Noel Gallagher, the former guitarist of the English rock band, Oasis, is openly defying U.K. law by refusing to wear his mask, justifying his actions by calling facial covering policies “pointless.”
The frontman for The High Flying Birds was featured on the latest episode of the Matt Morgan podcast as a returning guest, giving his hot take on the pandemic and the enforcement of policies aimed at slowing the virus’ spread. Gallagher incorrectly told Matt Morgan, “It’s not a law. There’s too many f–king liberties being taken away from us now … I choose not to wear one. If I get the virus it’s on me, it’s not on anyone else … it’s a piss-take. There’s no need for it … They’re pointless.”
In reality, U.K. law mandates that all persons must wear a mask or face covering while riding on public transport, attending any concert venues, shopping at retail locations, hotels and any other public centers.
Gallagher disputed the perceived absurdity of mask-wearing by saying, “I was going up to Manchester the other week, and some guy’s going, ‘Can you put your mask on,’ on the train, ‘because the transport police will get on and fine you a thousand pounds. But you don’t have to put it on if you’re eating.’ So I was saying: Oh right, this killer virus that’s sweeping through the train is gonna come and attack me, but see me having a sandwich and go, leave him, he’s having his lunch?” He later added, “Why do you have to wear one when you’re having an f–king haircut, but you don’t have to wear one in the pub?”
The rebellious rocker is not the only star of the U.K. music scene to express these sentiments. Ian Brown of the Stone Roses tweeted: “No lockdown no tests no tracks no masks no vax.” When later questioned about his authority to speak on the subject, Brown said, “To all of you asking about my medical qualifications i have the same as the computer seller bill gates ( biggest funder of the world health organisation)”
The Irish duo Jedward has taken to openly mock Gallagher and Brown in a series of their own tweets. The two aimed a post at Gallagher that had tagged his brother and former bandmate, Liam Gallagher, with the two having a tumultuous relationship at best. The tweet read, “Today is gonna be the day @NoelGallagher That we’re gonna throw it back to you by now you should’ve somehow Realised what you gotta do and Wear a mask because we’re gonna be the ones that save you and all we’re your Wonderwall Raising hands Love Jedward and
@Liamgallagher”
