Wonderbrawl

Noel Gallagher seems to think so. In an open letter to fans posted on the band’s Web site Saturday, London time, Gallagher said the “verbal and violent intimidation” has caused him to quit the Britpop group.

The latest blowup between the brothers erupted Friday night minutes before the band was to perform at the Rock en Seine in Paris when younger brother Liam said he wasn’t feeling well. According to the Times of London, sources close to the band said the brothers began fighting and Liam picked up one of Noel’s guitars and smashed it on the floor.

Amy Macdonald was also performing at the festival, and shortly after 9 p.m. Paris time the Scottish singer Twittered, “Oasis canceled with one minute to stage time. Liam smashed Noel’s guitar, huge fight.”

Minutes later a festival organizer told the crowd that “the group no longer exists” and had canceled the remaining European tour dates.

A couple hours later Noel posted the following:

“It’s with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight. People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.

“Apologies to all the people who bought tickets for the shows in Paris, Konstanz and Milan.”

What happened?

Apparently the latest bickering between the brothers has been going on for quite some time, with Liam saying during a recent interview that he and his sibling hadn’t spoken for months and only saw each other onstage.

There are also reports that Noel had become increasingly upset over his brother’s alleged erratic behavior, including not taking care of his voice, according to The Times which attributed the information to band insiders.

Last week the band canceled its appearance at Britain’s V Festival, claiming Liam was suffering from viral laryngitis. The younger Gallagher later posted a message on the band’s Web site saying he didn’t “feel too clever. Outrageous stomach ache.”

However, on Saturday Noel said he was ready to play V Fest, but others weren’t quite up to snuff.

“I was match fit and ready to be brilliant. Alas, other people in the group weren’t up to it.”

What will happen now? This isn’t the first time one of the Gallagher brothers has quit Oasis, leading to talk of the band’s demise. But whether the latest split will stick depends on whom you talk to.

For example, band biographer Paolo Hewitt said he believed the split was permanent, saying it was “overdue,” and that the band wasn’t “anywhere near where they were 15 years ago.’

But longtime band publicist Johnny Hopkins is somewhat optimistic.

“Is it really the end?” Hopkins said. “It is provocative for Liam to break Noel’s guitar, but I would be very surprised if they don’t get back together in the near future.”

Click here for the Oasis Web site.

Click here for the complete Times Of London article.

And don’t forget to answer our “Has Oasis broken up for good” poll located on the right side of the Pollstar homepage.