When it comes to how the public treats rock bands, there’s an unspoken hierarchy. Some artists make people move, while others connect on a much deeper level, creating magic with every release.
Liam Gallagher, never shy about the significance of his own work, once claimed that U2 didn’t deserve the fanbase they have, pointing out their lack of a substantial back catalogue.
Two Different Worlds of Rock
Comparing Oasis and U2 is like looking at two completely different musical philosophies. Both bands were inspired by punk’s energy, but while U2 channeled that aggression into spiritual and often ethereal music, Oasis took a more straightforward, raw approach, dominating the rock world with their no-nonsense attitude.
Liam’s confidence oozed from every note. Whether singing his brother Noel’s songs or his own, Liam embodied the swagger of a rock star in full control. His voice, sharp and unapologetic, pushed the crowd to feel the same.
In contrast, Bono’s style was built on vocal power, his performances often appearing grandiose, especially when singing hits from The Joshua Tree that seemed to promise world-changing moments.
Bono’s Theatrics vs. Oasis’ Authenticity
By the time U2 released Achtung Baby, they had embraced a more theatrical side, with Bono taking on personas like ‘The Fly.’ This shift was a stark contrast to Oasis’ grounded image—Liam and his bandmates dressed like they were walking off the street, while Bono’s dramatic flair likely wouldn’t sit well with the Gallagher brothers, especially Liam.
Even when Oasis stepped aside and Liam embarked on a solo career, he took shots at U2.
While discussing his track ‘You Better Run,’ Liam singled out the Irish band, saying: “I look at the likes of U2… they were going, ‘We’re coming back to claim rock’n’roll.’ For me, they haven’t written any masterpieces. For a band that big, with all the resources they’ve got, they should be writing masterpieces.”
Punching Down on U2
Liam’s criticism of U2 might have been easier to throw in the 2010s than it was in the 1990s. By then, Oasis had cemented themselves as legends with classics like What’s the Story Morning Glory, while U2’s Songs of… albums, including Songs of Surrender, seemed more self-righteous. Reinterpreting their older material felt too much like preaching, something Gallagher had no patience for.
While U2 might focus on grand themes and global issues, Liam Gallagher’s approach is much more direct. For him, life is too short to preserve a legacy meticulously.
Instead, his music is about addressing the present, giving fans what they need right now without the sermon.
A Clash of Rock Philosophies
At the end of the day, Liam Gallagher and U2 represent two sides of rock music: the raw, unfiltered confidence of Oasis versus the polished, world-changing ambition of U2.
Whether fans prefer the swaggering honesty of Gallagher or the anthemic optimism of Bono, the debate between the two will always fuel rock ‘n’ roll’s most intense conversations.
