Damon Albarn - Knowledge

1380: 51: 1094:. Albarn grew to appreciate Coxon's tastes in lo-fi and underground music, and recognised the need to change Blur's musical direction once again. "I can sit at my piano and write brilliant observational pop songs all day long but you've got to move on," he said, and decided to give Coxon more creative control over their new album. Albarn visited Iceland during this period: "I used to have a recurring dream, as a child, of a black sand beach. And one hazy, lazy day , I was watching the TV and I saw a programme about Iceland, and they had black beaches. So I got on a plane ... I was on my own. I didn't know anybody. I went into the street, 685: 1199: 1715: 1131: 7836: 7822: 844: 2668:

involved in something which he'd put so much of his life into" and "got over-emotional". He also stated that "it obviously wasn't the best moment to get in that state, when you're at the head of the biggest peace march in the history of this country." Albarn also attended a protest in November where he commented on the diversity of people in attendance, saying that "It represents everybody. It's the voice in our democracy and that's why we should be listened to." Speaking about the experience in 2008, Albarn stated:

9722: 8825: 1067:, the media quipped that Blur "wound up winning the battle but losing the war." Blur became perceived as an "inauthentic middle-class pop band" in comparison to "working-class heroes" Oasis, which Albarn said made him feel "stupid and confused". Bassist James said: "After being the People's Hero, Damon was the People's Prick for a short period ... basically, he was a loser – very publicly." In the 2584:"Each individual has their own opinions about whether war is an answer to any problems. Personally I think it's a waste of time, but I think more importantly, that it's an issue that we haven't had any say in. That's why I feel so strongly about it. I don't feel like we've really been given any choice in this matter. I think if you had a referendum tomorrow, 1107:, the band's fifth studio album, released in February 1997. Although the music press predicted that the lo-fi sonic experimentation would alienate Blur's teenage girl fanbase, they generally applauded the effort. Pointing out lyrics such as "Look inside America / She's alright", and noting Albarn's "obligatory nod to 2667:

on the rally in February 2003 when a million people took to the streets of London in protest at the imminent war. In the event, he was too emotional to deliver his speech. Albarn later revealed that he had "this image of my grandad in his slippers reading the paper, knowing that his grandson had been

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and myself started really stepping up prior to the war it was very difficult to find anyone. And I don't want to name any names because they are people who I respect but they were really, for some reason, very reticent to stand with us. A lot of people who you would now associate with being anti-war

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It massively changes you. It slowly sort of shaves off the unpleasant thorny bits and hopefully creates a nicely rounded... I don't know, having a kid, you just become far more, inevitably you look to the future far more and, you know, it's desperate sometimes when you have a particularly bad few

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interview reported that relations between Blur members had become strained; journalist Adrian Deevoy wrote that he found them "on the verge of a nervous breakup." Coxon, in particular, began to resent his bandmates and, in a rejection of the group's Britpop aesthetic, made a point of listening to

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at the start of 1995. Building upon the band's previous two albums, Albarn's lyrics for the album consisted of several third-person narratives. James reflected, "It was all more elaborate, more orchestral, more theatrical, and the lyrics were even more twisted ... It was all dysfunctional, misfit

1335:. Hewlett initially thought Albarn was "arsey, a wanker", and despite becoming one of the band's acquaintances, Hewlett often did not get on with its members, especially after he started going out with Coxon's ex-girlfriend, Jane Olliver. Nonetheless, Albarn and Hewlett started sharing a flat on 744:

concert at the age of six. He started playing guitar, piano and violin in his youth and was interested in composing music, one of his compositions winning a heat in the nationwide Young Composer of the Year competition. Damon and Jessica both attended a primary school nearby which, according to

812:, but left after the first year. On leaving drama school he entered a production and management contract with Marijke Bergkamp and Graeme Holdaway, owners of the Beat Factory recording studio, where the members of Blur, then known as Seymour, did their first recordings. His first band was the 677:. In 1968, at the age of six months, Albarn was a "testing expert" for designs for educational aids and toys for children including fibreglass furniture and play-structures fancifully called "The Kissmequiosk". "The Apollo Cumfycraft" and "The Tailendcharlie" produced by his father's company " 935:

After discovering they were £60,000 in debt, Blur toured the US in 1992 in an attempt to recoup their losses. Albarn and the band became increasingly unhappy and homesick during the two-month American tour and began writing songs which "created an English atmosphere". Blur had undergone an

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gave their performance at Goldsmiths College a full five stars, and wrote that "Blur's music seems to have potentiated by the passing of years ... they sound both more frenetic and punky and more nuanced and exploratory than they did at the height of their fame". Blur headlined the

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logo on it. In his speech, he said "So, fuck the music. Listen. See this symbol here, this the symbol for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Bombing one of the poorest countries in the world is wrong. You've got a voice and you have got to do what you can about it alright?"

