Oasis cancel festival gig after Liam takes ill

Oasis were forced to cancel their appearance at Virgin Media's V Festival tonight after lead singer Liam Gallagher was diagnosed with viral laryngitis.

Snow Patrol has stepped in to headline the main stage at Hylands Park in Chelmsford after Oasis pulled out following doctor's advice to Gallagher.

An Oasis spokesperson said: "After a year of being on the road this is the first performance to be lost to a band member's illness, so naturally we are all completely gutted.

"Liam is resting up and should be fine to resume the tour next Friday in Paris."

The Brit pop legends headlined the Staffordshire leg of the V Festival last night to a delighted crowd.

One festival goer said: "They played a great set and seemed on good form."

V Festival director Bob Angus said of the change of billing in Chelmsford: "Fans will be disappointed of course - the artists' health must come first.

"The acts on the V Stage are sure to play the set of their lives so fans have a fantastic Sunday night at V Festival, Chelmsford."