Noel Gallagher throws shade at Kanye West & Taylor Swift: hilarious or mean?

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Noel Gallagher likes Seinfeld. AND NOTHING ELSE. I was sitting here, reading through a new Rolling Stone interview with Noel, and he’s definitely in the “I Hate Everything” camp. I doubt that he’s going to offend many people with these comments though, because he just seems to be an equal-opportunity hater. You can read the full RS piece here, and here are some highlights… including some genuinely funny thoughts on Taylor Swift, Kanye West and One Direction.

The only thing he likes: “I still can’t get enough of Seinfeld. It’s still the best thing that’s ever been filmed. It reminds me of the Nineties — good times. I was the only person in England who was watching it! That’s a fact. Certainly the only person in Manchester who watched it. I identify with Jerry. When I met my wife 15 years ago, she’d never seen it, and I was like, “If we’re going to be together, you’ve got to be into this sh-t, because this is important.” Luckily, she f–kin’ loves it.

He hates the Grammys: “I can’t really stomach things like that. Everybody’s too nice. You cannot have a room with 5,000 people, who are all fans of each other. That’s not real.”

His thoughts on Kanye West’s comments on Beck: “He’s a character, I’ll give him that. And I love his track ‘Black Skinhead.’ But somebody needs to buy that dumbass a dictionary so he can look up the word “artistry.” Beck can play the banjo, for f–k’s sake. Nobody plays the banjo! Get him a dictionary from me, I’ll f–kin’ sign it and give it to him so he can look it up.”

Whether he listens to pop music: “No. It’s f–king awful. Modern pop music is bland nonsense. There isn’t even a word yet that’s capable of describing it. If it was a color, it would be beige. Do you know what color beige is? It’s like a milky brown. Not for me.

Being told “People praise Taylor Swift’s songwriting talents”: “Who says that? Her parents? Who’s “people”? Name these people. You’re f–king lying. She seems like a nice girl, but no one has ever said those words, and you f–king know it.”

His thoughts on One Direction: “I know Harry Styles. We’ve hung out a couple of times. They’re lovely lads. But I’ve got to say, I have difficulties with people who don’t write their own songs, who’ve got a team of songwriters who work for your record label.”

[From Rolling Stone]

Yes, he’s a curmudgeon, but didn’t you laugh at the Taylor Swift thing? I chuckled at the Kanye West bit too. He’s not wrong! I would say that Noel should align himself with Team Katy Perry now because The Wrath of the Swiftlunatics will come down on him, but I kind of think he would consider Katy Perry to be part of the bland, beige nonsense.

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Photos courtesy of WENN.

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103 Responses to “Noel Gallagher throws shade at Kanye West & Taylor Swift: hilarious or mean?”

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  1. aims says:

    Yeah, he’s pretty spot on.

    • NGBoston says:

      Hah…agree.

      • qwerty says:

        He usually is.

        Watch him on Jonathan Ross btw – wittiest musician out there. Cracks me up like no one else, not even professional comedians.

    • Linn says:

      Funny that Noel says nobody plays the banjo except Beck. Considering that Taylor Swift is known to play the Banjo during some of her shows.

      Now, would I call Taylor Swift a song writing genious? No, but I don’t think she has to be one. She writes little, fun songs and that’s perfectly fine. And people did praise Taylor Swift’s songwriting talents. The amazing Imogen Heap coming to mind.

      I don’t mind the snark though.

      • wellwell says:

        Taylor Swifts music is absolutely freaking terrible. Shake it off, the worst song ever, that other one is terrible too. She used to make good music, and she used to sing better too and she used to NOT have that ‘midwest office worker from the 90s hair’. Somehow everything about her has taken a turn for the worse and everyone’s praising it. But a few years down the line we’ll look back, as we always do, and wonder what the hell were we thinking.

    • Grace says:

      Completely! LOL! His comments made me laugh. At least he’s opinions are funny even if it wasn’t necessarily his intent.