1111:, the new Pavement album as if paid to do so", reviewers felt the band had come to accept American values during this time – an about-face of their attitude during the Britpop years. Despite cries of "commercial suicide," the album and its first single, " 1160:, his partner of eight years. Recording for Blur's next album began in London in November 2001. Not long after the sessions began, Coxon left the group. Coxon stated "there were no rows" and " just recognised the feeling that we needed some time apart". 2355:

In 2015, Albarn was made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen's New Year Honours list of December 31, which recognises British citizens for their achievements in public life and service to the United Kingdom.

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Albarn has been an active supporter of various charities and philanthropic efforts throughout his career as a musician and has been involved in various charity albums and singles. DRC Music, a collective formed by Albarn, released their debut album

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is a highly prestigious annual music prize awarded for the best album from the United Kingdom and Ireland. Nominations are chosen by a panel of musicians, music executives, journalists and other figures in the music industry in the UK and Ireland.

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claims that Albarn was experimenting with backing vocals on the record. In the end, however, Albarn's contributions did not make the record. "Well, I guess the songs are just perfect the way they are," Albarn stated. In the same year he performed

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did the sleeve design and that was the name it was given. Albarn has claimed that he is content with the outcome, as trying to come up with band names is difficult for him. The band performed together for the first time on 28 October 2011 in

1350:, something that would be a comment on that," Hewlett said. The band's music is a collaboration between various musicians, Albarn being the only permanent musical contributor, and incorporates influences including alternative rock, Britpop, 2672:

I think in this case the only reason we went to war was the result of our individual apathy in the end. You know, our inability to really express what was I think was a consensus that this was a terrifying idea and a very badly thought-out

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Albarn, along with Tom Girling and Jason Cox, established Studio 13, a recording studio for their own use, with the first projects at 13 being pre-production work for Blur's similarly-named album, as well as Albarn's contributions to the

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that the band had no intention of recording or touring live again. He said, "I just can't do it anymore", and explained that the main motivation for participating in the reunion was to repair his relationship with Coxon, which succeeded.

757:, where Damon described himself as being "really unpopular" and " a lot of people". However, he developed an interest in drama and started acting in various school productions. It was at Stanway where he would meet future Blur guitarist 7182: 517:

in 2001 to worldwide success, spawning numerous successful follow-ups and continuing to release albums and tour into the 2020s. Albarn remains the group's only consistent musical contributor. His other notable projects include the

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writer James McMahon recalled how the "critical euphoria" surrounding the album lasted "about as long as it took publishers to realise Oasis would probably shift more magazines for them". Following the worldwide success of Oasis'

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religion. Albarn agreed with his parents' views, later claiming, "I always thought my parents were absolutely dead right. I went against the grain in a weird way – by continually following them." His parents primarily listened to

3322: 5624: 5284: 5344: 7273: 1283:. Later that month, Albarn and Coxon premiered a new track together live, "Under the Westway". Blur entered the studio early that year to record material for a new album, but in May producer William Orbit told the 4242: 5437: 1214:

on 3 July 2009. Days later, the band added a second date, for 2 July. A series of June preview shows were also announced, ending at Manchester Evening News arena on the 26th. All the shows were well received;

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in Cornwall to the programme to showcase African musicians. Albarn said he did not want to perform at Live 8 because he thought it was too "exclusive" and may have been motivated by self-promotion.

905:", became a hit, peaking at number eight. As a result of the single's success, Blur became pop stars and were accepted into a clique of bands who frequented the Syndrome club in London dubbed the " 6065: 3288: 1909:

during 1994–2003: Having cited Hall as one of his early influences very often, Albarn and Hall went on and held a friendship for many years. They collaborated for multiple times including

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In a 2012 interview, Albarn talked about the unlikelihood of any future Gorillaz releases; his relationship with Hewlett had soured when Albarn chose to undercut the role of animation on their

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noted "Albarn... was mocked as the posh boy of Britpop when in fact he’d gone to a comprehensive in Essex and his family was just mildly bohemian. Nowadays he’d be decidedly 'below stairs'".

