The South American leg of Oasis's mega-tour has landed in Chile, but the band's reunion isn't the only story making waves. In a development that has raised serious questions, Paul Gallagher - the older brother of frontmen Liam and Noel - has been accompanying the band on every stop of their world tour, despite facing grave criminal charges back in the UK.
A Brother's Shadow on the World Stage
Paul Gallagher, 59, is currently on bail over allegations including rape, coercive and controlling behaviour, three counts of sexual assault, and two counts of making a threat to kill. The alleged offences are said to have involved one woman and occurred between 2022 and 2024. Despite this, he has been photographed backstage at tour locations from Australia to the United States and now Chile, camera in hand, after being reportedly hired to take photographs for his famous siblings.
Insiders have revealed to the Daily Mail that Paul's global travel has been arranged free of charge by the tour, and he is even being paid for his photographic work. This arrangement has drawn criticism from those who find it inappropriate for someone awaiting the outcome of such a serious court case to be travelling the world in luxury.
History of Support and Serious Allegations
This isn't the first instance of the Gallagher brothers showing public support for Paul during these legal proceedings. Earlier this year, Liam Gallagher dedicated the Oasis hit 'Stand By Me' to his brother during the band's penultimate UK tour show at Wembley Stadium. The 53-year-old singer made the dedication before performing the 1997 song, whose lyrics include 'I've got a lot of things to learn' and 'Stand by me, nobody knows the way it's gonna be'.
Paul Gallagher has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. His court appearance at Harrow Crown Court in August saw him deny one count of rape, coercive and controlling behaviour, three counts of sexual assault, three counts of intentional strangulation, two counts of making a threat to kill, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Mounting Criticism and Silent Response
Critics have expressed deep disappointment that Paul has been permitted to travel internationally while on bail for such serious allegations. Fans and observers are questioning how someone facing charges of this severity can tour the planet with VIP treatment while his case proceeds through the British legal system.
The band and its management have remained tight-lipped about the situation, declining to comment on Paul's involvement with the tour. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that a woman connected to the case is being supported by specially trained officers.
Paul Gallagher, who lives in a flat purchased by Noel in 2004 in East Finchley, has worked as both a DJ and photographer. He has previously described himself as living a normal life 'amongst the lower middle classes' and preferring to stay out of the public eye. Unlike his famous brothers, Paul has never been involved with Oasis professionally, having grown up with them in Burnage, Manchester.
