Photo: Wenn
Noel Gallagher has dismissed the idea of Taylor Swift as a songwriter and the concept of Alt-J because of Gus Unger-Hamilton's moustache.
In a typically wide-ranging interview with Rolling Stone, the notoriously sharp-tongued Gallagher smacked down the idea of Swift as anything other than a pop singer. Following a question from the interviewer - "What about Taylor Swift? She's a pop star, but many people praise her talent as a songwriter" - Gallagher proceeded to laugh out loud before cuttingly saying: "Who said that? Her parents?"
The interviewer tells Gallagher that in fact lots of people think Swift is a good songwriter, which prompts him to then ask: "Who's 'people'? Name these people. You're fucking lying. She seems like a nice girl, but no one has ever said those words, and you fucking know it."
Gallagher may be struggling to appreciate Swift partly down to his central beliefs about pop. He describes modern pop as "bland nonsense" and refuses to acknowledge those who don't write their own songs.
Gallagher also decided to take down Alt-J, despite downloading their track 'Left Hand Free': "Alt-J can fuck right off as far as I'm concerned. It's a great tune, and I paid 79 pence for it, but I am in no way a fan of Alt-J." His main point of concern: "One of them's got a moustache, and that's unacceptable."
Noel Gallagher's impressive second album with High Flying Birds, Chasing Yesterday is now streaming online. It's the highest compliment to say that it is as entertaining as Gallagher's recent press campaign. Highlights have included complaining about Beyonce, complaining about Ocado, saying he would rather 'drink petrol' than read an Alex Turner interview.
Despite recently announcing "It doesn't look like I'm playing Glastonbury" Gallagher is still among the rumoured acts to top the bill at the festival this year. He is also headlining London's Calling Festival and will appear at T In The Park.
Gallagher's other upcoming UK tour dates are below. For tickets and information, visit here.
Belfast, Odyssey Arena (March 3)
Dublin, 3 Arena (4)
Nottingham, Capital FM Arena (6)
Glasgow, The SSE Hydro (7)
Manchester, Arena, (9)
London, O2 Arena (10)
