Noel Gallagher hails rockstar drug use

Noel Gallagher has suggested that taking drugs is the best thing about being a popstar.

The Oasis guitarist told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is foolish not to take advantage of illegal substances.

Gallagher said: "I look at Chris Martin who says he has never taken drugs in his life and I think he is an idiot. Doing drugs is the most beautiful thing about being in a rock band.

"I stopped because it is bad for your health, brain, life and for people around you."

Gallagher estimated that he had personally spent around £1 million on drugs before quitting completely on June 5, 1998.

In 1997, Gallagher attracted attention when he claimed that for many people in the UK, "drugs is like getting up and having a cup of tea in the morning".