Richard Ashcroft says Liam and Noel Gallagher should receive knighthoods for making the UK economy “billions” with their reunion tour.
The former Verve frontman goes way back with the Oasis pair and has been supporting them on the Oasis Live ’25 tour – the Britpop legends’ first concerts in 16 years – and he says of all the celebrities, King Charles should make the brothers Sir Liam and Sir Noel for boosting the economy with their sold-out tour.
Ashcroft added that he finds it “distasteful” that people receive knighthoods and damehoods simply for doing something they are passionate about, and doesn’t expect to be bestowed with the honour himself, but believes his pals Liam and Noel are worthy.
Discussing the royal honour with The Guardian, he said: “These days, you’re like: ‘F****** hell? What has he done?’ There are people who give their lives to ensure society doesn’t crumble who never get recognised. Recognising people who are getting paid for their passion can be distasteful.
“Why should you get the cold steel on your shoulder just because you run around a track or jump over some hurdles? So, no. I firmly believe you will never hear that moment – even though Sir Richard has a great ring to it.”
He suggested: “Where are Sir Liam and Sir Noel? Who else has brought billions into the economy this summer?”
Even if they did receive a letter from the British monarch offering them the title, frontman Liam previously said it’s unlikely he would accept because he doesn’t want to go to Buckingham Palace and “bend down”.
He told NME in 2022: “Unless they delivered it to my f****** door through the letterbox, like the Royal Mail f****** should do . . .
“I’m certainly not going there and bending down for no ****.”
The Supersonic group’s rhythm guitarist, Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs, has also said he and Liam wouldn’t accept knighthoods.
However, he believes guitarist and songwriter Noel would jump at the chance to be Sir Noel Gallagher.
While co-hosting Radio X with Toby Tarrant in 2023, during King Charles’ coronation weekend, the DJ said: “Sir Bonehead has a nice ring to it.”
To which, Bonehead replied: “Probably got a good ring to it, but no, I wouldn’t take it.
“Not that I’m anti-royal or anti-this, no, I just wouldn’t do it. Doesn’t even sound right, does it?”
He continued: “I wouldn’t have it, and I don’t think Liam [Gallagher] would have it. Bet Noel would, wouldn’t he? He’d have to be with the sirs.”