    • homegrrrl says:

      I hate Seinfeld, and loathed any nineties show, friends included, and never watched that crap. Maybe because Elaine had schtick about a “Natasha” shopgirl, and well, I was a Natasha shopgirl, and you know, F Elaine, we all have to pay our bill somehow.
      Anyway, I’d still -LIE- about liking Seinfeld to get w Noel, he’s hilarious and the only voice of reason regarding all the LaymAZZ pop stars that are in the tabs, especiall TS and K. Get them all dictionaries, and get them all off autoTune. Pop music is worse than beige, no insult to beige which can be lovely with cream!!

  2. Narak says:

    I love the snark.

    • Snazzy says:

      ha ha I know. His snark is always the best – an equal opportunity hater

      • Esmom says:

        I’d call him more of a truth teller than a hater, to be honest. I was expecting way worse.

    • RocketMerry says:

      Yes! Jack White and Noel are some of my favourite musicians ever!
      They should make beautiful, curmudgeony music together.

      • oneshot says:

        I would love to see that, especially since one of them (guess which) described the other as “Zorro on doughnuts”.

    • Myriam says:

      I can imagine his voice and demeanor as he comments on Taylor Swift, with the accent, and it is hilarious. I don’t know how he actually sounds but I can imagine hear him so clearly and I love it. “Who’s ‘people’? Name these people. You’re f-king lying.

  3. perplexed says:

    I laughed.

  4. Chem says:

    Now I love this man, I love him.

  5. Audrey says:

    Swift’s music is fun. I don’t really care if it’s super deep or whatever. I enjoy it.

    He’s being judgmental. Do not like

    • Lady D says:

      Slams TS for her song-writing abilities, then turns around and slams another band because they use songwriters.

      • grace says:

        He slams pop music and since both taylor swift and one direction are true representatives of current pop music…
        He’s spot on, anyway, the Gallagher brother with common sense and realness.

    • Kimberly says:

      I think he’s right and I doubt he cares who about the people that disagree with him.
      The truth hurts and not everyone can handle or agree with it.
      I appreciate the fact that he doesn’t kiss anyone’s a$$………he’s BLUNT and I LOVE IT!!!

    • `guest says:

      He is a musician who was asked a question about his field..music. He was then asked about his opinion on fellow “musicians”.

      How is giving one’s honest opinions being “judgmental”?

      You can not agree with him, since you are in fact a TS fan but calling him judgmental would be incorrect. Calling you bias would probably fit best.

  6. BengalCat2000 says:

    Steve Martin plays the banjo. I need more Steve Martin.

  7. Falula says:

    How could we expect anything else from him at this point? True to form.

    • oneshot says:

      “He’s a man with a fork in a world of soup” is a classic and hard to top, this is positively beige for Noel’s standards (but still f-cking hilarious).

      • A mascarada says:

        ^ This was seriously funny. Often challenged, never topped. First time I’ve read it I spent the whole day giggling.

  8. Allie says:

    I love this. I actually LOLed at “who says that? Her parents?” Beautiful.

  9. Diana B says:

    So funny. Specially what he said about Kanye. So much truth.

  10. Kiddo says:

    This interview is EVERYTHING today.

    • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

      I thought it was funny, but I sort of thought he was kidding a little?

      • Kiddo says:

        Well it was intended to be humorous, but do you feel that he doesn’t mean what he is saying? I think he does actually feel that way, but peppered everything with hyperbole.

      • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

        No, I think he means it, but he’s not intending to be hurtful – I don’t even know why I think that, though. It’s like he doesn’t dislike the people he’s talking about – he just thinks certain things about them are awful. Lol, I’m not even sure what I mean.

      • Gabriella says:

        No, he didn’t intend to be hurful. He isn’t like Kid Rock or Diplo who attacks people (women) for their looks. Everyone he’s criticizing is being criticized for their music/artistry/public persona, not for their bodies or personality. Except his brother maybe. Noel is the “good” Gallagher. They’re both full of attitude, but Noel is a lot nicer. Liam, the “bad” Gallagher, has just been fined 3.3k quid for not showing up to a hearing about his ilegitimate daughter. So you see? Noel is the nice one. All he does is say talk some smack about some celebs that are full of themselves. But isn’t that what we all do here? And he does it in a funny way, so kudos!
        BTW, Kaiser, Noel is promoting his new album and his interviews are always pure gem. Can we have some more of him, please?!

