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Bloc Party blast 'over-rated' Oasis
29.03.07Rock band Oasis have "made stupidity hip", according to one of their rivals.
Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke hit back after Liam Gallagher dismissed them as "a band off University Challenge".
Okereke told Uncut magazine: "I think Oasis are the most over-rated and pernicious band of all time. They had a totally negative and dangerous impact upon the state of British music.
"They have made stupidity hip. They claim to be inspired by the Beatles but, and this so saddens me, they have failed to grasp that the Beatles were about constant change and evolution. Oasis are repetitive Luddites."
Okereke, the son of a molecular biologist, studied English literature at King's College, London.
Asked about Gallagher's "University Challenge" remark, Okereke said: "Well, it's quite funny. It probably would have been a lot more funny had he not used exactly the same words to describe Travis a couple of years ago.
"Having said that, it's probably a very sad indication of the state of his mind.
"Why is it bad to better yourself? It's all about the weird way in which this country chooses to view the working classes. It is really daft to reinforce the idea that there is something cool about being dumb.
"The idea that your ambitions shouldn't extend beyond getting pissed and watching the football really irks me. It's this idea that to be authentically working class you need to be untainted by the airy-fairy ephemera of education. And it seems to be pretty unique to this country."
Okereke finds the situation so depressing that he plans to quit the country.
"When Bloc Party is done I am definitely going to move," he said.
Elsewhere in the interview, to be published on Friday, Okereke gave his views on drug-taking.
He said it was "hypocritical" for the press to be shocked by the pictures of supermodel Kate Moss allegedly snorting cocaine.
"Can there be anyone out there who has never had a line? Everyone I know has done it," he said.
"Cocaine can be very attractive, very seductive.
But for me it's bad news because that drug can really damage your voice. The drug I do enjoy taking is ecstasy, which gives a real sense of euphoria."
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Reader views (7)
Oasis has done more for music than bloc party ever will. Noel is one of the best song writers ever. Its one thing to not like there music, but at least recognize their impact on Brit music. bloc party is a joke of a band
- Lest, Uk
Kele Okereke is my hero for many reasons... he is a brilliant songwriter and one of the best frontmen I've seen. Bloc Party have done more in their two albums than Oasis have done in 20 years of existence, so I think it's time for the Gallagher brothers to retire or at least stop whining like two little schoolgirls who tease kids in the playground. On another note, some of these quotes seem a little harsh to me...
- Lo, New York, USA
How can a man with the personality of a wet sponge who is going around moaning and whining about everything with a face like a slapped bum critisize oasis, At least oasis make music with a bit of passion, bloc party bore me to tears and need to cheer up a bit.
- Simon, London
Cor, Bloc Party have certainly put Liam in his place with those brilliantly observed and hilariously cutting views. They've definitely proved they are not a bunch of whinging, humourless, tuneless geeks. Well done Master Okereke, pater WILL be pleased.
- John, UK
Poor old Oasis. As if being ugly and thick wasn't enough, they continue to slag off other significantly better, and more creative, bands. Mind you, they did that with Pulp and Blur in the 90's!! Bloc Party (and I'm a late convert) seem to put a lot more thought and originality into their tunes...
- Ed Mander, Blisworth, UK
Oasis make good songs even if they do sound similar. Bloc Partys first album was good, as it grabbed your attention. But the second one sounds like it was written on prozac or something. No party there.
- Danny, London
Bloc party are no rivals to Oasis. They produce constant drivel.
- Jim Smith, Australia
