Oasis star hits back over criticism

They have been blamed for exacerbating the Edinburgh Fringe accommodation crisis and driving punters away from festival shows. Now Oasis have responded to the criticism in their usual diplomatic style.

On Friday, Liam Gallagher told the crowd at Murrayfield Stadium:  'What’s happening in Edinburgh then? What’s all that thick shit?

'People juggling fucking bollocks and that? Swallowing swords... one-legged bicycles. What’s all that shit about? Shitty card tricks?’

The singer opened the gig by slamming Edinburgh council over its internal report saying the city would be inundated with ‘lairy’ and drunk ‘older’ fans on the days of the three gigs, which end on Tuesday.

Gallagher told the crowd of 70,000: ‘What about Edinburgh council, the fucking slags? The amount of money we’re going to bring in, they’ll split with their posh, ugly mates. Anyway we’re still waiting for a fucking apology.’

 The  council document assessing the risks of Oasis fans descending on the city centre stated: ‘Concerned about the safety of the Fringe and its performers. Many performers are considering not attending for that weekend.

'There is concern about crowds... as they are already rowdy...  and the tone of the band.’

It even suggested middle-aged men were fatter and so ‘take up more room’, a consideration that should be made when considering bars’ occupancy limits.

Earlier in the week, comic Kate Smurthwaite cancelled two performances, blaming the band for taking away her audience. She said that when she was flyering she saw  ‘big groups of people in Oasis shirts coming past. No interest in hearing about my show or anybody else’s show that was out there’.

Hotels have also hiked their prices for the days the band are in town, adding to the costs of visiting Edinburgh for the festival.

Published: 10 Aug 2025