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was released in September 1995 to positive reviews, and entered the UK charts at number one. However, opinion quickly changed and Blur found themselves largely out of favour with the media.

6666: 5911: 4211: 7213: 6437: 5254: 7411: 3513: 2352:, saying it was "great to receive award from an institution where my dad used to work and which I, as a child, used to think of as that big building with lots of interesting people in". 1481:, in which new songs with collaborations would be released as monthly "episodes". The first nine episodes were compiled together along with more songs in Gorillaz's seventh studio album, 1010:

as the moment when " went from being regarded as an alternative, leftfield arty band to this amazing new pop sensation". Albarn was uncomfortable with fame, however, and he suffered from

6035: 3314: 2574:, where Gorillaz won awards for Best Song and Best Dance. As Albarn and Jamie Hewlett walked onto stage to make a speech after receiving the latter award, Albarn wore a T-shirt with the 5616: 2509:, describing it as "wrong" and saying that "it doesn't make any sense to me whatsoever." Albarn was a signatory on a 2018 editorial advocating for a "Citizen's Assembly" to resolve the 1463:. Albarn later rescinded this claim, stating "When Jamie and I have worked out our differences, I'm sure we'll make another record." On 23 March 2017, the fifth Gorillaz studio album, 1152:, released in March 1999, saw them drift further from Britpop. Albarn's lyrics – more heartfelt, personal and intimate than on previous occasions – were reflective of his break-up with 5594: 7122: 1487:, which was released on 23 October 2020 to positive reviews. A second season of Song Machine was planned, though it was later scrapped. On 31 August 2022, their eighth studio album, 1299:

which was followed by a world tour the following year. On 19 February 2015, Blur announced on social media that they would be releasing their eighth studio album on 27 April, titled

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to make a charity single with the money earned from that single also donated to Oxfam. In 2013 Albarn, alongside fellow Blur bandmate Graham Coxon, performed live with former rival

7333: 5276: 7091: 5314: 3213: 7152: 1769:", and the band's debut album were then released in January 2007. That single fared slightly better than "Herculean", peaking at No. 20, while the album peaked at No. 2 in the 6612: 3716: 5336: 10155: 7265: 5159: 4909: 10130: 4609: 5375: 419:

in 1991. After spending long periods touring the US, Albarn's songwriting became increasingly influenced by British bands from the 1960s. The result was the Blur albums

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Then, in early 1997, Blur had a hit with a single called 'Beetlebum', which, after being pressed in these very pages, Albarn reluctantly admitted to be about heroin.

6704: 6367: 1781:" was released as the third single from the album in April 2007, just missing out on the Top 50. On 27 April 2008, the Good, the Bad & the Queen headlined the 5997: 2380:

In 2020, Albarn was granted Icelandic citizenship. He visited the country in the mid-90s for recording, as well as on holiday, and subsequently bought a house in

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called the "British Heavyweight Championship". The debate over which band would top the British singles chart became a media phenomenon, and Albarn appeared on

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as opposed to the ethnically mixed part of London which he had become used to. He described himself as "not really fitting in with the politics of the place."

7060: 5398: 2811: 972:, selling only 19,000 copies. Despite the album's poor performance, Albarn was happy with the band's direction and wrote prolifically for Blur's next album. 583: 5854: 5128: 10145: 7577: 6314: 5832: 4935: 6853: 6057: 4348: 1890: 9990: 9640: 7929: 7788: 6520: 5975: 5915: 2916: 2870: 2713: 1696: 673:, becoming a peace activist. In 2002 Edward Albarn died; Damon stated in an interview that Edward did not want to live any longer and decided to go on a 565: 4750: 2335:

Albarn and Winstanley are speculated to have separated in 2023, with reviewers noting allusions to a breakup in the lyrics of Blur's ninth studio album

761:, who recalls seeing him act and feeling that he was a "confident performer" as well as a "show off". Albarn's first words directed at Coxon were "Your 5889: 3278: 5182: 3476: 863:

in 1988, claiming that his sole intention was to gain access to the student union bar. Albarn was in a group named Circus alongside Coxon and drummer

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in London in 1997. Hewlett had recently broken up with Olliver and Albarn was also at the end of his highly publicised relationship with Frischmann.

