Noel Thomas David Gallagher (born 29 May 1967) is an English musician, singer and songwriter. Gallagher is the primary songwriter, lead guitarist and a co-lead vocalist of the rock band Oasis. After leaving Oasis, he formed Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. Gallagher is one of the most successful songwriters in British music history, with nine UK number-one singles and twelve UK number-one albums (eight with Oasis and four with the High Flying Birds). He became the first artist in UK chart history to reach number one with ten consecutive studio albums. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential songwriters in the history of British rock music, cited by numerous major subsequent artists as an influence. Gallagher began playing the guitar at the age of twelve, and became a roadie and technician for Inspiral Carpets when he was 21. He learnt that his younger brother Liam had joined a band called the Rain, which Liam subsequently renamed to Oasis; Liam invited him to join the group as manager. After rejecting the offer, Gallagher agreed to join the band, on the condition that he would take creative control of the group and become its sole songwriter and lead guitarist. He became the band's de facto leader and he was the sole credited writer for the band's first three studio albums. The band's debut album, Definitely Maybe (1994), was a widespread critical and commercial success. Their second album, (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995), reached the top of the album charts in many countries, and their third studio album, Be Here Now (1997), became the fastest-selling album in UK chart history. They released the acclaimed B-side compilation album The Masterplan in 1998 before taking a two year break. During this time Britpop eventually declined in popularity, but Oasis continued to have great success having five more UK number one albums (four studio and one compilation album) and four more UK number one singles in the years that followed, and the band's return to form was highlighted by their final two studio albums, Don't Believe the Truth (2005) and Dig Out Your Soul (2008), which were hailed as their best efforts in over a decade. In August 2009, following an altercation with his brother, Gallagher announced his departure from Oasis. He went on to form Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, with whom he has released four studio albums. Oasis's time was marked by turbulence, especially during the peak of Britpop, during which Gallagher was involved in several disputes with Liam. Their conflicts and wild lifestyles regularly made tabloid headlines. The band had a rivalry with fellow Britpop band Blur. Gallagher himself was often regarded as a pioneer and spearhead of the Britpop movement. Many have praised his songwriting, with the Beatles producer George Martin calling him "the finest songwriter of his generation". Gallagher has won many awards during his career, including seven Brit Awards and two Ivor Novello Awards for songwriting, all of which he received while he was in Oasis.