British popsters Oasis [ tickets ] plan to launch a world tour next March in support of a new album that's expected to be released in February. The band's oft-feuding brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, doing damage control after the departure of two band members in two weeks, revealed the plans at a London press conference on Wednesday (8/25).

Earlier this week, longtime bass player Paul McGuilgan announced through Oasis' British label, Creation Records, that he's leaving the band. Guitarist Paul ''Bonehead'' Arthurs announced his departure earlier this month. Both suggested that they weren't up to the heavy touring and promotion work that will accompany the new album.

''I suppose it's a natural thing that they don't want to leave their families,'' said Noel, according to a transcript of the press conference published by NME. ''We've got to respect that.... It's no use kicking in Boneheads door and going, 'you've got to go out and tour.' I mean, it might change when we have kids, I don't know, but you've got to respect their decisions as family men.''

The band plans to hold auditions and find two replacements, ''and there might not be a stampede to join the band because we have a bit of bad reputation,'' said Noel.