How Damon Albarn Hit Those Iconic Gorillaz High Notes

If you’ve ever listened to the early, genre-bending sounds of Gorillaz and wondered how Damon Albarn reached those incredible falsetto notes, the man himself has finally offered an explanation. And it’s a candid one.

In a recent interview with Rollout Stone, the Blur frontman pulled back the curtain on the creation of the band's self-titled 2001 debut, Gorillaz. The secret to his vocal gymnastics? He credits a chapter of his life he’s since moved on from.

“It was definitely… related to the drugs I was taking,” Albarn revealed. “I was a much more irresponsible human being.”

Reflecting on the album that gave us classics like “Clint Eastwood,” he expressed a sense of wonder at his past self: “I can’t quite believe I can still hit the falsetto. That first record has a crazy amount of falsetto... I was hitting some notes I really didn’t think coming back I’d be able to hit again.”

But there’s a new reason for his vocal optimism. Albarn shared that he quit smoking a year and a half ago, and he’s convinced that ditching cigarettes has given him a “little more of a chance” of reaching those heights again—nearly 25 years later.

This reflection comes as Gorillaz celebrates its legacy with a special series of shows in London. At the Copper Box venue, the virtual band is performing their first three albums in their entirety, building up to a final ‘mystery’ show. Rumors are swirling that this event will be the grand unveiling of their next album.

The buzz doesn't stop there. An accompanying exhibition, House of Kong, has fans speculating that the follow-up to 2023’s Cracker Island is imminent.

And Albarn is certainly not resting on his laurels. Last year, he hinted at a staggeringly busy 2025, confirming he was finishing not only a new Gorillaz album but also The Magic Flute II, La Malediction—an electronic opera sequel to Mozart’s classic.

“One opera and one new Gorillaz album seems like enough for 2025!” he joked to Les Inrockuptibles magazine. “Unless someone accuses me of taking my foot off the gas!”

His passion for the operatic project is palpable. He calls it “one of the best things I’ve ever done” and promises an entirely new experience for audiences. He also hopes to release an album of the opera's songs, describing the upcoming performance as a “first draft” for the curious-minded.

So, from the drug-fueled vocal experiments of the past to a smoke-free, creatively explosive present, Damon Albarn continues to evolve. It seems the voice behind Gorillaz still has plenty of stories left to sing, both high and low.

New Gorillaz Album 2025 - Out Now

Damon Albarn has unveiled the long-awaited next chapter in the Gorillaz discography. Titled The Mountain, the band’s first album since 2023’s Cracker Island is slated for release on March 20 via their freshly launched label, Kong. The album spans 15 tracks and kicks off with a striking new single, “Happy Dictator”, featuring none other than Sparks.

The record’s production credits include Gorillaz themselves, alongside James Ford, Samuel Egglenton, and Remi Kabaka Jr., with special input from Argentine producer Bizarrap. Recording sessions took place at Albarn’s own Studio 13 in London, his studio in Devon, and spanned across India (Mumbai, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Varanasi), Turkmenistan (Ashgabat), Syria (Damascus), and cities across the United States including Los Angeles, Miami, and New York.

The Mountain brings Gorillaz’s signature global sound into even sharper focus, with guest appearances that span five languages: Arabic, English, Hindi, Spanish, and Yoruba. Among the album’s diverse collaborators are Idles, Kara Jackson, Yasiin Bey, Johnny Marr, Black Thought, Anoushka Shankar, and Omar Souleyman. There are also pow
erful posthumous contributions from Bobby Womack, Dave “Trugoy the Dove” Jolicoeur, Dennis Hopper, Mark E. Smith, Proof, and Tony Allen, creating a rich sonic archive that blurs past and present.

Scroll down for the full tracklist and upcoming UK & Ireland tour dates, which kick off March 21 in Manchester and feature guests like Trueno and Sparks on select shows.

