Noel Gallagher facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Noel Gallagher
Gallagher performing in 2022
Born	Noel Thomas David Gallagher (1967-05-29) 29 May 1967 (age 58) Manchester, England
Citizenship	United Kingdom Ireland
Occupation	Musician singer songwriter
Spouse(s)	Meg Mathews ​ ​ (m. 1997; div. 2001)​ Sara MacDonald ​ ​ (m. 2011; separated 2023)​
Children	3, including Anaïs
Relatives	Liam Gallagher (brother)
Musical career
Genres	Rock Britpop alternative rock psychedelic rock
Instruments	Guitar vocals keyboards
Years active	1991–present
Labels	Creation Big Brother Epic Sour Mash Mercury

Noel Thomas David Gallagher (born 29 May 1967) is a famous English musician, singer, and songwriter. He is best known as the main songwriter, lead guitarist, and a singer for the rock band Oasis. After leaving Oasis, he started his own band called Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.

Noel Gallagher is one of the most successful songwriters in British music history. He wrote eight UK number-one singles and helped write another. He also wrote or was the main writer for ten UK number-one studio albums. Many people see him as one of the most important songwriters in British rock music. Many newer artists say he has influenced their music.

Gallagher started playing guitar when he was twelve. At 21, he worked for the band Inspiral Carpets, helping them with their equipment. He found out his younger brother Liam had joined a band called The Rain, which later became Oasis. Liam asked Noel to be their manager. Noel said no at first. But he agreed to join the band if he could be in charge of their music and write all their songs. He also became their lead guitarist.

Oasis' first album, Definitely Maybe (1994), was a huge success. Their second album, (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995), topped the charts in many countries. Their third album, Be Here Now (1997), sold faster than any other album in UK chart history at the time. Oasis' time was known for some disagreements, especially between Noel and Liam. They also had a well-known rivalry with another band called Blur. Many people saw Noel Gallagher as a leader of the Britpop music movement.

Early life and learning music

Cranwell Drive in Burnage, where the Gallaghers lived

Noel Thomas David Gallagher was born on 29 May 1967 in Manchester, England. His parents, Peggy and Thomas Gallagher, were from Ireland. He has two brothers, Paul and Liam. When Liam was born in 1972, the family moved to Burnage, a suburb of Manchester. Noel had to share a bedroom with Liam.

Noel's mother, Peggy, separated from his father in 1976 and left him in 1982. She raised her three sons by herself. As teenagers, the Gallagher brothers often skipped school. Noel was expelled from school at 15. He said it was for throwing a "flour bomb" at a teacher, but he claims he didn't do it.

During this time, Noel started to teach himself guitar. His mother gave him the guitar. He played his favorite songs from the radio. He was especially inspired when the Smiths played "This Charming Man" on TV in 1983. He later said he wanted to be like their guitarist, Johnny Marr.

As teenagers, Noel and Liam worked in construction. Noel later got a job at another building company. He hurt his foot, so he was given an easier job in the company's storage room. This gave him more time to practice guitar and write songs. He said he wrote at least three songs for the album Definitely Maybe in that storage room, including "Live Forever". He called the storage room "The Hit Hut". Noel is left-handed, but he plays the guitar right-handed.

In 1988, Noel met Graham Lambert from the band Inspiral Carpets. Noel became a regular at their shows. When their singer left, Noel tried out to be the new singer but didn't get the part. Instead, he became part of the band's road crew for two years. He became friends with their sound engineer, Mark Coyle, because they both loved the Beatles.

Music career

Oasis years

In 1991, Noel came back from a tour with Inspiral Carpets. He found out his brother Liam was singing in a local band called the Rain. Noel watched them play but wasn't very impressed. Liam asked Noel to be their manager. Noel said he would join the band only if he could write all their songs and be in charge of their music. He told them, "Let me write your songs and I'll take you to superstardom, or else you'll rot here in Manchester." Because he was in charge in the early years, people called him "The Chief."

In May 1993, the band heard that a record executive from Creation Records would be looking for new bands in Glasgow. They found enough money to rent a van and drove six hours to get there. When they arrived, they were almost not allowed in because the venue didn't know Oasis was added to the show. But they managed to play a short set of four songs. The founder of Creation Records, Alan McGee, was very impressed.