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sounds, featuring simpler guitar lines by Albarn, and largely relying on other instruments to replace Coxon. The guitarist's absence also meant that

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Dring). He has some Danish descent through his mother. Their daughter Jessica (born 1971) also went on to become an artist. Hazel, originally from

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on 28 June, where they played for the first time since their headline slot in 1998. Reviews of the Glastonbury performance were enthusiastic;

956:. The sessions with Partridge proved unsatisfactory, but a chance reunion with Stephen Street resulted in him returning to produce the group. 6737: 6490: 5223: 4567: 3578: 2341:(2023). Albarn has declined to specify if these lyrics are related to his relationship status with Winstanley. However, in an interview with 1036:". Partly due to increasing antagonism between the groups, Blur and Oasis decided to release their new singles on the same day, an event the 871:, a fellow student at Goldsmiths, eventually joined as the group's bassist. They changed their name to Seymour in December 1988, inspired by 3676: 765:

are crap, mate. Look, mine are the proper sort" as he was showing off his leather shoes, fashionable footwear at the time influenced by the

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in 2002, recorded in Mali, during a trip he made to support Oxfam in 2000. He has visited Nigeria to record music with Nigerian drummer

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After initial sessions in London, the band left to record the rest of the album in Iceland, away from the Britpop scene. The result was

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to organise campaigns to oppose British involvement in the war. This included spending £15,000 on anti-war adverts which ran in the

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was released on 25 April 2014 to generally positive reviews. The album peaked at No. 2 on the UK charts and produced five singles: "

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entered the British charts at number one and stayed in the album charts for 90 weeks. Enthusiastically greeted by the music press,

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was another UK No. 1 and achieved Blur's highest US position of No. 56. The album was also nominated for best album at the 2004

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In their first major work together since Gorillaz, Albarn and Hewlett, along with acclaimed Chinese theatre and opera director

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soundtrack. Since then, Studio 13 has been used not only for Albarn's projects, but also by other notable artists, including

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alongside an early Blur recording, "Sing", which is from their debut album. Albarn composed the score with collaboration by

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At Colchester School of Art we are proud to have a history dating from 1885, the year the original Art School was founded.

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announced that they had signed Albarn and would be releasing his second solo album, after which Albarn revealed the title

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released in 1997, the two co-wrote "For The Girl" and "A Room Full Of Nothing". Hall also sang on a non-album track "

1346:: "If you watch MTV for too long, it's a bit like hell—there's nothing of substance there. So we got this idea for a 1115:", debuted at number one in the UK. Although the album could not match the sales of their previous albums in the UK, 363: 7355: 5558: 4468: 3881: 10165: 10160: 9769: 9690: 9569: 9240: 8749: 8371: 8189: 8135: 8014: 6399:"De La Soul launch Kickstarter for new album set to feature Damon Albarn, David Byrne, 2 Chainz De La Soul Tickets" 4678: 4657: 4546: 2754: 2575: 2301:

album (1997) on the track "Beetlebum" – said to be about their experiences with heroin – and a number of tracks on

1849:. They performed under the moniker Another Honest Jon's Chop Up!. Their debut album was released on 26 March 2012. 1735: 1719: 1709: 1597: 1583: 936:

ideological and image shift intended to celebrate their English heritage in contrast to the popularity of American

906: 523: 270: 7724: 7052: 5120: 2150:, which was written by his sister, Jessica Albarn. The film was set for a spring 2011 release in select theatres. 978:

was released in 1994 and revived Blur's commercial fortunes, with the album's first single, the disco-influenced "

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event as a vinyl record limited to 1000 copies; it was later made available as a free download on their website.

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weeks of the newspaper just reminding you about this is wrong, this is wrong. We've got ten more years everyone.

9127: 9063: 8800: 8720: 8403: 8237: 8128: 5967: 5646: 4345: 3629: 3315:"Damon Albarn interview: 'I think my life has been a bit too colourful to be quite ready for an autobiography'" 2345:, he stated that he had had a difficult breakup within the last few months, without mentioning anyone by name. 1372: 1256: 7780: 6524: 10135: 10085: 10070: 10045: 10040: 8318: 4939: 4742: 2988: 2803: 2631: 2611: 2510: 1943:, in which Albarn co-wrote and sang on the track "Ten Eleven". The album was also released on Albarn's label 1731: 1622: 1609: 1323:

met in 1990 when Coxon, a fan of Hewlett's work, asked him to interview Blur. The interview was published in

