Noel Gallagher tells his critics to 'meet me there and we'll have it out' as he addresses BRIT Awards Songwriter Of The Year controversy

Noel Gallagher told his critics to 'meet me there and we'll have it out' as he addressed the controversy surrounding his BRIT Award. 

The singer-songwriter, 58, is being awarded the Songwriter Of The Year when the ceremony comes to Manchester on Saturday, February 28. 

Noel is said to have 'defined British music' after Oasis took the UK by storm with their reunion tour, however, music fans have disputed the award as he didn't release any new songs in 2025.

He said: 'I haven’t written a song for two years. I’m not sure how I’ve got away with that one but I’ll take it. 

'To be honest I think they were just desperate to get someone from Oasis up there because it’s Manchester. Our kid said he’s not going.'

TalkSPORT, Host Andy Goldstein asked what he thinks about the criticism, wit Noel adding: 'I think the Brits is all based on record sales, and I’m not sure there was another single songwriter that sold… I mean, we sold a million records last year.' 

He continued: 'Didn’t even get off the couch and I’m not sure there’s a songwriter that can match that.

'But you know, if anybody’s got a problem with it, meet me there. We’ll have it out on the red carpet. 

'If any of those wet wipes songwriting teams, all 11 of them, want to write a song between the lot of them, want to have it out on the red carpet, I’m there.' 

The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard will take place on Saturday, February 28, from Manchester's Co-op Live, broadcasting on ITV and hosted by Jack Whitehall. 

Noel will be awarded this year’s Songwriter of the Year award, and is expected to be among a string of big names in attendance for the ceremony.

Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK said: ⁠'For more than three decades, Noel has crafted songs that have become part of our collective story - bold, brilliant, and always recognisable.

'His songs have soundtracked memories for multiple generations and defined the spirit of British music globally.'

She continued: 'Honouring Noel as Songwriter of the Year celebrates a remarkable body of work and a creative force that continues to connect and inspire artists and fans worldwide.'   

A source added to The Sun: 'The Brits are planning a special visual tribute to Noel too, which will showcase some of the highlights of his work before he picks up the awards.' 

The Daily Mail has contacted Noel Gallagher's representative for comment. 

The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard will take place on Saturday, February 28, from Manchester's Co-op Live, broadcasting on ITV and hosted by Jack Whitehall.

This year's BRIT winners trophy has been designed by the acclaimed British and Manchester-born designer Matthew Williamson.

Nominations were recently announced for this year's awards. Leading the charge for 2026 are Olivia Dean and Lola Young with five nominations each. 

The pair are closely followed by Sam Fender with four nominations following his Mercury Prize win last year. 

Other British artists up for awards this year include Lily Allen, Calvin Harris, Cynthia Erivo, JADE, Wolf Alice, Ed Sheeran, Little Simz, PinkPantheress, Pulp, RAYE, Skye Newman, Wet Leg and more. 

The international artists recognised incluse Alex Warren, Bad Bunny, Doechii, ROSALÍA, sombr, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift, HAIM and Tame Impala.