McGee then signed Oasis to a six-album deal. Noel later said he only had six songs written at that time. Oasis' first single, "Supersonic", came out in early 1994. It reached No. 31 on the UK charts. Their first album, Definitely Maybe, was released in August 1994. It was a big success and became the fastest-selling first album in British history at the time.

Even with their growing fame, Noel briefly left Oasis in 1994 during their first American tour. He felt the conditions were not good, and the American audience didn't seem to understand the band's music. There were also some disagreements between him and Liam. Noel flew to San Francisco without telling anyone. During this time, he wrote "Talk Tonight" as a thank you to a girl who helped him. He was found by someone from Creation Records, and Noel decided to continue with the band. He made up with Liam, and the tour continued.

Noel Gallagher playing a special Sheraton guitar with a Union Jack flag design in 1995.

In 1995, Oasis had their first UK number-one single with "Some Might Say". This came before their second album, (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, released later that year. This album became the second fastest-selling album ever in the UK.

Noel and Liam became famous for their fun and exciting lives. Noel spent a lot of money, buying cars and a swimming pool, even though he can't drive or swim! He named his house in London "Supernova Heights" after their song "Champagne Supernova". He also named his two cats "Benson" and "Hedges" after his favorite cigarettes.

Oasis had even more success with their next two singles, "Wonderwall" and "Don't Look Back in Anger". "Wonderwall" reached number two, and "Don't Look Back in Anger" reached number one. Noel originally wanted to sing "Wonderwall," but Liam sang it. So, Noel sang "Don't Look Back in Anger" instead.

Noel started working with other artists like the Chemical Brothers and Paul Weller. He became very influential. An article in NME magazine in 1996 said that if Noel Gallagher liked a band, they were sure to become more famous and sell more records.

In August 1996, Oasis played two huge concerts at Knebworth. They played to over 250,000 fans. After the worldwide success of Morning Glory?, their album Be Here Now (1997) was highly anticipated. Noel wrote all the songs on this album. It sold 813,000 copies in seven days, breaking records. However, Noel later said that selling many records doesn't always mean the music is good.

Noel Gallagher performing with Oasis in 2005.

In 1997, Noel was criticized for going to a party at 10 Downing Street, hosted by the new Prime Minister, Tony Blair. This made some people feel he was no longer a "working class hero."

In 1999, the band's rhythm guitarist, Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, and bassist, Paul McGuigan, left the band. For their fourth album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, only Noel, Liam, and drummer Alan White recorded the songs. Noel played all the guitar parts. After recording, Gem Archer joined as the new guitarist, and Andy Bell joined as the bassist.

Noel also started his own record label, Sour Mash Records, in 2001. In 2003, he received songwriting credit for Girls Aloud's song "Life Got Cold" because its guitar part was similar to "Wonderwall".

In 2007, Noel joined Oasis to receive the "Outstanding Contribution to Music" Award at the Brit Awards 2007. The band recorded their seventh album between 2007 and 2008. In March 2009, a selection of Noel's live acoustic performances was released as an album called The Dreams We Have as Children.

On 28 August 2009, Noel Gallagher left Oasis after a disagreement with his brother, Liam. He announced his departure on the band's website. However, the band announced a reunion world tour in August 2024.

Solo career with High Flying Birds

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds performing in March 2012.

Noel's first concerts without Oasis were in March 2010 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. He played mostly acoustic songs, including Oasis tracks and B-sides. He was joined by musicians he had worked with before.

On 10 February 2011, Noel said he had not yet started his first solo album. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds released their first album, also called Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, on 17 October 2011. He started touring in Dublin on 23 October 2011. The band included David McDonnell (guitar), Russell Pritchard (bass), Mikey Rowe (keyboards), and Jeremy Stacey (drums). Tim Smith later replaced McDonnell.

Noel Gallagher during FIB 2015.

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds released their second album, Chasing Yesterday, on 2 March 2015. In 2016, Noel helped write a song called "Birth of an Accidental Hipster" for the Monkees. In June 2015, he confirmed he was working on a third High Flying Birds album, which was named Who Built the Moon? and released on 27 November 2017. In September 2017, Noel and his band headlined a benefit concert called "We Are Manchester" to celebrate the reopening of Manchester Arena after a terrorist attack.

In 2019, the band released two EPs: "Black Star Dancing" and "This Is The Place." Noel also toured the United States with The Smashing Pumpkins. In November 2019, he released a new single, "Wandering Star," for his EP "Blue Moon Rising."

