A long time ago (err 15 years!) when I first discovered Oasis, I would go back and forth in my favorite Gallagher brother, as any crazy obsessed teenager would . First I loved Noel, he was (in my 15 year old brain) "the quiet one" sensitive, and had a voice to break your heart, plus who doesn't fall for deep songwriter types? I would dream about him personally giving me a concert with just his acoustic guitar and his lovely accent. Then the next week (yes it would literally be THE NEXT WEEK) I would be in love with the hot lead singer, his rock n roll antics, soul melting rip roaring voice, and his oh so beautiful blue eyes...who wouldn't fall for a lead singer??
As I grew older, more obsessed and learned more about them, I grew into a Gallagher brothers lover. Noel could make me just crazy as Liam. I loved them together, I love the interaction, the hilarity, hated when they fought, and most of all loved everything about the music the made together. I still feel the same, though I still vary back and forth now and then. At this point and I say this in the most non-crazy way, the Gallaghers are like family, I love them, will never stop loving them, but sometimes they do things I don't agree with, like Noel being grumpy or Liam saying ridiculous things.
It seems to me, in my humble opinion since Oasis broke up, fans have draw lines, stepped on either sides, and started to fiercely reject the other. Some of it is fans showing their true colors, i.e. they always disliked Liam, and just put up with him and now the break up gives them an excuse to be horrible to Beady Eye and its fans. It works the other way as well a lot of Liam fans see Beady Eye has a good ole poke in the ribs to Noel, and do not respect the brilliant songwriter we all know he is. Some of it is fans thinking they have choose sides. It’s all very sad and unproductive.
The Gallaghers were Oasis. The magic they had together will NEVER be produced again solo (or in a band). It’s a repeating story in rock n roll, Lennon & McCartney, Plant & Page, Jaggar & Richards, etc. all were never as good solo as they were together. It’s a debate, but most will agree...nothing will ever sound as good as Liam singing one of Noel's songs, Noel's voice hovering just above Liam's in backing vocals. The sheer force, drive, whatever you call it of Oasis, cannot be reproduced without both Gallaghers on stage. Why deny it? Why take sides? If you loved Oasis truly, you can't take sides and if you’re smart you’ll try enjoy both sides.
Beady Eye is awesome, the way Liam just took the reins and went for it is awe inspiring...I mean this is the man that claimed he forgot about the American Tour in 1996. In that "Oasis-feels-like-my-family" way I am proud to have been a fan of this man's for so long. Noel's solo journey I am sure will seem just as awesome to me as Beady Eye's, sure he is taking his time, but who didn't think he wouldn't?
Both Noel and Beady Eye should not be judged against that Oasis Gallagher magic, but on a "new band" status...judge them against the rest of music today, not each other. In ending you can and really should be fans of both brothers and their endeavors (that is of course you actually like the music!). Be a Beady Noel Fan for now and maybe one day we'll get that Gallagher Magic back.