Noel Gallagher to record solo album

Noel Gallagher wants to record a solo album this year.

The Oasis guitarist is planning to take a break from the group to concentrate on releasing his own material once they finish touring their 'Dig Out Your Soul' album.

He said: "I've got a lot of songs lying around and some of them are really great. But they're not Oasis songs. They're going to sit there and do nothing, so hopefully at the end of this tour I'm going to go and do something for myself."

Noel also said he hopes the rest of the band also decide to pursue solo projects during the hiatus.

He added to Q magazine: "It would be really interesting for fans of the band to see how each individual makes up the whole. I don't think it'll affect what Oasis do. Liam, on the other hand, will f***ing freak out.

"The last three albums have been three years in between, but I see it as likely to be longer this time. Even before the end of making each Oasis album, I've always started writing the next one, and I haven't this time. I don't want to force it."

Oasis - also comprising guitarist Gem Archer, bass guitarist Andy Bell and drummer Chris Sharrock - are set to begin the UK leg of their tour on June 4 at Heaton Park, Manchester. They are one of the headline acts at the V Festival in August.