Oasis tell fans `keep the faith'

LONDON - The troubled band Oasis yesterday made an impassioned plea to fans to "keep the faith" but continued to dodge the media…

LONDON - The troubled band Oasis yesterday made an impassioned plea to fans to "keep the faith" but continued to dodge the media lime light. Instead of yesterday's widely expected press conference, Oasis issued a personal statement. It said the band would be going into the studio early to start work on its long awaited third album.

The songwriter, Noel Gallagher, personally took the decision to cancel all current touring plans "on behalf of his four friends", the statement said. Oasis will not now fulfil any concert commitments at least until the end of this year.

"It ain't over till it's over. Keep the faith," the band said.

There has been speculation that Noel's younger brother, Liam, had been particularly feeling the strain of the media spotlight and Oasis's relentless touring schedule.