The reunion of Oasis, which has been separated for 15 years, has generated significant excitement among fans, with tickets for the three anticipated concerts in Edinburgh selling rapidly.
It is estimated that about 210,000 attendees will flock to the city for the performances, coinciding with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
This festival is recognized as the world's largest arts festival, running from August 1 to August 25.
Concerns raised by local officials about the potential for disorder stem from the simultaneous occurrence of both events.
They expressed apprehension that fans attending the concerts might be 'moderately to heavily' intoxicated, which could pose a risk to the safety and enjoyment of festival-goers at the Fringe.
Some professionals associated with the festival reportedly considered withdrawing their participation due to these concerns.
In response to the disparaging comments, Gallagher took to social media, critiquing the officials' attitudes.
He stated, 'I heard what you said about Oasis fans and frankly your attitude stinks.
I would leave the city that day if I were you.' He further expressed skepticism about the officials, remarking on their appearance and suggesting a lack of substance among them.
Despite the negative commentary, Margaret Graham, Edinburgh's culture councilor, emphasized the enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming concerts, noting, 'We are all looking forward to Oasis taking the stage in August.'
Ticketmaster reported selling over 900,000 tickets to the concerts, and Barclays forecasts that nearly 1.4 million spectators could attend the events, indicating the high demand and interest in Oasis’s return to the live music scene.