Oasis postpones concert after attack
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 9, 2008 | 12:35 PM ET
CBC News
Noel Gallagher, seen here playing at the Virgin Festival in Toronto on Sunday, is recovering from injuries sustained in an attack during the show. A Pickering, Ont., man has been charged with assault. (CBC)Oasis has postponed its concert in London, Ont., scheduled for Tuesday night after an attack on Noel Gallagher, which left him with injuries to his ribs and hip.
The lead guitarist was attacked on Sunday night at the finale of the Virgin Festival on Toronto Island.
"Despite resting up yesterday, the extent of his injuries mean he will not be able to perform tonight," announced the tour's producer, Live Nation, in a news release Tuesday morning.
"The band is very keen to complete their Canadian tour and options for rescheduling the final London, Ontario, show are currently being looked into. Ticketholders are asked to retain their tickets until a further announcement is made."
Gallagher was attacked by a man who rushed from the back of the stage and pushed him to the ground. The man then started towards Gallagher's brother, Liam, who raised his fists ready to fight.
Before anything else could happen, security tackled the man and dragged him away. After a five-minute pause, the show continued.
Noel was taken to hospital after the show to be examined for a suspected fractured rib and ligament damage, according to a posting on the band's website on Monday.
"It all happened so quickly that I wasn't in a position to evaluate who was doing what to whom," said concertgoer David Lee, who said the venue went quiet after the attack.
"I supposed one word to describe that is they were stunned into silence," Lee, 53, told CBC News on Monday.
Lee was filming the concert on his digital camera when the incident occurred and posted the video on You Tube.
Toronto police have charged Daniel Sullivan, 47, of Pickering, Ont., with assault. He was released from custody on a promise to appear in court Oct. 24.
