Don't look back in anger, Noel

After 16 years as one of Britain's (if not the world's) best-ever rock bands, the end is nigh for Oasis. Noel Gallagher - the driving force behind the group - told fans yesterday that his feud with brother Liam had reached a point of no return.

I've followed Oasis since pretty much the beginning, so I feel some sadness at the decision - though not entirely surprised, as there's been signs of this in the past.

The band's first album, Definitely Maybe, is undoubtedly their best, mainly because it's raw and unpretentious. The follow-up What's the Story (Morning Glory)? spawned Oasis' greatest hits - anthems for a generation.

I've continued to buy their albums, which have been a little hit and miss generally but with some real gems along the way. I wish I'd got to see Oasis live as I understand them to be one of the best touring bands around. Their Electric Proms performance last year was amazing.

Noel is a very talented individual, as a singer, musician and songwriter, and has carried Liam to be fair. Noel will be back as a solo artist: no doubt about that. As for Liam - expect him to drift out of the limelight and probably become quite elusive.

That's the future, but for now, let's celebrate great music of one of the finest bands to come out of this country in the last two decades... definitely (not maybe).

(Photo credit: Silvio Tanaka)