Oasis rocker Liam Gallagher recently responded to a fan who wrote about the legendary rivalry between Oasis and Blur. He wrote that Oasis was better than Blur to which Liam replied.
Liam Gallagher responds
Here is what he wrote:
“Blur we’re on there way out until we came along and made them relevant by giving them shit if it wasn’t for us they’d have been dropped”
Blur we’re on there way out until we came along and made them relevant by giving them shit if it wasn’t for us they’d have been dropped
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) September 11, 2024
Oasis vs Blur
Oasis vs Blur, dubbed ‘The Battle of Britpop’ is a documented rivalry in the Britpop scene. Nearly 30 years ago, the legendary chart battle between the two bands dominated headlines and became one of the most memorable moments in British music history. “The Big Chart Showdown,” this clash in August 1995 wasn’t just about record sales—it symbolized the division of two cultural forces in the Britpop movement.
On one side, it was Oasis, the brash, working-class band from Manchester, whose raw, anthemic sound captured the spirit of rock rebellion. On the other side was Blur, a more polished, art school-inspired group from London, representing a refined, witty take on British life.
The chart battle came to a head when both bands released singles on the same day. Oasis put out “Roll With It,” while Blur released “Country House.” Blur’s decision to move their release date to directly compete with Oasis was a bold move, and it ignited an intense media frenzy. Fans and the music press took sides, with each band representing a different slice of British youth culture.
At the time, both bands were at pivotal points in their careers. Blur had already seen massive success with their 1994 album Parklife, solidifying their place in British rock. Oasis, meanwhile, was riding high on the success of their debut album Definitely Maybe, and their much-anticipated second album, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, was just around the corner.
A Friendly Rivalry Turns Competitive
The rivalry took a more competitive turn when Oasis scored their first No. 1 hit with “Some Might Say” in the spring of 1995. According to Blur frontman Damon Albarn, he had an encounter with Liam Gallagher, where Liam gleefully taunted him with the words, “Number fuckin’ One!” This exchange marked a turning point, as the once-friendly rivalry began to heat up.
In the end, Blur won the chart battle, with “Country House” selling 274,000 copies compared to Oasis’s 216,000 for “Roll With It.” However, while Blur claimed victory in the short-term, Oasis soon followed with the massive success of (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, which became one of the best-selling albums in British history.
Over the years, the rivalry between Oasis and Blur mellowed as both bands faced their own challenges and successes. While the chart battle may be long behind them, its impact on the Britpop movement remains immortal. The Oasis vs. Blur showdown not only defined an era but also sparked a global interest in British music, creating a lasting legacy for both bands.
