'I was a Radio 1 DJ when Liam Gallagher launched X-rated rant and Nirvana star washed pants in bath'

On 23 October 1997, during a live interview on BBC Radio 1, Liam Gallagher, the younger brother of Oasis founder Noel Gallagher, delivered an unfiltered, expletive-laden monologue that shocked listeners and became a defining moment in British pop culture. The episode unfolded during a session hosted by DJ Steve Lamacq, featuring a rare appearance by Noel Gallagher, who had agreed to answer fan questions. However, the interview took an unexpected turn when Liam, who had been drinking with Noel earlier that day, unexpectedly entered the studio. Liam, known for his fiery personality, spent nearly two hours engaging in raucous banter with Lamacq, often veering into profanity-laced commentary. He criticized the Rolling Stones and George Harrison, calling them “senile,” and boasted that he would “beat them up” if they wanted to fight. Noel, meanwhile, made a controversial remark about drugs, stating, “Drugs do work,” after the Verve's The Drugs Won't Work was played. The exchange ended abruptly when Liam stormed out, leaving Noel and Lamacq stunned. Steve Lamacq, who later reflected on the incident, described the interview as “one of the most rock ‘n’ roll interviews since the Sex Pistols were on the Today programme.” He noted the tension between the brothers, acknowledging that while Liam’s remarks were provocative, there was an underlying affection. Lamacq recalled that Noel seemed more reflective at the end, perhaps influenced by the late-night drinking session. After the interview, Lamacq visited a local pub, where the bartender reportedly remarked, “Oh mate,” upon seeing the broadcast, suggesting the event had left a lasting impression. Beyond the Gallagher incident, Lamacq has shared several memorable anecdotes from his long career in music journalism. One such story involves his encounter with Nirvana during their early days. In 1990, while working for the NME, Lamacq met the band at a West London B&B in Shepherd’s Bush. At the time, Dave Grohl had recently joined the group, and Kurt Cobain was still adjusting to life with the new drummer. Lamacq described the scene as chaotic yet fascinating, noting that the drummer, initially silent due to his recent arrival, was secretly washing clothes in the bathroom. When Lamacq caught him in the act, he discovered the drummer had been laundering underwear in the bathtub, revealing the identity of Dave Grohl. Lamacq has also chronicled his experiences with other iconic bands, including Coldplay. During a 1998 gig at Camden’s Falcon pub, he witnessed the fledgling band perform to a small crowd of just 32 people. Frontman Chris Martin impressed Lamacq with his blend of confidence and humility, qualities that have persisted throughout his career. Lamacq recounted how Martin expressed gratitude for the performance, saying, “It’s not just me, it was really special.” In addition to these stories, Lamacq continues to engage with contemporary music through his BBC Radio 6 Music programming. His upcoming series, Indie Forever, will feature collaborations with fellow musician Felix White from the Maccabees, revisiting key moments in indie music history. He is also set to host The Rise and Fall of The Smiths on Radio 6, offering insights into the legacy of the influential band. These accounts highlight Lamacq’s enduring role as a witness to the evolution of British music, capturing both its raw energy and its cultural significance.