Noel on Politics

Disillusionment with Labour and UK Politics

Noel’s relationship with Labour soured over time. By 2019, he had turned on the party, describing it as "the biggest f**ing disgrace of all."* Speaking to the Big Issue, he criticized their direction, stating, “I don’t see the Labour Party doing anything for the people they claim to represent anymore. They’ve lost their way.”

Gallagher also took aim at former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, calling him “a lunatic” and accusing the party of alienating middle-class voters. Noel’s criticisms extended beyond party politics, as he expressed disdain for the broader state of British leadership, famously quipping, "Our country is run by comedians, and not the funny kind.”

Brexit: From Acceptance to Regret

Initially, Noel appeared to accept the results of the Brexit referendum, taking a pragmatic stance in 2017. In an interview, he dismissed complaints about the result, saying, “You live in a democracy, so f**ing get over it.”* His views, however, evolved as the consequences of Brexit became more apparent.

By 2023, Gallagher described Brexit as an "absolute, unmitigated disaster," pointing to its impact on younger generations. “It’s a mess,” he said in a recent interview. “I feel bad for the kids growing up in this. They’re going to have to deal with this crap for years.”

Gallagher on Musicians and Politics

Noel has often criticized musicians who use their platforms for political grandstanding. He famously took aim at Glastonbury Festival for becoming overly politicized, remarking, “People go to gigs to escape the madness of the world, not to be lectured on it.”

He further elaborated in a 2022 interview, saying, “I’m not here to tell people how to think. I write songs, I play guitar, and that’s what people come to see. Leave the politics to the politicians, as bad as they are.”

On Donald Trump and Global Politics

Gallagher hasn’t held back when commenting on international figures like Donald Trump. In a 2016 interview, he called Trump "a crazy guy with a crazy hairdo," adding, “The world’s gone mad if someone like him is running for president.”

He’s also joked about handling global conflicts, once suggesting he’d deal with Russia’s Vladimir Putin personally if given a chance. In his typically sarcastic style, Noel joked, “If I ever got into politics, my party would be called The After Party. I’d sort out the Russians. Give me five minutes with Putin.”

Cultural Commentary and Populism

Noel’s views on politics often extend into cultural commentary. He has lamented the rise of populism, attributing it to social media’s impact on political discourse. “Everyone’s got an opinion now, and they think they’re right,” he said in a 2020 interview. “It’s exhausting listening to people who don’t know what they’re talking about shout the loudest.”

A Reluctant Political Voice

Despite his sharp observations, Noel is quick to dismiss any notion that he’s a political figure. “I’m not a politician, I’m just a guy with a guitar and some opinions,” he said in 2022. Nevertheless, his willingness to voice his thoughts on topics ranging from Brexit to global leadership has made him a prominent cultural commentator.

Gallagher summed up his approach succinctly: “I don’t care if people agree with me or not. I say what I think, and if you don’t like it, that’s your problem.”

Legacy as a Political Commentator

Noel Gallagher’s political commentary is as unfiltered and provocative as his music. From his early endorsement of New Labour to his sharp critiques of modern politics, he has never hesitated to speak his mind. His views, while polarizing, reflect the authenticity that has defined his career.