Noel Gallagher has built a reputation for dismissing most musicians across generations, reserving harsh judgement for figures he deems unworthy whilst sparing only a select few. He recently extended rare public praise to John Lydon of the Sex Pistols, describing the punk icon as a hero, genius, and 'one of the great British people of all time.' This endorsement stands out because Noel typically offers cutting critiques of legacy artists, from Phil Collins to The Beach Boys, making his reversal toward Lydon noteworthy.

Gallagher's warmth toward Lydon traces to a hotel encounter where the punk frontman mocked Liam Gallagher but posed his questions and jibes toward Noel instead, a dynamic Noel clearly relished. Liam responded with sarcasm and maintained coolness toward Lydon thereafter. Noel framed his praise by acknowledging that Sex Pistols were essential to Oasis's formation, suggesting his admiration flows partly from recognising Lydon's historical influence on his own band and partly from satisfaction at his brother's public needling.