Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher has claimed drugs are the “most beautiful thing” about being in a band.

Gallagher told an Italian newspaper that he had spent £1million on narcotics during Oasis' Britpop heyday, before giving them up in 1998.

He also described Coldplay frontman Chris Martin as an “idiot” for claiming that he has never taken drugs.

"Doing drugs is the most beautiful thing about being in a rock band,” Gallagher told Corriere Della Sera.

"Up until 1998 I must have spent Ј1m on drugs then I stopped because it is bad for your health, brain, life and for people around you.

"But while you use them - except for heroin which kills people and which I have never tried - as you lot (Italians) would say 'Mamma Mia'."

Meanwhile, Gallagher also claimed in the candid interview that he would rather join another band than have to “worry” about “singing and writing” songs for Oasis.

He said: "Oasis won't break up. It's just that at the moment I can't see what more we can do … I need something to maintain my interest … My ideal would be to join another band."

Oasis are currently in the middle of a UK stadium tour, which continues tomorrow (July 7) in Coventry.

(by Jason Gregory)