It looks like the Chinese government has decided it’s payback time where Oasis is concerned. The band was scheduled to play two shows next month for fans in Shanghai and Beijing. However, Chinese government officials – who don’t take criticism well – suddenly realized that Noel Gallagher played a Free Tibet Benefit Concert in New York back in 1997. And they are none too pleased.

Oasis News Room quotes a statement released by the band’s spokesperson:  “According to the show's promoters, officials within the Chinese Ministry of Culture only recently discovered that Noel Gallagher appeared at a Free Tibet Benefit Concert on Randall's Island in NY in 1997 and have now deemed that the band are consequently unsuitable to perform to their fans in the Chinese Republic on 3rd and 5th of April, during its 60th anniversary year. Oasis are extremely disappointed that they are now being prevented from undertaking their planned tour of mainland China and hope that the powers that be within China will reconsider their decision and allow the band to perform to their Chinese fans at some stage in the future." 

We’re not holding our breath in expectation of a change of heart from Chinese officials (and we doubt the band is either) but we kind of admire them for taking a “you never know until you ask” approach. It shows gumption. [Oasis News Room]