Noel Gallagher Slams Media Over Russell Brand Resignation

He speaks out...

by Jason Gregory
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Photo by: Neil Lupin
filed in: Indie

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Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher has accused the media of overreacting over a series of prank radio calls which forced comedian Russell Brand to resign from the BBC.

Brand announced late yesterday afternoon that he was leaving the broadcaster because he took “complete responsibility” for four answer phone messages he and Jonathan Ross left on actor Andrew Sachs' telephone.

On one of the messages, which were broadcast on Brand's BBC Radio 2 programme, the comedian claimed he had slept with Sachs' granddaughter.

The pair also joked that the actor might kill himself as a result of the comedian's claim.

'Joyless Fuckers'

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Across The Line, Gallagher, a frequent guest on Brand's show, said the comedian had told him he was “going to fall on his sword” before announcing his decision.

"Personally, I'm outraged that, yet again, the joyless fuckers who write the columns in the Daily Mail, The Telegraph or The Observer have dictated the tone and are telling people how to behave,” Gallagher said.

"I've seen the Daily Mail, they said that Russell should be arrested and charged. Arrested for what? For taking the piss? It's so typical of the English in general. 10,000 people get outraged, but only days after it has happened."

Only two people initially complained to the BBC about the programme, which was aired on October 18th.

Public Outrage

However, that figure has soared since the pair's comments were published in the latest edition of the Mail on Sunday.

Gallagher added: "At worst it was a juvenile prank that wasn't unfunny but it's hardly offensive. I feel bad for Russ, 'cause he really loved doing the show. I loved being on it as well."

Sachs' granddaughter, Georgina Baillie, had led calls for Brand to be dismissed from his job. She has since spoken of her happiness at the comedian's decision.

Ross, who issued a full public apology yesterday, is still suspended by the BBC pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Brand caused controversy last month as host of the MTV Video Music awards in America when he called President George W Bush a “retard”.

Russell Brand at the MTV VMAs

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(24)

Bravo Noel! he has it right at least
~ by Mark 10/30/2008
I agree entire with Noel. (I can't believe I just wrote that.) This whole saga is to do with the wider issue of stupid right wing newspapers who have to suck up to a readership which exists simply of people over the age of 45.
~ by Bob 10/30/2008
Does any one even read the Daily Mail?
~ by Jon 10/30/2008
- Only people like 74-year-old Andrew Sachs
  ~ by Kate 10/30/2008
- its the biggest selling newspaper in the country. somehow...
  ~ by jamiem 10/30/2008
- I thought the sun was the biggest selling paper?
  ~ by Murphy 10/30/2008
- I thought the sun was the biggest selling paper?
  ~ by Murphy 10/30/2008
Oh crap..agreeing with Noel Gallagher...well other than including the Observer. I really, really wish they'd stop quoting any number over 1,500 for complaints. i think for your complaint to count you should have to quote the line that offended you and list one other guest on that shows episode.
~ by JonSebire 10/30/2008
- I've heard the compaints have gone up to 60,000 now ;-)
  ~ by winnet2 10/30/2008
Go Noel!!!!! He is the only person making sense!!!! I wish the media would stop making him out to be some kind of sick crazy person aswell. I listened to his podcast and I LAUGHED
~ by Del 10/30/2008
For once, I actually agree with Noel Gallagher!!
~ by Smeeee 10/30/2008
Noel G is right on!!!
~ by JumpinJack 10/30/2008
Sorry I did laugh at parts of the Russell Brand thing because I appreciate how he gets his laughs - the rude thing is Russell Brand - Jonathan Ross was having a go at Russell's style and they both went a bit far - I think people are jumping on the bandwagon with this abit though - if you don't like Russell Brand or Jonathan Ross don't listen to their stuff!!!!
~ by Zoe :) 10/30/2008
I cannot believe the coverage this is getting. Bored of all the papers going on like RB and JR have raped and pillaged an elderly lady. Wish they'd get a grip and some perpective also. Agree wholeheartedly with Noel.
~ by Abbie 10/30/2008
yeh he is right, from reading different things about this grandaughter she seems like an attention seekin slag anyway so she only made this song and dance over it for publicity. its called comedy and i thought it was hillarious and people should stop taking things so seriously i mean who actually fukin cares really. stupid
~ by john 10/30/2008
If these people (sorry, Daily Mail readers - i don't think they can really be classed as people) actually listen to the broadcast instead of just reading how that piece of crap wanted to write about it they would not have complained. It was funny. If you sleep with Russell brand, then that's your own stupid fault.
~ by Neil 10/30/2008
I agree. It seems to be an opportunity for the Daily Mail to kick the Beeb, where they always seem to have a massive agenda. What's worse is seeing Gordo and Dave get on the band wagon. I would say they should have other more pressing issues. Wasters!
~ by Shoes 10/30/2008
Gallagher and Brand have a lot in common, they're very unpopular.
~ by Jay 10/30/2008
- Arse Wipe
  ~ by Winnet 10/30/2008
I completely agree with Noel. Yet another example of the right wing, gutter press feeding their simpleton readers opinions. Maybe we can all find a witch to burn instead or an asylum seeker to deport. The best radio show is no more, thanks to the mock indignation of 30,000 cardigan wearing fascists. Noone died, move on.
~ by Chris 10/30/2008
Thank God for Noel.He's saying what every right thinking liberally minded normal person is thinkin.Georgina Sachs has shown what type of person she is by doin a kiss and tell story in the Sun.She is outraged tht one of the most promiscious men in the public eye has boasted about sleeping with her?!shes an idiot.i hope she enjoys her15mins of fame and then pisses off into obscurity(like her grandfather?) selling her satanicslut.com brand(no pun intended)as russells star continues to rise
~ by david 10/30/2008
YAY Noely!! Right as always ;) & being a great friend to poor Russ :(
~ by abby 10/30/2008
noel is right. the media=scum
~ by noel 10/30/2008
noel gallagher! man of the people! its fucking absurd the storm that the media whipped up over this,deflecting attention away from REAL matters,its not like the country is slipping into recession or we have any soldiers dying in a foreign land........... this whole world has gone mad,sarah palin as the potential next president of the usa,a comedian hung out to dry for being edgy and keane still releasing records!? wtf gigwise?! WTF!?
~ by googoogajoob 10/30/2008

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