Noel Gallagher, guitarist and main songwriter for British rockers Oasis, has left the group's world tour, and will be replaced by another guitarist for the outing, the band said in a statement Tuesday (May 23).

"Noel has quit overseas touring for the foreseeable future," Oasis spokesperson Julian Carrera said, adding that Oasis are "absolutely not" breaking up.

Gallagher will be replaced on the tour by guitarist Matt Deighton, who has performed with former Jam frontman Paul Weller.

Gallagher will rejoin the band for UK dates in July and August, according to the band's statement.

The guitarist's departure leaves his brother, singer Liam Gallagher, as the sole remaining original member of the band on the tour, which will hit European cities this summer.

Guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs and bassist Paul McGuigan left the band last summer. Original drummer Tony McCarroll parted ways with the group in 1995, after the release of their first album, Definitely Maybe.

Liam and Noel Gallagher have had a publicly contentious relationship, often feuding onstage. In the past, the band has performed gigs, including an MTV "Unplugged" episode, without Liam.

In 1995, Oasis became worldwide stars with (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, which contained the hits "Wonderwall" (RealAudio excerpt), "Don't Look Back in Anger" and "Champagne Supernova."

Oasis released their latest album, Standing on the Shoulders of Giants, in February.

The album, which includes the single "Go Let It Out" (RealAudio excerpt), has fallen off Billboard's 200 albums chart.

The band's current lineup includes guitarist Gem Archer, bassist Andy Bell and drummer Alan White.

(This story was updated at 5:40 p.m. EDT Tuesday, May 23, 2000, with additional reporting.)