On 29 April 2021, Noel announced his band's first greatest hits album, Back the Way We Came: Vol. 1 (2011–2021). It included 16 old songs and two new ones. It was released on 11 June 2021 and became Noel's 12th UK number-one album.

In January 2023, Noel announced his fourth studio album with the High Flying Birds, titled Council Skies, which was released on 2 June. The album was inspired by his early life and roots in Manchester. In February 2023, he announced a North American tour with Garbage (band). An autumn UK arena tour was announced in March 2023.

Other projects and collaborations

In April 2009, Noel Gallagher and Russell Brand hosted a radio show together. They also hosted another show in March 2013 for Teenage Cancer Trust. Noel has also filled in as a radio host on other shows.

In March 2017, Damon Albarn's animated band Gorillaz released a song called "We Got the Power" which featured Noel Gallagher singing backing vocals.

In January 2024, Noel shared plans to record a new, fully acoustic album, but later decided not to. He also co-wrote three songs and provided backing vocals and guitar for The Black Keys' 2024 album Ohio Players.

Personal life

Relationships and family

Noel Gallagher was engaged to his girlfriend Diane at 18, but they never married. In 1988, he moved in with Louise Jones, who he called his "soulmate." He wrote the song "Slide Away" for her. They broke up in 1994.

In June 1997, Noel married Meg Mathews in Las Vegas. They had a daughter, Anaïs Gallagher, on 27 January 2000. They divorced in January 2001.

Noel then started a relationship with Sara MacDonald. He wrote "Waiting for the Rapture" about meeting her. They have two sons: Donovan Rory MacDonald Gallagher (born 2007) and Sonny Patrick MacDonald Gallagher (born 2010). They got married on 18 June 2011. His friend Russell Brand was the best man. In January 2023, they announced they were separating after 11 years of marriage. Noel said that people in their 50s often reach a point where they go their separate ways.

Noel is friends with many other musicians and famous people, including Richard Ashcroft, Paul Weller, Johnny Depp, and Kate Moss.

Other interests

Noel Gallagher is a big fan of Manchester City F.C., a football team. He said he "cried like a baby" when they won the 2011–12 Premier League. After home matches, Manchester City often plays the Oasis song "Wonderwall", which Noel wrote.

Noel's parents were Irish immigrants, and he identifies as Irish. He supports the Irish national football team and has said he doesn't feel "to be English at all." He also supports the Scottish football team Celtic F.C..

Noel has said he doesn't believe in "God or an all-guiding force." However, many of his songs mention God or have biblical references.

In 2012, Noel Gallagher was chosen by artist Sir Peter Blake to appear in a new version of his famous artwork, the cover of the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album. This celebrated British cultural figures.

Songwriting and guitar playing

Style and abilities

Noel Gallagher was the main songwriter for Oasis. He wrote all the songs on the band's first three albums. He has talked about his musical skills, saying he has a certain style and can't control what he writes. He feels he is not skilled enough to try all kinds of music. He wishes he could write like other famous musicians but says he just writes songs that feel real to him.

Comparing himself to other guitarists, Noel said he is "average at best" compared to his friends Johnny Marr and Paul Weller, who he sees as very talented. Paul Weller described Noel's guitar playing as "rudimentary," meaning basic. But he added that Noel is very good at putting chords together and has a unique style in his rhythm playing.

Noel has said he sometimes doesn't understand his own lyrics. In 2005, he said, "When I'm halfway through 'Don't Look Back in Anger' I say to myself, 'I still don't know what these words mean!'" He later added that he doesn't care what they mean, as long as people seem to understand them. He has also stated that he is dyslexic, which makes his songwriting process slower. He cannot read or write music notation.

Changes in the band

Noel Gallagher's role as the main songwriter for Oasis changed over time. He allowed other band members to write more songs. For example, the album Standing on the Shoulder of Giants included the first song written by his brother Liam. Later albums, like Heathen Chemistry and Don't Believe the Truth, included more songs from Liam, Gem Archer, and Andy Bell.

On the last Oasis albums, Noel sang lead vocals more often. This was partly to make up for him writing fewer songs, which sometimes caused tension with Liam.

Zak Starkey, the son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, became the new drummer for Oasis during the recording of Don't Believe the Truth. Noel joked that he was the best drummer in the group himself.