    • Tiffany :) says:

      “But somebody needs to buy that dumbass a dictionary so he can look up the word “artistry.”

      I made some seriously strange laughing noises when I read that. So f*ing funny and so TRUE!

      • Pandy says:

        So true is right! Kanye is a dumbass. I think Oxford invited him to speak as a cautionary lesson.

    • Ava says:

      Got get a life if you think some one hit wonder from the 90’s petty comments is EVEYTHING

      • Nym says:

        One hit one wonder? Are you joking?

        Wonderwall
        Don’t look back in anger
        Champagne Supernova (???!!)
        Cigarettes and alcohol
        Stand by me
        Stop crying your heart out
        Live forever
        Supersonic (????!!!!))
        The Masterplan
        DYA KNOW WHAT I MEAAANNNNNN (yah yah)

        BAHHH actually scratch that the ENTIRE Definitely Maybe, Whats the Story Morning Glory, There and Then, Be Here Now, and Standing on the Shoulders of Giants albums are phenomenal. Not to mention those live performances!

        Sorry HUGE fan here. Give them a go you might change your mind?

      • Kiddo says:

        Okay, I will got get a life, Ava. I appreciate your deep wisdom.

      • CharlotteCharlotte says:

        Ava is dealing out Swift justice!

      • Kiddo says:

        Or not all that swift.

  11. Joy says:

    I actually love this. Yes I might not turn the station when Taylor comes on, but I don’t think her songwriting is anything amazing. I feel like he’s saying what everyone thinks but just won’t say.

  12. Lucy says:

    He and his brother used to get on my nerves, but now that I’m older, I can appreciate all the bitching with a sense of humor, sort of. Ed Sheeran once told a hilarious story about Noel asking him for concert tickets for his daughter via text, right after he shaded him and his music.

  13. Charle says:

    Talk about funny! He is right and I actually agree with him. Laughed so hard about Taylor Swift comment, lol

  14. Zigggy says:

    So funny- I actually laughed out loud a couple times. Best interview ever.

  15. Birdie says:

    Noel is a beautiful snarky grumpy man. Completely spot on when it comes to Taylor Swift.

  16. spaniard says:

    Spot on. And I like Taylor Swift, but Noel Gallagher is in another league. I’ve been lucky to see Oasis on tour one year before their split and it was awesome. They were one of the last big rock bands. Nowadays…fast food kind of music.

  17. Mzizkrizten says:

    Kind of hypocritical to bash Taylor’s song writing then go on to say he has a problem with singers who don’t write their own stuff. Also, while I do love Oasis’ music and they remind me fondly of the 90s, what have you done for me lately, hmmmm Mr. Gallagher?

    • Beth says:

      I noticed that, too.

    • MooHoo says:

      he has a new album out and is consistently producing music. he did another interview last week – i read it somewhere – and he more or less admitted that as a multi-millionaire, it is hard to have anything relevant to write about nowadays compared to when he was poor in the early 90s. cant remember where I saw that article but it was excellent. he has totally grown on me. one of the few people who says it as it is.

    • Moneypenny says:

      I don’t think it is hypocritical at all. He has issues with people who don’t write their own songs. Just because you do write your own stuff, he’s not giving you a pass if it is crap.

      • Honeybee Blues says:

        Thank you, Moneypenny. “Artists” with teams of writers are pretty much posers, and, and although TS writes her own songs, they’re still lyrically simpleminded. They are two entirely unrelated, different points.

      • enike says:

        exactly

      • Sam says:

        Why is it crap, because some loser who probably doesn’t even know her music hasn’t had a hit in 20 years or really any career says so.

        Taylor Swift has Grammy for Album of the Year on a album she ALONE wrote every song, and is the youngest artist honoured with Album of the Year.

        I think having the higest honor given by your peers means bit more then whatever thoughts this guy farts out.

