Though the chat rooms have been filled with rumors that the 31-year-old White – who has suffered from tendonitis and (reportedly) arthritis) — might leave the band of his own volition, the sudden sacking took most Oasis fans by surprise. The firing comes right before the band enters the studio to begin work on an album.
In the end, it all came down to a question of loyalty. The other members — Liam, Noel, Andy Bell and Gem Archer — didn’t think that White was committed to the band. The drummer’s moonlighting — gigging with his musician brother Steve — made them question his loyalty to the group. In the end, the other members voted to drum him out of the band.
Noel is said to be unfazed at the thought of recording the new album without an official drummer. According to band insiders, he plans to do the job himself (as well as singing and playing lead guitar).
“Noel can’t be arsed with getting a new drummer,” said a source. “[Especially when he knows he can do the job perfectly well himself.”
And, of course, there’s the trademark Gallagher ego to keep in mind.
“He thinks it’ll probably be the best drumming heard on any Oasis album,” confided the source.
Of course, Noel would have a tough time drumming when the band hits the tour circuit in support of the album. At the moment, he plans to hire a session musician to play at the live shows.
For those of you keeping score, White is the second Oasis drummer to be handed his walking papers. In 1995, he replaced Tony McCarroll — a founding member whose tenure lasted only a year — in the recording sessions for their breakthrough album, “What’s the Story, Morning Glory?”