For decades, The Beatles have been the benchmark against which nearly every band has been compared. From record sales to cultural impact, their shadow looms large. So when Noel Gallagher once claimed that Oasis were “bigger than The Beatles,” it stirred up the kind of bold statement only Gallagher could make. But how did Paul McCartney himself react to the boast?
Speaking with his trademark humor and humility, McCartney brushed off the claim with a grounded perspective. Rather than taking offense or firing back, he simply pointed out the obvious: Oasis were still an active band at the time, while The Beatles had long since stopped.
“They’re bigger now, because we’re not doing anything,” McCartney quipped.
It was the perfect blend of wit and reality—acknowledging the energy Oasis carried in the ‘90s without conceding to any lasting comparison. After all, Oasis themselves were heavily inspired by The Beatles, a fact Noel and Liam Gallagher never denied.
In the end, McCartney’s response reminded fans why he remains such a respected figure: unbothered by ego, quick with humor, and always aware of the bigger picture. The Beatles don’t need defending—their music, legacy, and influence speak louder than any claim of being “bigger.”