        Taylor Swift made history when she accepted the award for Songwriter/Artist of the Year for the SIXTH time from Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI),

        I could name 3 top music writers from RollingStone to Time , who call her writing genius and the best song writer of her time.

        She’s won every awards from popularity contest like MTV , to Grammy to record number of American Music Awards to Brit to record number Billboard.

        With this last album she is the world’s higest selling artist of this
        decade , from digital singles over 80 million world wide to album sales and not since the Beatles has a artist had 4 records number one for more then 4 weeks and she alone has sold over a million in one week on 3 different albums

        So not only is she critcally acclaimed , has won every award to win but also the the # 1 selling artist last decade … but what does that mean nothing when compared to some guy from a band who had one hit record and song 20 years and still living off it …. ..OK then

    • Bridget says:

      Its not hypocritical at all. Writing something herself something herself doesn’t automatically make it good.

      • bonsai mountain says:

        I can’t believe we’re sticking Taylor Swift in the same sentence as the Beatles now, yikes!

      • DTX says:

        @Sam

        So she’s great because everyone else says she is? Sorry but no. I actually do like her as an entertainer so I’m not knocking her at all, but she gets all those major awards because she sells TONS of albums because her fan base is a bunch of young teen and college age girls who are the most powerful consumer demographic when it comes to spending $. I do like that she writes all her own songs, they are fun & catchy but they are not super deep or anything. Look up the lyrics to any Oasis song and compare it to hers. It’s like comparing the worlds best selling sandwich, a Big Mac, to a legit Sushi dinner. Sure it’s an acquired taste, not meant for everyone, but the quality is undoubtedly superior.

    • Denise says:

      That’s quintessential Noel and Liam madness, bash with spit spewing fury in one breath, contradict yourself with the next! Don’t ever change, guys.

  18. Domino says:

    He’s an awesome a*hole. Reminds me of myself, minus the awesome part. Love his honesty.

    P.S. Zachary Quinto plays the banjo.

  19. Tiffany says:

    I was expecting the worse and got the best. Not only is he snarky, he is also self deprecating and has shown bits of self awareness.

    Also, I just have a soft spot for the man responsible for What’s The Story Morning Glory.

  20. original kay says:

    “I said maybe
    you’re gonna be the one who saves me
    after all
    you’re my wonderwall”

    um.

    yes, kudos for writing your own music and songs. However, that’s what you came up with, so have all the seats.

    Of course, it’s all so subjective, and I was never *quite* an Oasis fan.

    Spot on about Kayne though.

    • oneshot says:

      …….he also came up with Cigarettes & Alcohol, Rock & Roll Star, Live Forever, Married With Children, Don’t Look Back In Anger and The Importance of Being Idle, to name just a few.

      He’s earned the right to shade people who either don’t write their own songs or only write about heartbreak and haters, because at least he did more.

      • original kay says:

        “He’s earned the right to shade people who either don’t write their own songs or only write about heartbreak and haters, because at least he did more.”

        well. There are so many things wrong with this statement, I hardly know where to start. Do you honestly think people can earn the right to shade another? Is that a right?
        As for the “at least he did more”, that can be said of so many things, but it doesn’t make it *right* at all.

        I think perhaps Noel needs to talk with Kelly Clarkson.

      • oneshot says:

        You claimed he should have all the seats and not express his opinion on other people’s music because of the lyrics of Wonderwall, to which I pointed out that he has a lot more merit as a musician than the people he mentioned and therefore, does not have to take any seats.

        Now it’s about hurt feelings and the “right” to shade another and a whole comment basically going “waah, he was mean! It’s not ‘right’ to shade other people!”? I’ll take cantankerous honesty over Swift’s passive-aggressive ‘I won’t talk about her’ PR bullshit any day.

    • V4Real says:

      I’ve heard all songs mentioned and they’re not that great. Though I do kind of like Wonderwall because it’s catchy.

      I’m not a fan of Swift or Kanye but Noel needs to shut it. If this was a celebrity or singer that posters on here didn’t like that said this they would receive a lot of backlash. But because most people on here posting like Noel or his music, they think it’s ok. It’s, not. In my opinion he probably wishes he had the record sales and popularity that Swift has.

