LONDON — Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher claims "verbal and violent intimidation" led to his decision to leave the "Britpop" band.

In a letter to fans posted to the band's Web site Saturday, Gallagher also apologizes for having to cancel European concerts.

The posting says "the level of verbal and violent intimidation towards me, my family, friends and comrades has become intolerable."

Gallagher offers no details about what the intimidation was, and doesn't specify who was responsible.

Gallagher also doesn't directly write about his brother Liam, the band's frontman, who he earlier said had forced his decision to quit. That statement said Gallagher couldn't work with Liam "a day longer."

Oasis was a leading act in the "Britpop" explosion of the 1990s.

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