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became the band's most successful internationally, particularly in the US, helped by the successful single "

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being organised by a number of organisations. Albarn spoke out against the invasion. Albarn teamed up with

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experiments where they were building loads of small estates". The population of the area was predominantly

631: 6786: 6144: 2373:, has been given the title "Local King", and has had a school of music and dance named after him south of 965:, was released in May 1993 and peaked at number 15 on the British charts, but failed to break into the US 10150: 10115: 9672: 9317: 9134: 8505: 8153: 2615: 2112: 2094: 2042: 1922: 979: 540: 4630: 10025: 10015: 9995: 8754: 7968: 7882: 2773: 2607: 2121: 1970: 1915:, in which Albarn co-wrote lead track "Chasing A Rainbow" with Hall. Later in Hall’s second solo album 1816: 1810: 527: 275: 7521: 4492: 3654: 1475:, was announced on 31 May 2018 and released on 29 June 2018. In 2020, Gorillaz began a project called 1260:, a documentary about the band, was released in cinemas and a month later on DVD and was nominated as 10120: 10080: 9296: 9254: 9247: 8928: 6990: 4448: 4428: 2535: 2349: 2030: 1683:, taking co-writing credits and performing on the song "In My Dreams", which appears on Uchis' album 1449: 1047: 437:(1995). All three received critical acclaim, while Blur gained mass popularity in the UK, aided by a 17: 5430:"Gorillaz announce new album 'Cracker Island', release 'New Gold' with Tame Impala and Bootie Brown" 4859: 4299: 1095: 10060: 10000: 9707: 9498: 9366: 9219: 8410: 8121: 7907: 6368:"De La Soul Enlist Damon Albarn, David Byrne, 2 Chainz, Little Dragon for Kickstarter-Funded Album" 5676: 5337:"Gorillaz: Song Machine Season One: Strange Timez review – the poignant sound of social distancing" 4380: 4208:"Stuart Maconie: The privileged are taking over the arts – without the grit, pop culture is doomed" 2683: 2216: 2191: 2046:

on the song "Here in After". Albarn had previously collaborated with the group on Gorillaz' albums

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was written mostly by Albarn. Its sound was seen as testament to Albarn's increasing interest in

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Blur's Damon & Graham play new song as they reunite live for War Child's 2012 Brit Award gig

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seven times over a period of 18 months by one of the teachers. After both siblings failed their

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Damon's paternal grandfather Edward, an architect, had been a conscientious objector during the

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Elliot, Paul (August 2001). "Feature: Damon and Jamie Interview. Hey Hey We're the Monkeys!".

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In 2014, Albarn contributed the song "Sister Rust" to the soundtrack of science fiction film

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on the song "Mr. Whippy", though the song does not appear on the album it is a B-side on the

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named Albarn the 18th-most powerful person in British culture. In 2016, Albarn received the

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from 1991 to 1998. This relationship profoundly influenced his songwriting, notably on the

2089: 2079: 1447:, in early 2010, which was received with high praise. In December 2010, the group released 1230: 1179: 1025: 920: 659: 490: 402: 6937: 4818: 371:; born 23 March 1968) is an English singer, musician, songwriter and record producer from 8: 10110: 9194: 8484: 6576: 6217: 5589: 5061: 4708: 3441: 2164: 2106: 2004:

album, he sang on the track "Saturday Come Slow" and contributed keyboards to the track "

1906: 1885: 1714: 1325: 684: 574: 9738: 9176: 9027: 9020: 7835: 6846:"An interview: Damon Albarn on the Gorillaz, fatherhood, the war in Iraq, and going out" 5672: 4728: 1414: 1130: 9614: 9338: 9201: 9169: 8810: 8649: 8547: 8230: 8103: 7947: 7850: 7821: 7235: 5937: 5732: 5617:"Damon Albarn on Blur, His First Ever Solo Album and Why He Doesn't Hate Oasis Anymore" 5183:"Gorillaz's Animated TV Series and Clothing Line Are Coming, Says Artist Jamie Hewlett" 4516: 4357: 3262: 2728: 2527: 2369: 2292: 2249: 2146: 2029:, performing the track "Love is Gonna Lift You Up". Albarn appeared with Womack at the 2005: 2000: 1934: 1846: 1667: 1509: 1406: 1288: 1279:

In February 2012, Blur were awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Music award at the

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had, by 2007, exceeded 15 million albums. Gorillaz released their third studio album,

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Carnival in Victoria Park where they introduced on stage several guests including ex-

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an "unfair war" and encouraging people to vote in the upcoming UK general election.