      And so what if artists doesn’t write their own songs. Do actresses and actors write their own scripts. Nope, not many. They just act in movies or TV shows that somebody else has written the script for. It’s called entertainment and what’s good or bad is subjective. I don’t like a lot of Swift’s music but then again I don’t much care for Oasis’s either.

      • Kiddo says:

        I’m actually not a fan, but I enjoyed the cantankerousness. It’s like he was channeling Larry David, and he sort of gave props by mentioning Seinfeld. And I like some of Kanye’s music, but most of his rants are silly. Taylor Swift, her singing voice, and her lyrics leave me cold. I don’t get any of it.

        There have been plenty of pop and other genre singers who don’t write their own work, but vocal talent, skill, performance and arrangement may be what puts them into the category of excellence. I just don’t see that with Swift. She seems more like a well marketed trend. To each, his own, and also in expression of voicing the same.

      • grace says:

        I honestly doubt he wishes he was as popular as TS, although I remember how popular Oasis were in the 90s-00s. He’s been there, done that, he wrote and created great music, which is not something I can say about Swift, who’s only remarkable through her marketing skills, not talent.

    • geekychick says:

      IDK, I was not old enough to be a real fan when they were really big, but as soon as I got to my true teen years, I listened and loved their music,. I still do-and no matter what, I think Wonderwall is an excellent song. Lyrics can be simple and short and it can still be a genius song, in combination with great music-and that’s what I think Wonderwall is: it’s a great song that doesn’t need some philosophical essay to go with it. On the other hand, Wonderwall is still better than a number of Swift’s songs. And honestly, even Kanye’s. What was that Uh-huh honey? Bound II or whatever? Those were not great lyrics. OTOH, Oasis had quite a few albums and quite a few great song lyrics. I think Oasis WAS one of the two leading bands of a music style that ruled the nineties, so I think it’s unfair to say: “What has Noel or Liam done since then?”20 years later you can still hear Wonderwall and such in commercials, movies, and in bars, let’s wait and see how many of the 1D or Swift’s songs will have the same fate? (I won’t go into Kanye bc I’m not into hip hop so it’d be ignorant to judge his artistry).

    • original kay says:

      Prince comes to mind, someone who writes, gives his songs to others, and still makes darn good music.

      Nothing wrong with Cyndi Lauper singing “when you were mine”, at all.

      Also, how does he handle remakes, or cover bands? It’s interesting to dismiss anyone based on whether or not they write their own songs.

      Milli Vanilli, also. Terrible they didn’t want the writer to sing the songs based on his looks, as I recall, but still pretty good 80’s tunes. (my age is showing)

  21. dr mantis toboggan says:

    I’ve always loved Noel. He tells it like it is, and he’s hilarious.

  22. AuroraO says:

    Oasis is my favorite band of all time so anything Noel Gallagher says is music to my ears.

  23. Cheryl says:

    Come join us here on the website, Noel!!!!

  24. oneshot says:

    Yeah no one can top Noel Gallagher for trolling. Love the old curmudgeon.

  25. Lily says:

    Multiple songwriters have come out saying that they admire Taylor’s songwriting – Ryan Tedder, Max Martin, Stevie Nicks, Mick Jagger…
    She wrote her first three albums on her own. They all topped the charts. Sure, her current one isn’t her strongest, but you can’t say her songwriting is only lauded by her parents.

  26. Shelley says:

    He can take several seats. Taylor Swift is talented.

  27. Nev says:

    Black Skinhead is amazing. Happening.

  28. Val says:

    entertaining & refreshing.
    I’d *love* to see the face of Kanye receiving THAT dictionary…or any dictionary, for that matter !

    • Chrissy says:

      I thought he doesn’t do books or even know who Noel Gallagher is. Taylor Swift is over-rated IMO and Kanye is only associating with her for her PR value. What could they possibly have in common, famewhoring notwithstanding.

  29. Nashville Girl says:

    Never heard of him

  30. Katie says:

    Funny!

  31. Mandy says:

    That was the best thing I have ever read. God bless him.

