Oasis‘ Noel Gallagher walked onto a Manchester stage Saturday night and walked off with the BRIT Award for Songwriter of the Year. What ITV viewers didn’t hear was the full, unfiltered version of his speech.
The 47th annual BRIT Awards made history by leaving London for the first time, landing in Gallagher’s hometown on February 28. Before the ceremony even began, it was announced that the former Oasis guitarist had won the songwriting honour, previously handed to the likes of Ed Sheeran, RAYE and Charli XCX.
The award was presented by Bobby Gillespie, frontman of Primal Scream, and included a surprise video message from Pep Guardiola, manager of Gallagher’s beloved Manchester City.
Taking the mic, Noel opened with gratitude and classic bite.
“I’ve gotta thank my brother, and Bonehead, Guigsy, Tony McCarroll, Alan White, Gem and Andy,” he said, crediting his bandmates for bringing the songs to life. “Without them, I’d just be a singer-songwriter — and no-one gives a shit about singer-songwriters.”
That line didn’t survive the ITV edit.
He pivoted to the fans who’ve kept those anthems alive for 35 years, thanking them for “the most extraordinary life,” before signing off with a hometown salute: “Have a great night. Up the fucking Blues.”
All hail the greatest songwriter this country has ever seen since Lennon n McCartney ps my name is liam x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) February 28, 2026
Brother Liam Gallagher wasn’t in the room, but he was watching.
BRITs organizers said Gallagher was chosen because his work has “permeated the fabric of British culture for over 30 years.” Critics were quick to point out he hasn’t released new material in the past year.
Earlier this month on talkSPORT, Noel shrugged it off.
“I haven’t written a song for two years. I’m not sure how I’ve got away with that one but I’ll take it,” he said, before challenging any “wet wipes songwriting teams” to settle it on the red carpet.
Meanwhile, Olivia Dean dominated the BRITS, collecting four trophies including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year.
Manchester got its moment. Noel got his statue. And ITV got the edit button working overtime.
In your mind, who is today’s best songwriter?
