Oasis Drops 'Hello': The Gary Glitter Link Explained

The music world is abuzz with the news that Oasis, the iconic Britpop band, has reportedly decided to axe their hit song 'Hello' from their highly anticipated reunion tour setlist. This isn't merely a creative choice; it's a profound ethical decision rooted in the song's uncomfortable connection to disgraced former singer, Gary Glitter. For fans and the general public alike, this move highlights the complex interplay between artistic creation, historical influence, and the inescapable shadow of a convicted individual's horrific crimes.

The track, a powerful opener to their seminal 1995 album, *What's the Story (Morning Glory)?*, contains lyrics directly borrowed from Glitter's 1973 hit, 'Hello, Hello, I'm Back Again.' While the musical influence of 1970s glam rock on Oasis has long been acknowledged, the direct lyrical quotation from a figure now synonymous with heinous child sex abuse convictions presents an undeniable moral dilemma. As Noel and Liam Gallagher prepare to take the stage together for the first time in 16 years, their decision to strike 'Hello' from the setlist speaks volumes about their commitment to navigating public perception and disassociating themselves from a dark past.

The Uncomfortable Truth: Why Oasis Dropped 'Hello'

The recent reports confirming Oasis's decision to remove 'Hello' from their upcoming reunion tour setlist have sent ripples through the music community. For many, 'Hello' is more than just a song; it's the electrifying opener to one of the most iconic albums of the 1990s, *What's the Story (Morning Glory)?*. Its absence is notable, but the reasons behind it are even more so. The band has reportedly axed the tune due to a specific lyric that references convicted paedophile Gary Glitter. This isn't a new revelation about the song's origins, but the context of a high-profile reunion tour amplifies the ethical considerations. The Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, are acutely aware of the scrutiny that comes with their return to the stage, and the association with such a reviled figure is clearly something they wish to sever. This move underscores a growing trend in the entertainment industry where artists and institutions are increasingly re-evaluating their past works in light of contemporary moral standards and the severe consequences of individuals' actions.

Gary Glitter: A Brief Biography and His Disgrace

To fully understand the gravity of Oasis's decision, it's essential to contextualize the figure at the heart of the controversy: Gary Glitter. Once a towering figure in British pop music, his career and public image have been irrevocably tainted by his horrific crimes. His story serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fame can turn to infamy when moral boundaries are not just crossed, but obliterated.

Personal Data and Biodata

Here is a brief overview of Gary Glitter's personal data and career milestones:

The Rise of a Glam Rock Icon

In the 1970s, Gary Glitter was a phenomenon. With his distinctive platform boots, glitter-adorned costumes, and anthemic, chant-along songs, he became a leading light of the glam rock scene. His heavily distorted riffs and upbeat sound, often characterized by a stomping beat, resonated with millions. Tracks like 'Rock and Roll Part 2' and 'I'm the Leader of the Gang (I Am!)' were massive hits, defining an era of flamboyant, larger-than-life pop stars. He was one of Britain's biggest pop stars, and his influence extended far beyond his immediate genre, reportedly even reaching bands like Oasis who drew inspiration from the raw energy and distinctive sound of glam rock.

The Downfall and Convictions

Glitter's career, however, came to a screeching halt following a series of devastating revelations and convictions. His downfall began with a 1999 conviction for downloading child pornography. This was just the beginning of a grim series of legal battles that exposed a horrifying pattern of child sex abuse. He has since been convicted multiple times for various sex offenses involving minors, serving significant prison sentences in the UK and abroad. The data indicates he was jailed for 16 years for abusing three school girls between 1975 and 1980. His name is now synonymous not with music, but with the gravest of crimes, making any association with him deeply problematic for any artist or public figure.

The Unforeseen Connection: 'Hello' and Glam Rock Influence

The connection between Oasis and Gary Glitter is not one of collaboration, but of influence and accidental homage. The 1970s glam rock scene, with its raw energy, distorted guitars, and anthemic choruses, undeniably left its mark on Britpop, and specifically on Oasis. Noel Gallagher, the band's principal songwriter, has often spoken about his diverse musical influences, and the swagger and immediacy of glam rock fit perfectly with Oasis's own sonic identity. It’s a genre whose heavily distorted riffs but upbeat sound reportedly influenced Oasis, contributing to their signature sound. The specific link to Glitter's 'Hello, Hello, I'm Back Again' in Oasis's 'Hello' was, by all accounts, an organic, almost accidental inclusion during the songwriting process, rather than a deliberate tribute to Glitter himself.

‘Hello’: The Song’s Genesis and Glitter’s Uncredited Lyric

'Hello' holds a unique place in Oasis's discography. It is the first song on their second album, *What's the Story (Morning Glory)?*, setting the tone for one of the best-selling British albums of all time. What makes it particularly distinctive is that it is the only track on that album to carry a writer's credit other than Noel Gallagher's. This is because it includes an excerpt from 'Hello, Hello, I'm Back Again,' written by Gary Glitter and Mike Leander. The lyric in question, "hello, hello, it's good to be back," became an iconic part of Oasis's song, sung by Noel Gallagher at the end of the chorus. This seemingly innocuous phrase, borrowed from a song that was ubiquitous in its time, has now become a source of profound discomfort.