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in 1998. Winstanley gave birth to their daughter, Missy, named after hip hop artist

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called "Crashing Down", an abandoned track initially planned for the Gorillaz album

9845: 9646: 9584: 9477: 9433: 9359: 8907: 8795: 8779: 8713: 8526: 8470: 8057: 7961: 7642: 7637: 6763: 6732: 5459: 5399:"Damon Albarn: "Nuestra mayor crisis existencial es nuestra relación con internet"" 5093: 4823: 3603: 3116: 3031: 3013: 2762: 2689: 2409: 2235: 2225:. With the exception of drummer Pauli, all members have played live with Gorillaz. 2155: 1798: 1762: 1758: 1751: 1588: 1551: 1469:, was announced and released worldwide on 28 April 2017. The sixth Gorillaz album, 1359: 1336: 1280: 1273: 1167: 991: 894: 843: 778: 750: 666: 535: 514: 475: 336: 108: 103: 8007: 7433: 2207:

Albarn's live band is called the Heavy Seas, and features guitarist Seye, drummer

2058:

on the songs "Feel Good Inc", "Superfast Jellyfish", and "Momentz", respectively.

1305:, Blur's first album in 12 years and first in 16 years in their original line-up. 9852: 9609: 9513: 9462: 9412: 9380: 9310: 9289: 9268: 9095: 8764: 8663: 8519: 8332: 8297: 8199: 8064: 7922: 7495: 6995: 6336: 5218: 5033: 5003: 4715: 4661: 4637: 4613: 4499: 4475: 4455: 4435: 4352: 4332: 4306: 4005: 3963: 3427: 3283: 3173: 2967: 2780: 2705: 2656: 2426: 2422: 2319: 2303: 1944: 1825: 1770: 1766: 1645: 1567: 1384: 1225: 1148: 1091: 1042: 916: 911: 645: 627: 558: 456: 415: 295: 223: 56: 4882: 2522:

Albarn has been a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights, cancelling concerts in

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group, Two's a Crowd. Before Blur, he played with the Aftermath and Real Lives.

9579: 9559: 9440: 9180: 9155: 9031: 9013: 8956: 8596: 8491: 8346: 3956: 2619: 2506: 2442: 2244: 2101: 1965: 1489: 1410: 1398: 1301: 1072: 945: 941: 923:, "could not shake off the odour of anti-climax". Albarn has since referred to 898: 786: 704:" and their upbringing as "liberal". Damon and Jessica were also raised in the 484: 228: 208: 7689: 7469: 6635: 6609:"Damon Albarn shares 'Sister Rust' track, blames heat on lack of a Blur album" 6546: 5585:"Damon Albarn, Brian Eno, Nick Zinner, Holy Other Detail Africa Express Album" 3747: 1895: 990:

is regarded as one of Britpop's defining records. Blur won four awards at the

9934: 9619: 9508: 9457: 9352: 9282: 8921: 8889: 8688: 8656: 8589: 8554: 8540: 8498: 8279: 8223: 8204: 8194: 5559:"Damon Albarn previews DRC Music project with "Hallo" " Consequence of Sound" 2937: 2555: 2438: 2360: 2323: 2308: 2267: 2219:

on keyboards. Both Smith and Wootton had previously been a part of Gorillaz'

2208: 2179: 2084: 2022: 1995: 1981: 1881: 1790: 1672: 1640: 1631: 1543: 1443: 1355: 1320: 1269: 1175: 1011: 966: 872: 864: 794: 734: 726: 718: 674: 498: 218: 113: 7115:"Damon Albarn, Flea, Nick Zinner, and more come together for charity single" 6398: 5506: 4402: 4131: 2469:

concert for not featuring enough black artists; among the few included were

9859: 9795: 9666: 9660: 9574: 9503: 9324: 9233: 9187: 9045: 8774: 8769: 8265: 8089: 8071: 8039: 7438: 6791: 6760:"gorillaz_news: Video interview with Jeff Wootton, Gorillaz live guitarist" 6667:"Damon Albarn to bring Alice in Wonderland musical to the National Theatre" 6171: 4799: 4311: 4285: 4074: 3546: 3345:"Damon Albarn discusses new citizenship and 'sense he wasn't just English'" 2651:

