When Britpop’s swagger peaked in the mid-1990s, comparisons between Oasis and The Beatles were everywhere. At the height of their fame, the Gallagher brothers even declared that Oasis were, or would be, “bigger than The Beatles.” It was a bold, brash statement—fitting for the era—but one that has haunted them ever since. Years later, Paul McCartney gave his take, and it remains one of the most iconic responses in rock history.
Where the Claim Began
In 1995 and 1996, Oasis were on top of the world. Their albums Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? were smashing records, stadiums were selling out, and Britpop had taken over the charts. With confidence (and a lot of tabloid fuel), Noel and Liam Gallagher claimed they could surpass The Beatles. For a moment, it felt like they might—at least in Britain.
But comparing any band to The Beatles is a dangerous game.
McCartney’s “Kiss of Death”
In 2016, Paul McCartney addressed the claim in an interview. His verdict was simple: saying you’re “bigger than The Beatles” was Oasis’s biggest mistake. According to McCartney, once you make that kind of statement, every song, every album, every live show gets judged against that impossible standard. He called it the “kiss of death.”
McCartney wasn’t insulting Oasis. In fact, he praised their music and momentum during the mid-90s. But he knew from experience that making such a claim creates a shadow too large for any band to escape.
Noel Gallagher’s Reflection
Years later, Noel Gallagher admitted the comparison was “embarrassing.” He reflected that the statement was made in the heat of Britpop arrogance and probably under the influence of more than just confidence. Today, Noel acknowledges The Beatles as untouchable, though he remains proud of Oasis’s impact.
Were Oasis Ever “Bigger”?
For a brief period in the UK, Oasis were arguably the biggest band of the decade. They dominated the press, radio, and culture in a way no one else did at the time. But globally, The Beatles’ reach was, and still is, unmatched. Their innovation, record sales, and influence on popular culture remain far beyond comparison.
This is exactly what McCartney was pointing out: Oasis’s talent wasn’t the issue. It was the expectation set by comparing themselves to the greatest band of all time.
Why McCartney’s Response Matters
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It was balanced. He didn’t dismiss Oasis—he acknowledged their success while pointing out the flaw in their claim.
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It was wise. McCartney showed how public statements shape a band’s legacy, sometimes more than the music itself.
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It preserved perspective. Oasis were a defining band of the 90s, but The Beatles defined modern music as we know it.
The Legacy of a Boast
Oasis’s claim remains one of the most talked-about lines in Britpop history. It reflected the confidence, arrogance, and energy of a unique cultural moment. Today, Oasis are celebrated as legends of their era, while The Beatles remain timeless icons of all eras.
McCartney’s response didn’t bury Oasis—it put their legacy in context. They didn’t need to be “bigger than The Beatles.” They just needed to be Oasis.
