The much missed music journalist Neil Kulkarni despised Oasis, the Gallagher brothers and everything they stand for. To understand how contemptible they are and how overhyped the corporate media have made them, Neil Kulkarni should be given a loud voice from beyond the grave. Hearing that they are to reform, it can only be surmised that he would be spinning at a velocity that would make the speed of light combust with envy.
Noel and Liam Gallagher, the tempestuous brothers behind Oasis, have long been significant cultural figures in the UK. Known for their blunt attitudes and potent blend of rock and roll bravado, the Gallaghers have also been linked to controversies involving homophobia, racism, and an unsettling appeal to nationalist elements within British society. Over the years, they have garnered support from various groups, including Reform Party voters and flag-wavers—those often associated with nationalist and right-wing ideologies. However, their influence has not gone without critique, particularly from Neil Kulkarni, a respected music journalist, whose observations provided a sharp lens through which to examine the brothers’ impact.
This article explores how the Gallaghers’ controversial statements, coupled with their appeal to nationalist and right-wing audiences, influence British culture, with particular emphasis on Kulkarni’s critiques.
A flavour of just some of the homophobic, racist and other prejudiced public comments and behaviour attributed to the Gallagher brothers:
Homophobia
- Q Awards (2000): Liam Gallagher heckled Robbie Williams by calling him “Queer!” and Kylie Minogue “Lesbian!” during the event. This incident was widely reported and remains one of the most notorious examples of Liam’s use of homophobic slurs in public.
- Twitter (2016): Liam Gallagher referred to Russian football hooligans as “batty boys” on Twitter. The term is a derogatory slur used against gay men and was criticised for its homophobic nature.
- Twitter (2018): Liam used the term “bum chums” to insult his brother Noel, as well as musicians Johnny Marr and Paul Weller. The phrase is another homophobic slur, reinforcing negative stereotypes about gay relationships.
- Noel Gallagher on Boy George (1996): In an interview, Noel referred to Boy George using a homophobic slur, mocking his sexuality in a derogatory manner.
Racism
- Liam Gallagher in Beijing (2017): During a concert in Beijing, Liam was accused of mocking the local Chinese audience with a fake accent, which was seen as racially insensitive and disrespectful towards Chinese people.
- Noel Gallagher on Hip-Hop (2008): Noel criticised the choice of Jay-Z as a headliner for Glastonbury, suggesting that hip-hop, a predominantly Black music genre, did not belong at the traditionally rock-oriented festival. This comment was perceived as racially insensitive and dismissive of non-white cultures.
- Noel Gallagher on Hip-Hop (2019): Although Noel had softened his stance by the time Stormzy headlined Glastonbury, his earlier comments still lingered in the public consciousness as indicative of a dismissive attitude towards Black music and culture.
Anti-Woke/Prejudiced Comments
- Noel Gallagher on Political Correctness: Noel has frequently criticised what he perceives as excessive political correctness, mocking concepts like “safe spaces” and dismissing progressive movements as overblown. His rhetoric often aligns with anti-woke sentiments, appealing to those who oppose modern social justice movements.
- Noel Gallagher on Cancel Culture: Noel has expressed his disdain for cancel culture, framing it as an attack on free speech. His comments often suggest that people should be able to speak their minds without fear of backlash, positioning him against the progressive push for accountability in public discourse.
- Noel Gallagher on Labour Leaders (2015): Noel described the then Labour leader Ed Miliband as a “fucking communist,” and later made similar remarks about Jeremy Corbyn, reflecting his disdain for leftist politics and his alignment with more conservative, anti-progressive ideologies.
Oasis and the Gallagher Brothers: Cultural Icons with a Dark Side
Oasis, the band that defined Britpop in the 1990s, was fronted by the Gallagher brothers, who swiftly became icons of working-class pride and British identity. Their music resonated with a generation of young people disillusioned by economic decline imposed by the Conservatives up until 1997, and their abrasive, no-holds-barred public personas often courted controversy. Homophobia, racism, and a particular brand of nationalism have tarnished their legacy, yet these very issues have also helped them secure a loyal following among certain segments of the British population.