Albarn revealed that originally, many people whom he knew were against the

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Albarn formed the virtual band Gorillaz in 1998 with the comic book artist

445: 410: 384: 198: 2381: 1612:, was released in 2013. In 2014, Albarn appeared in the song "Go Back" in 9899: 9827: 9685: 9549: 9544: 9472: 9419: 9162: 8942: 8246: 8184: 8167: 7982: 5307:"Gorillaz – 'Song Machine: Season One – Strange Timez' review: outré pop" 4814: 4794: 4686: 4654: 4168: 4044: 3886: 3111: 3089: 2831: 2735: 2515: 2446: 2430: 2342: 2276: 2272: 2254: 2170: 1974: 1955: 1951: 1869: 1842: 1471: 1402: 1187: 1135: 1050:" by 274,000 copies to 216,000, becoming Blur's first number-one single. 852: 830: 798: 774: 766: 741: 701: 697: 689: 607: 552: 510: 479: 467: 398: 394: 380: 372: 249: 203: 85: 1836:. Albarn has stated that he is not responsible for the name; someone in 9802: 9702: 9599: 9554: 9405: 9275: 9208: 8914: 8706: 8624: 7841: 7728: 4779: 2585: 2474: 2348:

In 2006, Albarn was awarded an honorary Master of Arts degree from the

2137: 2037: 1743: 1680: 1635:, Albarn announced that a forthcoming solo record would be produced by 1559: 1393: 213: 7827: 7599: 6284: 3235: 413:, with whom he would later form Blur. They released their debut album 9919: 9914: 9909: 9696: 9539: 9331: 9226: 8631: 8561: 8032: 6880: 6697:"Damon Albarn Preps Music for 'Alice in Wonderland'-Inspired Musical" 4729:

Blur – Finally, we can confirm that we will be releasing an album,...

4139: 3575:"Massage Parlors for Jaded Senses | Alicia Patterson Foundation" 2641: 2571: 2262: 2062: 1899: 1522: 1362:

sold over seven million copies, and featured hits such as the songs "

1351: 1331: 1295:" on 2 July. That August, Blur headlined a show at Hyde Park for the 1246:

in June 2009. After the completion of the reunion dates, Albarn told

1210:

In December 2008, Blur announced they would reunite for a concert at

1112: 1057: 635: 502: 7206:"Noel Gallagher, Damon Albarn Bury Hatchet for 'Tender' Performance" 4655:

William Orbit: 'Damon Albarn has halted new Blur recording sessions'

2655:

were reluctant to take a stand, stating "to be honest with you when

2116:, which received its world premiere as the opening show of the 2007 721:. When Albarn was nine years old, his family took a holiday trip to 8870: 8744: 8477: 8385: 8311: 8096: 7815: 4245:. Damonalbarnunofficial.wordpress.com. 6 March 2013. Archived from 4051: 3774:

Britpop!: Cool Britannia and the Spectacular Demise of English Rock

3423:"Damon Albarn: From Cool Britannia to radical campaigner for peace" 2652: 2551: 2288: 2132: 1829: 1663: 1579: 1314: 1153: 974: 813: 506: 471: 427: 387: 254: 6926: 4797:(November 2007). "The 21 People Who Changed Music: Damon Albarn". 3677:"Damon Albarn On First Songs He Wrote With Graham Coxon – YouTube" 3279:"Damon Albarn says he always had a sense he wasn't 'just English'" 2258: 1761:", was released in late October 2006, and peaked at No. 22 in the 1700:

and 12 November release date alongside the title track's release.

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The idea to create Gorillaz came about when the two were watching

9653: 9120: 8981: 8974: 8759: 8438: 7831: 6088:"Damon Albarn, Flea to release album as Rocketjuice and the Moon" 3681: 2450: 1933:

vs Gorillaz for both album and single version. In 2003, Hall and

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In March 1990, after changing their name to Blur, they signed to

770: 762: 438: 123: 118: 7296:"Blur's Damon Albarn demands 'citizens' assembly' to fix Brexit" 6169:

Clerk, Carol (21 March 1998), "Tennant saves Albarn's 'Pride'",

2413:

as a charity album in which all of the money earned is given to

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Albarn recorded the film score for the film version of the book

1024:

characters fucking up." The release of the album's lead single "

8935: 8582: 8568: 8160: 7867: 6762:. Gorillaz-news.livejournal.com. 20 August 2010. Archived from 5794:"Damon Albarn Signs to Trangressive Records, Readies New Album" 4852:"Demon Days : Gorillaz : Review : Rolling Stone" 4607:

Brit awards: Adele takes away two awards on a triumphant return

2660:

at that particular point didn't seem to be prepared to do it."

