Liam Gallagher lets rip at band favourite to headline Glastonbury 2027: 'Not good enough'

Liam Gallagher’s latest quip landed on a stage that is already buzzing with anticipation. In a moment that felt more like a backstage banter than a public statement, the former Oasis frontman dismissed Fontaines D.C. As “not good enough” for a Glastonbury opening slot, insisting they “don’t have any tunes.” The comment came as the Irish quartet, tipped to headline the 2027 festival, were reportedly being considered for a spot alongside the legendary Brit‑rock band’s reunion tour.

The Glastonbury Festival, known for its eclectic mix of legacy acts and fresh talent, has long been a barometer of musical taste. Oasis, reuniting after a 2009 split between Liam and Noel Gallagher, is set to perform 42 stadium and outdoor shows in 2027, a tour that already sold more than 2.2 million tickets in 2024. Their return has stirred excitement across the UK, and the band’s presence at Glastonbury would be a nod to the festival’s history of hosting iconic rock acts. Yet, as the line‑up shapes up, the organizers have ruled Oasis out of the running, alongside Madonna, who was also a hot‑tipped candidate for a debut appearance.

Fontaines D.C., on the other hand, are a newer force. Their latest album, Dopamine Chamber, is poised to hit number one next Friday, and the band’s energetic, post‑punk sound has earned them a reputation as one of the most compelling acts in contemporary music. Their tour schedule for 2027 includes stadium headlining dates that conveniently leave both Friday and Sunday nights open, the very slots that could accommodate a Glastonbury performance.

When Liam Gallagher was asked why Fontaines D.C. Weren’t opening for Oasis, his terse reply“There not good enough they don’t have any tunes”sent ripples through the music community. The remark, made in a candid interview, reflects a broader tension between legacy acts and emerging artists. Gallagher’s comment echoes the sentiment expressed by Fontaines D.C. Members themselves. Guitarist Carlos O’Connell, in a 2024 interview, stated he “couldn’t really give a s**t” about the Oasis reunion, while bassist Conor Deegan III lamented the nostalgia of the 2010s and the risk of being trapped in a past era. Deegan added that the band’s new record aimed “to look into the future and make new things,” underscoring their desire to forge a distinct path rather than align with a re‑united classic.

The festival’s co‑organiser, Emily Eavis, confirmed that headliners have been booked but declined to name them. She did, however, confirm that both Oasis and Madonna were ruled out. The decision leaves room for acts like Sam Fender, whose Glastonbury headlining slot has already been revealed. Fender, a Geordie singer, reportedly feels “over the moon” about the opportunity, a sentiment that has even reached his neighbours. Glastonbury tickets, which sold out in just 42 minutes earlier this month, highlight the high demand for the festival’s lineup, even as no official acts have been announced.

As the festival’s organizers weigh options, the conversation around legacy versus innovation is more relevant than ever. Gallagher’s dismissive stance towards Fontaines D.C. May be seen as a protective instinct for the legacy of Oasis, but it also underscores a generational divide that fans and industry insiders are watching closely. The Irish band’s ambition to headline Glastonbury could signal a shift in the festival’s narrative, positioning newer acts at the forefront of a cultural moment that has traditionally celebrated established names.

Looking ahead, the 2027 Glastonbury festival promises to be a crucible where past and present collide. Whether Fontaines D.C. Secure a headlining slot or remain on the periphery, the event will continue to test the boundaries of what defines a headline act. The festival’s ability to balance nostalgia with fresh talent will determine its relevance in a rapidly evolving music landscape. As the countdown to the festival begins, the music world waits to see if the next headline will be a reunion of legends or a bold statement from a band that refuses to be boxed into the past.