blog post Oasis Attack Update: A Broken Rib And A Cancelled Collaboration?

While news stations and websites around the globe are telling the story of how Oasis' Noel Gallagher was assaulted onstage at last night's Virgin Festival in Toronto, more details are emerging about the attack, and about how it might have ruined a surprise collaboration.

According to a statement that the band released today, the attack may have given Gallagher more than frayed nerves. It says that the guitarist and singer fell "heavily" into his monitor, and was "taken to hospital after the show to be examined for a suspected fractured rib and ligament damage."

The incident may have also ruined an onstage appearance by a British music legend. Paul Weller, former lead man with the Jam and the Style Council, had reportely planned to join Oasis for "Champagne Supernova" - a track he appeared on when it was originally released in 1995. (Weller also played V-Fest earlier in the weekend.)

Now, blogs around the world are filling up with comments about the attack. On NME.com, they range from people saying they found it hilarious to others who say they hope the Gallagher brothers gave the man a good, er, "talking to" backstage. Still others expressed relief that the assailant didn't have a weapon.

This afternoon, the man charged in the attack - a 47 year-old named Daniel Sullivan - made his first appearance in a Toronto courtroom.

No word yet on whether tomorrow night's show in London, Ontario will go ahead as planned, but ticket holders are being urged to check the Oasis website and local media for updates.