Noel Gallagher to Receive Songwriter of the Year Honour at BRIT Awards 2026
In a move that blends irony with recognition, Noel Gallagher is poised to receive the prestigious Songwriter of the Year award at the upcoming BRIT Awards 2026. This confirmation came on Wednesday, marking a significant moment for the 58-year-old musician who has previously vowed never to attend the ceremony again.
A History of Criticism and Reconciliation
The singer-songwriter, who recently reunited with his brother Liam for the massive Oasis reunion tour, once branded the BRIT Awards as "forgettable." In a notable 2013 statement, Gallagher expressed his disdain, saying, "It was an instantly forgettable night. There was nothing going on at the BRITs." He even quipped that he would only return if he won an award for "being the only person in England to write his own songs." Now, with the Songwriter of the Year gong, it seems the BRITs have taken his challenge to heart.
Celebrating a Defining Musical Legacy
Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK, praised Gallagher's enduring impact. "For more than three decades, Noel has crafted songs that have become part of our collective story - bold, brilliant, and always recognisable," she said. "His songs have soundtracked memories for multiple generations and defined the spirit of British music globally." Tang added that honouring him celebrates a remarkable body of work that continues to inspire artists and fans worldwide.
Event Details and Special Tribute
The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard will take place on Saturday, February 28, from Manchester's Co-op Live arena. The ceremony will be broadcast on ITV and hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall. According to a source speaking to The Sun, the event will feature a special visual tribute to Gallagher, showcasing highlights of his career before he accepts the award. The Daily Mail has reached out to Gallagher's representative for further comment.
Oasis's Infamous BRIT Awards History
Noel and Liam Gallagher have a long and notorious history with the BRIT Awards, filled with memorable and often drunken moments. In 1996, while accepting an award for Best New Band, Liam grabbed the microphone from presenter Michael Hutchence and provocatively said, "Right, first thing first. I heard Michael was going to give me a slap. So come on..." Noel then added, "Has-beens shouldn't be dishing out awards to gonnabes." The brothers also famously mocked Britpop rivals Blur by performing a rendition of "Parklife" at the same ceremony.
Reflecting on their antics, Noel once explained on a podcast, "You can't have a hangover if you're always p***ed." This legacy of rebelliousness adds a layer of intrigue to his upcoming honour, highlighting how the BRITs are embracing one of music's most outspoken figures.