Homophobia and Racism: Persistent Controversies
Both Noel and Liam Gallagher have faced criticism for making homophobic and racist remarks throughout their careers. These incidents, while damaging their reputation among many, have also endeared them to those who either share or are willing to overlook such views, including certain nationalist and right-wing groups. Neil Kulkarni’s critiques of the Gallaghers offer valuable insights into how their behaviour and attitudes resonate with their audience and impact the broader cultural landscape.
Kulkarni’s Critique of Gallagher Racism
Neil Kulkarni, a music journalist known for his critical perspective and willingness to challenge the status quo, has been particularly vocal about the Gallagher brothers’ impact on British culture. In his critiques, Kulkarni has highlighted the troubling ways in which the Gallaghers’ behaviour reflects and perpetuates broader societal issues of racism and xenophobia. He has noted that their remarks and attitudes often resonate with a segment of the population that feels left behind by modern Britain, particularly those who are drawn to nationalist and anti-immigrant sentiments.
Kulkarni has argued that the Gallaghers’ casual racism, such as Liam’s use of racial slurs and Noel’s dismissive comments about non-white cultures, is not just a reflection of personal ignorance but a symptom of a larger cultural malaise. He contends that their influence reinforces the idea that racism and xenophobia can be excused or overlooked, particularly when it comes from public figures with a certain level of cultural clout.
The Appeal to Reform Voters and Flag-Wavers
The Gallagher brothers have built a brand that resonates with a particular subset of the British population: those who feel disillusioned with the political establishment and are drawn to nationalist ideologies. This demographic includes many Reform Party voters and flag-wavers, who advocate for a return to a more traditional, homogeneous British identity, often at the expense of multiculturalism and progressive social policies.
Working-Class Authenticity and National Pride
The Gallaghers’ working-class roots have been a significant factor in their appeal to these groups. Raised in Manchester, a city that has seen significant economic decline, the brothers have always been vocal about their working-class identity, which resonates with many who feel that their class has been marginalised by the political elite. Neil Kulkarni has observed that this connection to the working class is a crucial part of their appeal, even as it is complicated by their willingness to indulge in behaviours and rhetoric that align with regressive ideologies.
Their use of the Union Jack and references to British culture in their music and public appearances also contribute to their appeal to flag-wavers. The Union Jack, which has been a recurring symbol in Oasis’s branding, serves as a powerful emblem for those who feel a deep sense of national pride, often intertwined with a desire to protect a perceived traditional British way of life from the influences of globalisation and immigration.
Nationalism and Xenophobia
Liam Gallagher’s racially insensitive comments and Noel’s dismissive attitude towards non-British cultures have often aligned them with nationalist sentiments, even if unintentionally. Kulkarni has criticised the brothers for their role in perpetuating a narrow, exclusionary vision of British identity. He argues that their casual racism and xenophobia are symptomatic of a deeper, more insidious problem within British society, where such attitudes are not only tolerated but sometimes celebrated, particularly by those who view multiculturalism as a threat.
Kulkarni’s observations highlight how the Gallaghers’ rhetoric, especially when it comes to issues of race and national identity, plays into the hands of nationalist groups. Their appeal to these groups is not just a byproduct of their working-class background but a result of their willingness to engage in and perpetuate divisive, exclusionary rhetoric.
Anti-Establishment Sentiment
Both Noel and Liam have expressed disdain for the political and cultural establishment, a sentiment that resonates deeply with Reform voters and flag-wavers. Their anti-establishment rhetoric positions them as rebels against political correctness, a stance that appeals to those who feel silenced or marginalised by the mainstream media and political discourse. The irony of course is that no matter how much nationalists abuse the establishment media, they still lap up much of what they publish.
