Noel Gallagher says he will 'never say never' about an Oasis reunion - sparking hope amongst fans the band could reunite.
The songwriter left the band in August 2009, saying he could no longer work with his younger brother Liam following a series of fights.
While both have gone on to enjoy much success in their own right, questions about a reunion have never gone away.
"You should never say never, but it would take an extraordinary set of circumstances," Gallagher told BBC Radio Manchester ahead of the release of his latest solo album with his backing band High Flying Birds.
"That's not to say that those circumstances would never come about."
The comments show some hint of hope for fans, as in the past Noel had said it 'would take £100 million' for him to get on stage with Liam.
Formed in Manchester in 1991, Oasis had eight number one singles including Some Might Say and Don't Look Back In Anger.
The Gallagher brothers' last live gig together was in Paris in 2009. At their peak they played two legendary gigs at Knebworth to 250,000 fans.
For his part Liam is understood to be keen to reunite.
On Sunday night, following reports about Noel getting divorced, Liam tweeted out a link to the song 'He ain't Heavy He's My Brother' by The Hollies. He has previously claimed Noel's wife was a factor in there being no reunion.
And in June last year he was asked about a reunion and Liam said in an interview: "See, I don't mind getting asked that, 'cause it's natural. You know what I mean? I like talking about Oasis 'cause it's the best band in the world. So they're wrong again, man.
"What, getting back together? Not this week, but I mean, I'm ready to go. My bags are packed. Maybe the week after."
Promoting his new album Council Skies, Noel admitted it was looking back at his days growing up and when he formed Oasis.
He told the BBC: "It's going back to the beginning - daydreaming, looking up at the sky and wondering about what life could be.
"That's as true to me now as it was in the early 90s when I was growing up in poverty and unemployment. Music took me out of that.
"Top of the Pops on TV transformed your Thursday night into this fantasy world, and that's what I think music should be - I want my music to be elevating and transforming in some way."
The artwork, shot by renowned Manchester photographer Kevin Cummins, sees Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds’ live equipment setup placed on the original centre spot of what was Maine Road Football Stadium, with this year marking 100 years since the ground was opened as the former home of Noel’s beloved Manchester City FC.
At the weekend, Noel and wife Sara MacDonald have announced they are getting a divorce.
The couple, who have been married since 2011, said their children "remain their priority" and asked for privacy.
The pair met in 2000 while the former Oasis guitarist and songwriter was married to Meg Matthews, whom he divorced in January 2001.
Gallagher and publicist MacDonald married at a private ceremony in June 2011 and share two children, Donovan and Sonny.
"A spokesperson on behalf of Noel Gallagher and Sara Macdonald has confirmed that the couple are to divorce," read a statement, shared with the PA news agency.
"Noel and Sara will together continue to look after their children who remain their priority. Noel and Sara ask the media to respect their privacy and that of our family at this time."
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds new album Council Skies will be released on June 2.