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Albarn was interested in music from an early age, attending an

722: 705: 611: 546: 376: 89: 6145:"Inside Track: Secrets of the Mix Engineers - Riccardo Damian" 1166:, released in May 2003, was filled with atmospheric, brooding 1028:" played a part in Blur's public rivalry with Manchester band 696:

When Damon and Jessica were growing up, their family moved to

681:& Partners Ltd" under the trade-name of "Playlearn, Ltd." 311: 9303: 7851:

Damon Albarn pieces including video interviews on BBC Imagine

3921:

Harris, John. "A shite sports car and a punk reincarnation".

2513:. Albarn stated that the Good, the Bad & the Queen album 2414: 2392: 1837: 1593: 1287:

that Albarn had halted recording. Blur released two singles "

746: 714: 710: 7326:"Damon Albarn talks about how Brexit inspired his new album" 3085:""I'm Sort of English Melancholy": Damon Albarn Interviewed" 2481:. Eventually the organisers added a separate concert at the 2287:

Albarn had a long-standing and publicized relationship with

351: 8839: 7386:"Glastonbury 2024: Damon Albarn Gives Pro-Palestine Speech" 6547:"Damon Albarn composes film score for 'The Boy in the Oak'" 5464: 2599: 2364: 1980:

Albarn has contributed backing vocals to the songs "FM" on

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was announced, and was later released on 24 February 2023.

1108: 7084:"DRC Music brings the sound of the Congo to benefit Oxfam" 5368:"Damon Albarn dice que le gustaría trabajar con Bad Bunny" 5121:"Damon Albarn: Gorillaz, heroin and the last days of Blur" 4731:". Facebook. 19 February 2015. Retrieved 19 February 2015. 4335:". Sound on Sound. July 2003. Retrieved 11 September 2012. 2247:. Albarn was also featured in Gunar Karlsson's 2007 film, 1046:. At the end of the week, "Country House" outsold Oasis' " 729:, an area described by Albarn as "one of those burgeoning 383:

and the co-creator and primary musical contributor of the

9768: 7604: 7550: 7541: 7539: 6581: 5740: 5029: 4999: 2636: 2627: 1727: 1343: 1237:

called them "the best Glastonbury headliners in an age".

949: 919:, it received mixed reviews, and according to journalist 782: 342: 6461:"Opera: Monkey: Journey to the West | The Observer" 5998:"Love Music Hate Racism Carnival, Victoria Park, London" 5481:"Damon Albarn & Simon Burwell: Recording Mali Music" 5247:"20 Years In, Gorillaz Are Still Imagining Pop's Future" 4743:"Blur Share 'Go Out', Announce New Album, Hyde Park Gig" 4458:". BBC News. 12 December 2008. Retrieved 21 August 2012. 4072:

Tuxen, Henrik; Dalley, Helen. "Graham Coxon interview".

1454:

recorded over 32 days during their North American tour.

859:

Albarn enrolled on a part-time music course at London's

379:. He is the frontman and main lyricist of the rock band 8215: 5536: 2593:—Albarn on Britain's involvement with the Iraq invasion 7536: 6960:"Blur's Damon Albarn Awarded OBE in New Year's Honors" 6908:""Damon Albarn: "Blur didn't collapse"" – Paris Match" 5460:"Ordinary Decent Criminal (2000) - Soundtracks - IMDb" 4517:"Entertainment | Albarn rules out more Blur gigs" 2519:(2018) was inspired by Brexit and his reaction to it. 7458: 5825:"Damon Albarn Details New Album, Shares Song: Listen" 2465:

In 2005, Albarn, among others, criticised the London

584:

British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors

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People associated with the University of East London

4988: 4734: 4679:"Blur announce the release of two brand new singles" 4547:"No Distance Left To Run nominated for Grammy Award" 4438:". BBC. 9 December 2008. Retrieved 10 December 2008. 2072: 1703: 889:

In October 1990, Blur released their first single, "

530:. He co-founded the non-profit musical organisation 348: 345: 10131:

Musicians from the London Borough of Waltham Forest

7930: