Noel Gallagher's jibe at 'left-wing lesbian atheist'

It seems like a one-sided fight, but Noel Gallagher has slammed Free Fringe comedian Kate Smurthwaite while on stage at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium.

The musician mocked the comedian as a ‘left-wing lesbian atheist’ in front of 67,000 fans – while Smurthwaite’s biggest venue has a capacity of 45.

It came in response to the comic blaming the band for the fact she had to cancel two of her Fringe shows last Wednesday, a couple of days before the band hit town. 

She said that while flyering she encountered ‘big groups of people in Oasis shirts [who] are not interested in my show or anybody else’s.’

And she added: ‘I'm also aware of performers losing their accommodations because landlords have suddenly realised they can make more money by renting the space out to Oasis fans.

‘It's absolutely heart-breaking to be cancelling shows for the first time in ten years at the Edinburgh Fringe.

The story was picked up by the media, who called her a 'left wing, feminist, atheist, polyamorous comedian and activist’ – using the description from her own website.

It prompted the Gallagher brothers  to hit back on stage on the first night of their tour. It has already been reported that Liam, above, branded the Fringe ‘thick shit’, but further footage posted online showed Noel taking aim at Smurthwaite personally, too.

Between songs, he  turns to the crowd and asks: Are there any left-wing lesbian atheists? Can we get a show of hands please? Not f**king one. What kind of culture have we become, eh? Disgraceful, This next song is for all the atheist lesbians.’

Responding to the comments Smurthwaite said:  ‘‘Firstly I’m very flattered by the stadium shout out, I only wish he could have added 7.40pm at the Banshee Labyrinth to his shout-out…

‘Seriously though I think it’s appalling and very typical of our times that he’s jumped into a debate without actually bothering to check the facts. I wasn’t criticising his music or calling for a ban, I was suggesting they could have been more considerate and done the gigs in, say, September. 

‘This would actually have been better for their fans too, since they wouldn’t have been paying inflated Fringe prices for accommodation and struggling to walk up the Royal Mile due to student improv groups and spoken word flyerers. 

‘Also, of course, I’m a feminist, not a lesbian, conflating the two feels like accidental sexism. 

‘Most importantly of all is he suggesting that left wing people, atheists and lesbians are not welcome at his shows? In 2025? Now that IS disgraceful.’

She’s been talking about the incident in her one woman show at Banshee Labyrinth. Severe Lacerations To Head.

Published: 16 Aug 2025