March 4th, 2009 by Warren Moore

The Chinese promoter responsible for the recently cancelled Oasis concerts has dismissed any political motivation for the cancellation of the band’s debut Chinese shows, instead insisting it is the economic downturn that is to blame .

Reports on Monday claimed the concerts were pulled due to an objection by Chinese authorities who deemed the band and in particular Noel Gallagher inappropriate to perform in the communist capital due to involvement in a 1997 Free Tibet concert.

However according to news agency Reuters promoters Beijing All Culture Communication Co Ltd blamed economics not politics. ‘I have no money. It’s normal in an environment of economic crisis … It has nothing to do at all with the Tibet problem,’ said a spokesperson for the promoters.

Other concerts on the band’s world tour, including a show in Chinese controlled Hong Kong on April 7, will continue as organised.

Oasis are currently touring the world to promote their current release Dig Out Your Soul. They are due to return to the UK this summer to close out their extensive world tour. The Oasis tour kicks off with three shows at Heaton Park in Manchester (June 4, 6 &7). Oasis play seven further dates including performances at Sunderland Stadium of Light (June 10), Cardiff Millennium Stadium (June 12), Murrayfield Stadium in Glasgow (June 17) and Coventry’s Ricoh Arena  (July 7). The Oasis tour comes to a close in London with four shows at Wembley Stadium (July 9, 11 & 12). Loads of Oasis tickets are still available.