LONDON - Noel and Liam Gallagher felt compelled to call a news conference yesterday after the second member of Oasis quit in as many weeks.
Longtime bassist Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan left 16 days after guitarist Bonehead Arthurs. The Gallaghers assured fans the band wasn't falling apart but added they wouldn't immediatelylook for replacements.
"We won't rush into anything," said Noel. "We don't want to pick the first two people that come along."
The brothers said there was no bad blood between them and their two ex-bandmates. Arthurs said he wanted to spend more time with his family. McGuigan, who has just completed work on Oasis' fourth studio album - due out early next year - gave no reason for his departure. In 1995 he took a break from touring, citing exhaustion.
The Gallaghers appeared surprised and saddened by his decision. But they said they would release their CD on time and begin a nine-month tour in March.
"The show has to go on because personally I don't have any more money left," said Noel.
They did not say how they would go about recruiting. But Liam said any new member must "be a hand shorter than me, he's got to have nice taste in shoes, and a decent haircut." - NZPA