  32. Veritas says:

    I luv NG he’s such a grumpy old dude reminds me of Larry David he must lov CYE too. I miss oasis why did they have to brake up. I feel the same way about Pop music then and now it’s all manufactured crap. I miss the 90s too NG the music then was so much better than it is today. I hate all the hipster crap today that’s considered alternative. Alternative died in the 90s. There’s no more alternative today.

  33. lucy says:

    He was too kind!

  34. Deb says:

    Noel Gallagher makes me laugh. At him, not with him.
    There used to be a segment on a radio station here called “What the hell is Noel Gallagher saying?” that would feature a clip of Noel saying something (usually something ridiculous) and listeners would call in and try to guess what he had actually said. (The combination of his accent and mumbling made it extremely difficult!) The double entendre was intended, of the actual difficulty in telling what he was saying, and poking fun at the silliness of the content of what he was saying.
    Some of them were pretty hilarious. 😀

  35. Bee says:

    I love Noel. His music and his interviews. Finally, someone who tells his own opinion about things! I may not agree with some stuff he says but he’s always sharp and amusing. His new album is really great.

  36. shaniam says:

    Haahaahaa. I don’t really know this guy, but he cracks me up.

  37. Jade says:

    That was fun to read. I have to chime in that Taylor may not have so called deep lyrics and she is not great (esp in performing) but she is very good and very talented. I like her songs especially recent ones. People need to get that pop isn’t meant to be deep but it doesn’t mean it won’t have meaningful lyrics that the listener can’t relate to. The simplest lyrics e.g. in Syle can still touch a chord. So yea long live pop!

    I still love 90s Oasis.

  38. Nicole says:

    I love Noel and his is totally correct

  39. jenn12 says:

    Liam and Noel were always putting others down, including each other. Their music was good, but not great. He is, however, pretty damn sharp. A tool, but a sharp one.

  40. Nancy says:

    On TaySwift:

    “no one has ever said those words and you f-ing know it.”

    Hahaha I died. Too funny, and he really did seem incredulous, not faking it.

    Love him!

  41. Jenny says:

    LMAO. I think he’d actually like Katy. He finally admitted to liking the Spice Girls and he loves the 90s and she’s very both. This is the best shade I’ve heard coming from anyone since Mariah was on Idol.

    • Kimberly says:

      I love how honest he is. He doesn’t give a crap what anyone thinks. 🙂

      BTW, You think he’d like Katy?…………IMHO, I hope not.
      IMO, she’s corny. And terrible singer, who tries too hard to be likeable.

      I know there were really corny outfits, songs and so fort in the 90’s but Katy is just beyond ridiculous. She’s almost 30 woman (at least I think so) who acts and dresses like a little girl……same goes for Madonna.

      Sorry for the rant. Just had to let it out.

    • no says:

      Well, Katy Perry used to be married to Noel’s good friend, Russell Brand. And even when she was married to Russell, he expressed that he liked her but disliked her music (oh surprise). He also has slated Madonna in the past but recently met her because his wife is a huge fan of hers and he went under threat of his missus (or so he told a Dublin radio station) to not upset Madonna or joke about her fall at the Brits. He expressed that Madonna was “nice” but didn’t really talk to her. Read that interview here:http://www.vogue.com/12008183/interview-noel-gallagher-chasing-yesterday/
      Here also has another go at Kanye,Maroon 5 and his brother, Liam.

  42. Miran says:

    I always have loved the Gallaghers.

  43. Sandy123 says:

    Noel Gallagher is pure entertainment and a surprisingly candid and honest interview. I’d rather hear his truths than some pop tart’s pre-rehearsed bullshit sound bites.

  44. jwoolman says:

    I don’t understand why singers are supposed to write the songs they sing. Some people can do both well, but many people are skilled at only one of those things. We would have been deprived of a lot of music if every singer could only sing songs he or she wrote. This expectation that every singer be a songwriter seems to be a relatively modern phenomenon.

    Are they supposed to play every instrument, too? Conduct the orchestra? Be sound engineers? Cook and bake everything that shows up on tables for the crew? Work the cameras? Do the publicity? Really. Teamwork, people.