Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena was buzzing with anticipation on February 28, 2026, as the BRIT Awards made their historic debut outside London. The night belonged to Noel Gallagher, who took home the coveted Songwriter of the Year award. Yet, for many, the real headline was not just the trophy, but the public salute Noel gave to his brother Liam and their Oasis bandmates—a gesture few would have predicted only a year ago.
Introduced on stage by Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Noel Gallagher seized the moment to bridge old divides. “Yes, Manchester! I’ve got to thank my brother. And Bonehead, Guigsy, Andy and Gem. Without them I’d just be a singer-songwriter — and nobody gives a s about singer-songwriters,” he declared, according to reports from Bang Showbiz and the Daily Mail. The crowd roared as Noel, never one to shy from controversy, followed up with a boisterous rallying cry for his beloved football club: “Up the f blues.”
The recognition came at a curious time for the 58-year-old singer-songwriter. As he candidly admitted on talkSPORT, “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.” Noel joked that the award likely reflected Oasis’ blockbuster record sales—one million sold over the past year—rather than any recent studio wizardry. “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,” he quipped, poking fun at the competitive nature of the music business.
Despite his self-deprecating humor, Noel revealed he’s not resting on his laurels. “I’m in the studio now, so I’d better put something out soon. If I’m honest, I think they were just desperate to get someone from Oasis up there because it’s in Manchester,” he told the crowd, suggesting the city’s musical heritage played a role in his selection for the honor.
The moment was rich in symbolism. For years, the Gallagher brothers’ feud was as famous as their chart-topping hits. But in 2025, the pair stunned fans by reuniting for their first tour together in 16 years, drawing a line under their public spats. The BRITs, it seemed, offered the perfect stage for Noel to publicly acknowledge the band that helped define British music in the 1990s and beyond.
Liam Gallagher, meanwhile, added a layer of intrigue to the proceedings. In the days leading up to the ceremony, speculation ran rampant about whether he’d make a surprise appearance alongside Noel. Initially, Liam appeared to shut down the rumors, telling fans he wasn’t attending because he “can’t be around those ITV cs.” But on the morning of the event, he posted on social media that he had already arrived in Manchester the previous night and was “looking forward to seeing old faces.” The post was swiftly deleted, and Liam later backtracked, telling a fan, “I am I’m not going to the awards I’m just in the area keeping an eye on things.” As reported by the Daily Mail, the back-and-forth only fueled the buzz—was he really just nearby, or was a Gallagher moment in the making?
Regardless of Liam’s physical presence at the arena, his spirit was unmistakably felt. The reunion tour had already reignited public affection for Oasis, and Noel’s words on stage cemented the sense of closure (or at least détente) that had eluded the band for over a decade. The ceremony even included a special visual tribute to Noel, showcasing the highlights of his storied career before he picked up his award, according to The Sun and the Daily Mail.
Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK, captured the mood of the night in her official remarks: “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.”
The 46th edition of the BRIT Awards was notable for more than just the Gallagher family drama. This year’s ceremony marked a significant shift in the event’s format and ethos. For the first time since 2011, the show moved from London’s O2 Arena to Manchester, reflecting a broader effort to bring the celebration of British music to new audiences across the UK. Organizers indicated that the awards may continue to rotate locations in the future—a move likely to be welcomed by fans outside the capital.
The BRITs also responded to past criticisms over gender representation. Following backlash in 2023, when the Artist Of The Year shortlist was exclusively male, this year’s nominations were 70 percent female or non-binary. Rising stars Lola Young and Olivia Dean led the pack with five nominations each, while Lily Allen returned to the spotlight with three nods for her critically acclaimed album West End Girl. Olivia Dean, notably, became the first woman since Adele in 2021 to claim both the UK’s No 1 single and album in the same week, with “Man I Need” and The Art Of Loving—achievements that earned her a prominent performance slot at the ceremony.
Comedian Jack Whitehall, returning to host the awards for the sixth time, brought his signature wit to Manchester for the first time. Whitehall, who credits the city with shaping his early comedy career while studying at The University of Manchester, seemed right at home. The show’s move north and its embrace of new talent and diversity gave the 2026 BRIT Awards a fresh energy, even as it paid homage to the legends who built its foundation.
For Oasis fans, the night was a rare convergence of nostalgia and hope. Noel’s public thanks to Liam and the rest of the band, paired with hints of new music and the possibility of further collaboration, left many wondering what the future might hold. The brothers’ reunion tour had already reminded the world of their enduring appeal. The BRIT Awards, with its nod to the past and eye on the future, proved the perfect stage for a new chapter in British music’s ongoing story.
As the confetti settled and the arena emptied, one thing was clear: Manchester and the Gallaghers remain at the heart of the UK’s musical legacy, with plenty of songs—and surprises—still to come.