Noel Gallagher cancels sold out Auckland show after guitars held up in Chile

After cancelling his sold-out show in Auckland British singer Noel Gallagher has revealed his guitars got held up in Chile.

However, a statement released by his band The High Flying Birds this morning blamed the storms for the cancellation of his performance at ASB Theatre.

Gallagher, the co-founder of British rock act Oasis, posted on Instagram this afternoon:
"So for those of you who don't know ... it would seem the people of Chile loved me so much they've decided to keep my [expletive] guitars as souvenirs!"

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But an earlier statement said "stormy weather currently affecting the North Island has delayed the arrival of most of the band's equipment which had been due to fly in from South America where Noel had been performing at the Lollapalooza Festival".

Noel Gallagher, who is already in New Zealand, apologised to fans for the late notice in the statement.

"Sorry but these kind of things are out of our control. When there's nothing you can do then you can't do nothing. Disappointed to come all this way and not play for you. Apologies".

A spokesperson for the band also apologised.

"Everyone is really disappointed to have come all this way and not be able to do a show. Despite our crew working on alternatives since the early hours of this morning there is too much equipment missing so we have regrettably taken the decision to cancel the performance".

Gallagher, the co-founder of British rock act Oasis, was due to perform a solo show at ASB Theatre tonight with his band The High Flying Birds, their long-awaited return visit after performing at the 2012 Big Day Out.

While his Australian shows are going ahead, the statement said the tight turnaround between those shows and an upcoming UK tour meant he couldn't reschedule the show.

Ticketholders were advised to contact their ticket agency for refunds.

- nzherald.co.nz