Noel Gallagher's Accidental Homage

The inclusion of the Gary Glitter lyric in 'Hello' was, according to Noel Gallagher, a spontaneous and almost accidental occurrence during the songwriting process. As the story goes, he started singing, "hello, hello, it's good to be back," and everyone just fell about laughing. As the track progressed, they found they couldn't get rid of it, so they stuck it in. This anecdote highlights the organic, often improvisational nature of creative work. At the time, Glitter's public image, while already somewhat tarnished by earlier controversies, had not yet been fully exposed for the horrific crimes that would later come to light. The lyric was likely seen as a catchy, nostalgic nod to a well-known pop phrase, rather than an endorsement of the man behind it. However, with Glitter's subsequent convictions for child sex abuse, the context of that borrowed lyric fundamentally changed, transforming a simple musical reference into a significant ethical liability for Oasis.

The Legacy of 'What's the Story (Morning Glory)?' and 'Hello'

*What's the Story (Morning Glory)?* is not just an album; it's a cultural touchstone. Released in 1995, it solidified Oasis's status as global superstars, selling millions of copies worldwide and becoming one of the defining albums of the Britpop era. 'Hello,' as its opening track, played a crucial role in setting the album's ambitious, anthemic tone. Its immediate, driving rhythm and soaring chorus prepared listeners for the epic journey that followed, featuring hits like 'Wonderwall,' 'Don't Look Back in Anger,' and 'Champagne Supernova.' The album's success cemented Oasis's place in music history, and 'Hello' became an integral part of their live shows for years. For many fans, the song evokes powerful memories of the band's heyday and the vibrant music scene of the mid-90s. The decision to remove such an iconic track, therefore, is not taken lightly; it speaks to the profound impact of Gary Glitter's actions on the cultural products he inadvertently influenced, forcing a re-evaluation of how art interacts with the moral standing of its creators or tangential figures.

The Decision to Axe: Navigating Public Perception

The decision by Noel and Liam Gallagher to strike 'Hello' from their reunion tour setlist is a clear strategic move to navigate public perception and maintain the band's integrity. An Oasis source quoted by The Sun reportedly stated, "the lyrics of the song would obviously have been a good fit for the reunion tour but the band have decided to leave it in the past." This statement encapsulates the dilemma: while the song's "hello, hello, it's good to be back" sentiment perfectly aligns with a long-awaited reunion, the association with a convicted paedophile is simply untenable in today's climate. The band's breakup in 2009 meant a long hiatus, and their return after 16 years brings immense anticipation and scrutiny. Performing a song with a direct lyrical link to Gary Glitter would inevitably draw negative attention, overshadowing the celebratory nature of the reunion. It would force the band to constantly address the controversy, distracting from the music itself. By proactively removing the track, Oasis demonstrates a clear stance against associating with such a figure, protecting their legacy and reputation in an era where accountability and moral responsibility are increasingly demanded from public figures.

Beyond 'Hello': Oasis's Reunion and Future Setlists

While the axing of 'Hello' is a significant talking point, it's important to remember that Oasis's reunion tour promises a wealth of other iconic tracks. The band's extensive catalog is brimming with anthems that have defined generations. Fans can still expect to hear beloved songs that shaped Britpop and continue to resonate globally. The decision to remove 'Hello' is a testament to the band's awareness of the current cultural landscape, rather than a sign of a diminished setlist. It reflects a mature approach to their legacy, prioritizing ethical considerations over strict adherence to past setlists. This move might even pave the way for other deep cuts or fan favorites to make an appearance, offering a fresh take on their live performances while ensuring they remain relevant and responsible artists in the modern era. The focus will undoubtedly shift to the sheer power of their other hits and the long-awaited sight of the Gallagher brothers sharing a stage once more.

The Broader Implications for Artists and Legacy

Oasis's decision to drop 'Hello' from their setlist carries broader implications for the music industry and how artists manage their legacies. In an age of heightened social awareness and instant information, the past actions of individuals, even those tangentially linked to a piece of art, can significantly impact its reception. This situation highlights the ongoing debate about separating the art from the artist, or in this case, separating a song from an unsavory lyrical source. For bands like Oasis, who have built a career on their raw authenticity and connection with their audience, maintaining a clear moral stance is crucial. It sets a precedent for other artists who might find themselves in similar predicaments, forcing a re-evaluation of songs or works that contain problematic associations. Ultimately, it underscores the idea that a band's legacy is not just about the music, but also about the values they project and how they choose to engage with the complex ethical challenges that arise from their own history and the broader cultural context.

Conclusion

The reported decision by Oasis to remove 'Hello' from their reunion tour setlist due to its lyrical connection to Gary Glitter is a powerful statement. It underscores the profound and lasting impact of Glitter's heinous crimes, which continue to cast a long shadow over any cultural artifact associated with him. While 'Hello' was an accidental homage born from the spontaneous creativity of Noel Gallagher, the current moral landscape demands a clear dissociation from a figure whose name is synonymous with child abuse. This move by Noel and Liam Gallagher demonstrates a responsible approach to their highly anticipated reunion, prioritizing ethical considerations and public perception over strict adherence to their past setlists.

This situation serves as a compelling reminder that music, like all art, exists within a societal context. As artists and audiences evolve, so too does the way we interpret and engage with creative works. Oasis's choice reflects a necessary adaptation to a world that increasingly demands accountability and integrity from its cultural icons. Their reunion will undoubtedly be a momentous occasion, and by making this difficult but crucial decision, they ensure that the focus remains squarely on their incredible musical legacy, untainted by the dark shadow of Gary Glitter. What are your thoughts on this decision? Do you believe bands have a responsibility to alter their setlists based on such ethical considerations? Share your perspective in the comments below, and explore more articles on music history and ethical dilemmas in the arts on our site.