Musical equipment

Noel Gallagher playing a Martin acoustic guitar in Rome in 2012.

Noel Gallagher has a large collection of guitars, effect pedals, and amplifiers. He often changes his equipment. For the album Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, he decided to try new things. He bought "loads of really weird pedals, old guitars, and small amps."

Guitars

Electric guitars

• Epiphone Les Paul – He used a cherry sunburst model in the early days of Oasis.
• Gibson Les Paul – Johnny Marr from the Smiths gave Noel a sunburst Les Paul. When that one was destroyed, Marr gave him another Les Paul.
• Fender Telecaster – Noel uses several of these. Johnny Depp gave him a '60s model as a birthday present.
• Epiphone Casino
• Gibson ES-355 Vintage Model – This has been his main guitar for live shows since 2001.
• Epiphone Sheraton – Noel used two of these. One had a Union Jack flag painted on it, which Epiphone later sold as a special model called 'Supernova'.

Effect pedals

In the very early days of Oasis, Noel didn't use many pedals. He just turned his amplifiers up very loud. Since then, he has started using many effects. He especially likes the Ibanez Tube Screamer.

Amplifiers

Noel used large 100-watt Marshalls at the start of his career. After Definitely Maybe, he began using smaller amplifiers. He likes Fenders (like the Princeton and Bandmaster) and also a special amplifier made by Clark Amplification. When recording What's the Story Morning Glory?, he also used Orange and Vox amps. Orange even made a custom amplifier for Noel.

Discography

Solo albums

Live albums

• The Dreams We Have as Children – Live at the Royal Albert Hall (2009)

Other songs and appearances

Songs that charted (Live performances)

As a featured artist

As a session musician (playing on other artists' songs)

• 1995: Stanley Road by Paul Weller, acoustic guitar on "I Walk on Gilded Splinters"
• 1998: Saturnz Return by Goldie, guitar on "Temper Temper"
• 2000: Tailgunner by Tailgunner, drums
• 2001: The Same Old Blues by Proud Mary, production, plus additional vocals, guitars, bass and percussion
• 2002: Illumination by Paul Weller, drums, percussion & bass on "One X One"
• 2003: Polaris by North Mississippi Allstars, vocals on "One To Grow On" & "Polaris"
• 2003: Live at the Royal Albert Hall by the Who, guitar, backing vocals on "Won't Get Fooled Again"
• 2004: Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned by the Prodigy, bass on "Shoot Down"
• 2004: All Years Leaving by the Stands, guitar on "Some Weekend Night"
• 2008: 22 Dreams by Paul Weller, bass, piano, mellotron and Wurlitzer on "Echoes Round the Sun"
• 2011: Colour of the Trap by Miles Kane, backing vocals on "My Fantasy"
• 2015: A Head Full Of Dreams by Coldplay, guitar on "Up&Up"
• 2017: "We Got the Power" by Gorillaz, additional vocals
• 2018: True Meanings by Paul Weller, pump organ
• 2020: Walls by Louis Tomlinson, writing credits on "Walls"
• 2020: Where's My Family Gone? by Andrew Cushin, production, guitar, bass, keys, backing vocals on "Where's My Family Gone?"
• 2024: Ohio Players by The Black Keys, co-writer and backing vocalist on "On The Game" (also electric guitarist), "Love Only Matters" and "You'll Pay".

Other music projects

• 2011: Well ... All Right! – a collection of songs chosen by Noel Gallagher, released with Mojo magazine

Oasis albums

• Definitely Maybe (1994)
• (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
• Be Here Now (1997)
• Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000)
• Heathen Chemistry (2002)
• Don't Believe the Truth (2005)
• Dig Out Your Soul (2008)

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds albums

• Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds (2011)
• Chasing Yesterday (2015)
• Who Built the Moon? (2017)
• Council Skies (2023)

Images for kids

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  Cranwell Drive in Burnage, where the Gallaghers lived

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  Noel Gallagher playing a special Epiphone Sheraton guitar with a Union Jack flag design in 1995.

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  Noel Gallagher performing with Oasis in 2005.

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  Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds performing in March 2012.

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  Noel Gallagher during FIB 2015.

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  Noel Gallagher playing a Martin acoustic guitar in Rome in 2012.

See also

In Spanish: Noel Gallagher para niños