Noel Gallagher 'quitting Oasis'
Noel and Liam Gallagher, Oasis
In the past, relations between the two brothers have been tempestuous
Noel Gallagher has announced he is quitting rock band Oasis because he can no longer work with his brother Liam.
Noel, the group's lead guitarist, made the statement on the band's website. He said a series of rows with his brother led to the decision.
The guitarist said: "It's with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight.
"People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer."
'Gutted'
"Apologies to all the people who bought tickets for the shows in Paris, Konstanz and Milan," he added.
Earlier it was announced the band had cancelled their second gig in the space of a week because of "an altercation within the band".
They had been expected to play the Rock en Seine festival in Paris, but fans at the concert were told by the support band that Oasis would not be performing.
It does feel like it has a degree of finality to it
Hamish McBain, NME
Many of the crowd thought it was a joke - until screens at either side of the stage showed the message "as a result of an altercation within the band, the Oasis gig has been cancelled".
Hamish McBain, from music magazine New Musical Express, said despite a long history of falling out between the two brothers, this split has an air of finality.
He told the BBC: "The relationship between Noel and Liam has been frosty over the last tour, to say the least, but it's been frosty before.
"Noel has left tours before, Liam's not showed up for gigs before, and they've carried on. But this, certainly the way Noel's presented it on the Oasis website, it does feel like it has a degree of finality to it."
Oasis fans used Twitter to respond to the news that lead guitarist Noel had quit.
'Worst day ever'
PsychedelicAdam posted: "Noel Gallagher leaves Oasis? Gutted, no more Oasis then I guess, they were one of my favourite bands."
Wolvolass said: "I feel sick, sooo many good memories and gigs seeing Oasis over the years."
MattGriffin added: "This is the worst day ever."
On Sunday the band had also cancelled their headline slot at the V Festival in Essex after Liam was diagnosed with viral laryngitis.
They performed in Stafford on Saturday but the singer was advised by doctors not to perform again.
Oasis formed in Manchester in 1991, but were originally known as The Rain.
Wild lifestyles
The group was formed by Liam Gallagher (vocals and tambourine), Paul Arthurs (guitar), Paul McGuigan (bass guitar) and Tony McCarroll (drums, percussion), but were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher (lead guitar and vocals).
According to the Belfast Telegraph, by June 2009 Oasis had sold more than 50 million records worldwide.
They have had eight UK number-one singles and have amassed 15 NME Awards, five BRIT Awards, nine Q Awards and four MTV Europe Music Awards.
In February 2007, Oasis received the BRIT Award for outstanding contribution to music.
The Gallagher brothers have featured regularly in tabloid newspapers for their sibling disputes, wild lifestyles and highly-public feud with rival Britpop band Blur.
The final line-up consisted of guitarist Gem Archer and bassist Andy Bell, as well as unofficial drummer Chris Sharrock.
