Noel Gallagher Quits Oasis

Lead guitarist and songwriter Noel Gallagher is leaving Oasis, announced via a statement on the band's website Friday.

"It's with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight," Gallagher wrote. "People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer. Apologies to all the people who bought tickets for the shows in Paris, Konstanz, and Milan."

Reuters reports that the announcement came soon after the 11th hour cancellation of the group's performance at the Rock En Seine festival in Paris Friday. Crowds first thought that the announcement was a joke, until screens announced, "As a result of an altercation within the band, the Oasis gig has been canceled."

The band was formed in 1991 when the line up consisting of Paul Arthurs, Paul McGuigan, Tony McCaroll, auditioned Noel's brother Liam Gallagher. Noel joined soon after and took the reigns as lead songwriter. The current lineup includes guitarist/keyboardist Gem Archer, bassist Andy Bell and drummer Chris Sharrock, with the Gallaghers being with the band the longest.

No further news on the band's future has been announced.