Oasis star Noel Gallagher was censored by ITV during his Songwriter of the Year acceptance speech at the Brit Awards in Manchester.
22:02, 28 Feb 2026Updated 22:10, 28 Feb 2026
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Noel Gallagher’s acceptance speech at the Brit Awards was censored after he made a sweary remark whilst collecting the Songwriter of the Year award. The prestigious music ceremony took place in Manchester for the first time ever.
The Oasis legend – who reconciled with his brother Liam Gallagher last year for a series of concerts after years of feuding – faced criticism for receiving the accolade, considering he hadn’t released any new material in the past 12 months.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Noel in a video message before the star took to the stage, where he first thanked his brother and then acknowledged his fellow bandmates.
He concluded his speech with a reference to his beloved Manchester City, shouting “up the f***ing blues”, alluding to the club’s kit colour. His remark was greeted with considerable booing in the arena – presumably from rival Manchester United supporters.
Addressing the controversy surrounding his win, despite not releasing new material this year, Noel 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.”, reports the Mirror.
“Well, 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. 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.”
However, Noel did confirm he’d be working on new music.
“I’m in the studio now, so I’d better do something out soon. If I am honest I think they just were desperate to get someone from Oasis up there cos it is in Manchester,” he said.
When asked at the time whether his brother Liam would be at the Brits with him, he added: “We’re just organising tickets for the Carabao Cup final today, but no, I haven’t spoke to him about that, no.”
Liam has also stoked speculation he’ll be there with Noel at the event. When one fan posted about the train times to Manchester, Liam quipped in a comment which he has since deleted: “I’m already there, drove up last night. Can’t wait to see some old faces.”
When one fan said “You winding us up now?” he later dampened the rumours and joked: “I am I’m not going to the awards I’m just in the area keeping an eye on things.”
Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK, announced Noel as Songwriter of the Year, stating: “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. 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.”
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