Noel Gallagher booed at the BRITs seconds after picking up award

Noel Gallagher was booed at the BRITs after making a divisive comment while collecting the award for 'Songwriter of the Year'.

The singer was honoured with the award following the monumental Oasis reunion, which saw the Britpop legends play a series of sellout shows in the UK and around the world.

Gallagher took to the stage at Manchester's Co-op arena to share his appreciation for the award, thanking his bandmates and brother Liam.

"They brought those songs to life, without them I’d just be a singer-songwriter and no one gives a s**t about singer-songwriters," Noel told those in attendance.

He then went on to thank Oasis fans for their continued support, adding: "More importantly, I’d like to thank you, the people who’ve kept those songs alive for the last 35 years.

"Without you, you’ve given us the most extraordinary life, and thank you very much for that."

Noel Gallagher attended the event in his hometown of Manchester to pick up the award (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

However the 58-year-old couldn't resist leaving the stage without riling up those in attendance, shouting 'Up the f**king Blues!' which is in reference to Manchester City.

His comment was divisive amongst those in attendance, with audible boos being heard across the arena, presumably from fans of rival football teams.

The decision to award Gallagher the Songwriter of the Year award was a controversial one, as the musician has not released any new music in the past year.

"By giving the award to Noel, the BRITs are denying another songwriter who has had an excellent year releasing new material their opportunity to be recognised on the biggest night for UK music of the year," singer Låpsley told The Times.

"It’s highly offensive to our careers — there are only a few times we have to champion what we do — it’s a real missed opportunity."

She went on to question why the award was called 'Songwriter of the Year' if an artist could win without releasing music within the past 12 months - Gallagher has not released any new music since his Council Skies album in 2023 - adding: "It is about protecting the integrity of the award and ensuring fair recognition for today’s songwriters."

Gallagher was awarded over his work with Oasis, which saw the band reunite last summer (AFP STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images)

In a statement confirming his nomination, the BRIT awards said that Gallagher was receiving recognition for his '30 years' of contributions to British music and culture.

Gallagher was responsible for penning Oasis' biggest hits, such as 'Wonderwall', 'Live Forever' and 'Champagne Supernova', as well as a successful career with his solo project, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.

Meanwhile the Gallagher's decision to reform Oasis saw the brothers play a triumphant series of sellout shows in the UK and internationally.

"For more than three decades, Noel has crafted songs that have become part of our collective story - bold, brilliant, and always recognisable," Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee, said of the decision.

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