Neil Kulkarni’s Broader Critique
Neil Kulkarni’s critiques extend beyond the Gallaghers themselves to the broader cultural and political environment that allows figures like them to thrive. He argues that the Gallaghers’ influence is symptomatic of a larger issue within British society, where racism, homophobia, and nationalism are often excused or overlooked when they come from beloved public figures. Kulkarni warns that this creates a dangerous precedent, where cultural icons are allowed to perpetuate harmful ideologies without facing significant consequences.
Kulkarni also emphasises the responsibility of artists and public figures to use their platforms to challenge, rather than reinforce, societal prejudices. In his view, the Gallaghers have largely failed in this regard, choosing instead to pander to the basest instincts of their audience. This, he argues, not only diminishes their artistic legacy but also contributes to a more divided and intolerant society.
Impact and Implications
The Gallagher brothers’ appeal to Reform voters and flag-wavers, coupled with their history of controversial remarks, has significant implications for their legacy and influence in British culture. While they continue to enjoy a devoted fanbase, their association with nationalist and right-wing elements has complicated their public image and alienated many who once admired them.
Cultural Division and Responsibility
The Gallaghers’ divisive rhetoric reflects and exacerbates the deep cultural and political divisions within the UK. Neil Kulkarni’s critiques underscore the importance of holding public figures accountable for the impact of their words and actions. He argues that the Gallaghers’ willingness to indulge in racist and homophobic rhetoric has not only harmed their legacy but also contributed to a more polarised and intolerant society.
Simon Price in The Guardian remembers.
‘One of the most striking examples of this occurred at the Q Awards in 2000. I’ll never forget being present when Liam Gallagher repeatedly heckled Robbie Williams with “Queer!” and Kylie Minogue with “Lesbian!” as the assembled music business and media tittered nervously, reluctant to kill the goose that laid the golden egg. It’s one of the ugliest scenes I’ve ever witnessed. This wasn’t a one-off either. In 2016, on Twitter, he called Russian football hooligans “batty boys,” and in 2018 used another homophobic slur, “bum chums,” against Noel, Johnny Marr, and Paul Weller.’
‘Noel, too, has repeatedly expressed prehistoric views, complaining about a hip-hop artist, Jay-Z, headlining Glastonbury in 2008 (though he’d softened his stance by the time Stormzy headlined in 2019), and describing the then Labour leader, Ed Miliband—yes, Ed Miliband—as a “fucking communist” in 2015, and later Jeremy Corbyn in similar terms.’
These incidents, among others, show the extent to which the Gallaghers’ rhetoric has alienated many, while simultaneously galvanising those who see such language as a stand against what they perceive as the excesses of “woke” culture.
The Role of the Media
Kulkarni has also critiqued the role of the media in shaping public perception of the Gallaghers. He argues that the British press has often downplayed or excused the brothers’ controversial behaviour, contributing to a culture of impunity where public figures are not held accountable for their words and actions. This, he suggests, is part of a broader pattern within the media, where the focus on celebrity and entertainment often comes at the expense of critical engagement with the social and political implications of public figures’ behaviour.
Noel and Liam Gallagher are undeniably significant figures in British music and culture, but their legacy is marred by a history of homophobia, racism, and an appeal to nationalist and right-wing elements. Neil Kulkarni’s critiques offer a valuable perspective on the broader cultural and political implications of the Gallaghers’ behaviour, highlighting the dangers of allowing public figures to perpetuate harmful ideologies without accountability.
The Gallagher brothers’ influence reflects and reinforces the deep divisions within British society, particularly around issues of race, identity, and nationalism. While they continue to enjoy a loyal following among certain segments of the population, their legacy is complicated by the darker aspects of their rhetoric and the audiences they attract. As cultural icons, they bear a responsibility to challenge, rather than reinforce, the prejudices and divisions within society—a responsibility that they have often failed to meet.
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