Noel Gallagher accepts Songwriter of the Year amid divided crowd
noel gallagher collected the Songwriter of the Year award at the 46th BRIT Awards in Manchester, praising his brother Liam and his bandmates as the ceremony produced both applause and boos. The event was held on Saturday night at Co-op Live/Co-Op Live Arena as the awards headed north for the first time in the ceremony’s nearly 50-year history.
Award announcement and timing
It was announced in advance that Noel would be honoured with the songwriter of the year gong for the BRIT Awards 2026, with the ceremony taking place on Saturday (February 28) night. The 46th edition of the awards took place at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena for the first time on Saturday. The 58-year-old had been confirmed for an award that is said to "recognise exceptional songwriting talent" and is decided by a select panel of judges.
Pep Guardiola's surprise message
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola made a surprise on-screen appearance before Noel collected the prize, delivering a video message rather than appearing in person. In the video, Pep asked Noel to "share it a little bit this award with your brother, Liam, please, " and said: "You deserve it now with your brother Liam and your band – you come back, you never disappear and yeah, share it a little bit this award with your brother, Liam, please. I’m so proud of you, hats off, and I love you. " Pep’s request referenced Liam being seen enjoying Oasis' reunion at Heaton Park last summer.
Introductions on stage and presenting
The singer was introduced by Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie, who awarded him the prize in front of the packed crowd. Another introduction element noted that the High Flying Birds frontman was introduced by Pep Guardiola, the manager of his beloved football team Manchester City.
Noel Gallagher's acceptance speech
Collecting his award, Noel thanked his younger brother and his bandmates and recalled the songs' longevity. He said: "Yes, Manchester! I'm gonna start by saying I've got to thank my brother. And Bonehead, Guigsy and Andy and Gem. Without them I'd just be a singer-songwriter and nobody gives a s*** about singer-songwriters. " In a longer version of the speech he listed names as: "I've got to thank my brother and Bonehead, and Guigsy, Tony McCarroll, Alan White, Gem, and Andy. " He added that those people "brought those songs to life" and thanked the public who "have kept those songs alive for the last 35 years. "
Controversy, crowd reaction and censorship
The acceptance drew mixed reaction. Noel issued a rallying cry for his football club that divided the crowd at Co-Op Live Arena, and the end of his speech was censored when he declared: "Up the f***** Blues!" The award was described as somewhat controversial because Noel himself said he "hasn't written a new song for two years"; he told talkSPORT: "I haven't written a song for two years. I'm not sure how I've got away with that one, but I'll take it. "
Defence and remarks after win
Noel defended the result with comments about record sales and a willingness to confront critics. He said: "Well, I think the BRITs is all based on record sales, and I'm not sure there was another single songwriter that sold… I mean, we sold a million records last year. Didn't even get off the couch and I'm not sure there's a songwriter that can match that. " He also told challengers: "But you know, if anybody's got a problem with it, meet me there. We'll have it out on the red carpet. " He added: "If any of those wet wipes songwriting teams, all 11 of them, want to write a song between the lot of them, want to have it out on the red carpet, I'm there. " He also said: "I'm in the studio now, so I'd better do something out soon. If I am honest I think they just were desperate to get someone from Oasis up there 'cos it is in Manchester. " When asked about the decision, he repeated: "I haven’t written a song for two years. I’m not sure how I’ve got away with that one but I’ll take it. " He also said: "To be honest I think they were just desperate to get someone from Oasis up there because it’s Manchester. Our kid said he’s not going. "
Reunion and other winners
Noel had thanked the rest of the Roll With It band after their hugely successful reunion last year and months earlier he wrapped the Oasis Live '25 comeback tour. The ceremony also saw Olivia Dean take home four awards, winning in every category she was nominated for.
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01: 12 GMT 01 Mar 2026, updated 01: 28 GMT 01 Mar 2026. By CAROLINA PIRAS, SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER.
Closing: The Songwriter of the Year award at the BRITs placed Noel Gallagher at the centre of both celebration and debate in Manchester as he paid tribute to family, former bandmates and fans while drawing a mixed reception from the crowd.
