Interview With Paul Gallagher

Paul Gallagher, Liam and Noel's older bro', has penned his side of the Oasis story in Brothers: from Childhood to Oasis, co-written by Terry Christian.

The book traces the boys' history via recollections from Peggy Gallagher, Paul himself and childhood friends.

On the eve of its publication (Friday 27th September) we spoke to Paul about the lads' relationship with their father, Liam's embarrasiing hip-hop past and what it's like to be referred to as the "older brother".

Why did you write the book?
(Paul)To end tabloid speculation. The other Oasis books are by tour managers or London-based journalists but I'm the only one who knows the full picture.

Was it a cathartic process?
I had to exorcise childhood demons. Our dad wants to contact us now, but he lived half a mile away for 12 years and never called. Liam got the mental abuse as a kid. Noel and I got the physical. I was often punched or kicked in the head.

What's it like having famous brothers?
I don't like being seen as an unofficial spokesman for the band. When Noel quit the tour, I was at a Man City game, and at half time I found myself having to give a press conference to the crowd!

Have you influenced your brothers?
Musically, yes. I always had the cool records, but now they've turned it into their own thing. That bugs me. Noel was never into Weller and Liam was a homeboy without a posse, spinning on his head!

What was Liam like as the kid brother?
He was always grassing me and Noel up. We had to take him everywhere with us , so he's seen more than your average 24-year-old, but he's not so experienced in terms of adult living.

How did you get on with Noel back then?
We didn't get on too well because he was always so moody. I'm very talkative but he'd just lock himself away in his bedroom playing guitar. You'd have to kick his door in to see him.

Are you cashing in on the family name?
No, but a friend was selling his drums and the shop would only buy them if I signed them and said they were mine.

Do you get bizarre requests from fans?
I've had suicide notes from girls who thought Oasis were going to split. Last year I was asked to get hold of Liam and Noel's underpants for a gay convention in Manchester. I said they'd have to make do with a signed album!

How was the book written?
Mostly from memory. I also interviewed my mam one night and she really opened up. I didn't even know half of what she told me. She cried when she'd finished.

Aren't you jealous of Noel and Liam?
No. I hate being called 'the other Gallagher' though. I do have a name!

What else are you working on?
I've just signed up a new band called Wireless. I'm writing a screenplay too.

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