Oasis star Noel Gallagher was given a rapturous reception as he returned to the stage for the first time since being injured in a head-on car crash on the band's US tour.

The singer and songwriter showed little sign of the heavy facial bruising he suffered in the collision as he performed to a sell-out crowd at New York's Roseland Ballroom on Sunday.

Liam Gallagher was not in the taxi with his brother

He was presented with a bunch of flowers by his brother, Liam - with whom he has had numerous publicised arguments - after complaining that he had only received one card after the accident.

"That's what happens when you stop selling albums," he joked. "Not even my record company sent me a bunch of flowers."

And when Liam appeared with his bouquet, Noel accused him of urinating on it.

Liam was not in the taxi that was involved in the head-on collision in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Tuesday.

Noel also suffered whiplash and shock, while guitarist Andy Bell suffered minor injuries and temporary keyboardist Jay Darlington had to have his hand strapped.

All three were taken to hospital by ambulance, but were released and prescribed pain-killers and rest by doctors.

'Shocked'

The band, who have just released their latest album, Heathen Chemistry, were forced to cancel three concerts.

The New York show was still in the balance until the day of the gig, with a spokesman saying Noel was "still very badly shocked" on Saturday.

Sunday's show was the first of three nights at the 3,000-capacity Roseland Ballroom.

The US tour has already faced early setbacks after Noel lost his passport and his brother, singer Liam, was forced to retire from the first show because of voice problems.