The Mountain Tracklist:

1. The Mountain (feat. Dennis Hopper, Ajay Prasanna, Anoushka Shankar, Amaan Ali Bangash & Ayaan Ali Bangash)

2. The Moon Cave (feat. Asha Puthli, Bobby Womack, Dave Jolicoeur, Jalen Ngonda & Black Thought)

3. The Happy Dictator (feat. Sparks)

4. The Hardest Thing (feat. Tony Allen)

5. Orange County (feat. Bizarrap, Kara Jackson & Anoushka Shankar)

6. The God of Lying (feat. Idles)

7. The Empty Dream Machine (feat. Black Thought, Johnny Marr & Anoushka Shankar)

8. The Manifesto (feat. Trueno & Proof)

9. The Plastic Guru (feat. Johnny Marr & Anoushka Shankar)

10. Delirium (feat. Mark E. Smith)

11. Damascus (feat. Omar Souleyman & Yasiin Bey)

12. The Shadowy Light (feat. Asha Bhosle, Gruff Rhys, Ajay Prasanna, Amaan Ali Bangash & Ayaan Ali Bangash)

13. Casablanca (feat. Paul Simonon & Johnny Marr)

14. The Sweet Prince (feat. Ajay Prasanna, Johnny Marr & Anoushka Shankar)

15. The Sad God (feat. Black Thought, Ajay Prasanna & Anoushka Shankar)

UK + Ireland Tour Dates:

• 03-21 – Manchester, England – Co-op Live

• 03-22 – Birmingham, England – BP Pulse Live

• 03-24 – Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro *

• 03-25 – Leeds, England – First Direct Arena *

• 03-27 – Cardiff, Wales – Utilita Arena *

• 03-28 – Nottingham, England – Motorpoint Arena *

• 03-29 – Liverpool, England – M&S Bank Arena *

• 03-31 – Belfast, Northern Ireland – SSE Arena *

• 04-01 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena *

• 06-20 – London, England – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ^*

* with Trueno
^ with Sparks

Damon Albarn: “Oasis Won the Battle, the War, the Campaign- Everything”

After decades of playful rivalry, Damon Albarn has finally tipped his hat to Oasis, declaring them the ultimate victors of the Britpop era.

The 57-year-old Blur frontman, whose band famously went head-to-head with Oasis during the 1990s, has now “conceded defeat” following the overwhelming demand for tickets to the Gallagher brothers' long-awaited reunion tour.

Reflecting on the infamous Battle of Britpop — when Blur’s Country House beat Oasis’ Roll With It to Number One in 1995, Albarn told The Sun:

“Well, it was obvious, wasn’t it? I think we can officially say that Oasis won the battle, the war, the campaign, everything. 

They are the winners. They take first place. In the face of such overwhelming evidence, I am happy to accept and concede defeat. 

It’s their summer and God bless them. I hope everyone has a wonderful time but I’m going to be in a very, very different place.”

Albarn also shared his thoughts on the emotional toll of reunions — something he experienced himself when Blur played Wembley Stadium in 2023 and expressed admiration for the sheer scale of Oasis' current tour.

“I couldn’t do as many gigs as they’re doing. That’s a lot of the same emotion.
They’re very brave and I hope it’s worth it. You know, money isn’t everything.”

Still, he remains nostalgic for the 90s but not stuck in the past.

“I’m not being funny but it does feel like a more innocent, joyous age than now.
Nostalgia’s OK but I try and stay away from it as much as possible. Sometimes you can’t help but be lost in it.”

While Britpop memories swirl, Albarn has kept his creative engine running. From Gorillaz to his ongoing work with Africa Express, he’s embraced collaboration and stepped away from the spotlight.

“I killed Damon the pop star many years ago. It was a gentle death. I’m just not that interested in being the centre of attention. 

Don’t get me wrong, I embrace it when it’s necessary but it’s only a bit of me.
And Africa Express is always an amazing opportunity just to become one of many.”

Damon Albarn Spotted With New Girlfriend 2025

Blur frontman Damon Albarn was seen enjoying a quiet stroll through London earlier this week with a new female companion, marking the first time he has been spotted publicly with someone new since his highly publicised split from long-term partner Suzi Winstanley.

The 57-year-old musician kept his look casual in a white T-shirt and grey tracksuit bottoms, while his mystery companion opted for a camouflage jumpsuit. The pair were seen walking Albarn’s dog before stopping by a corner shop to pick up snacks and other essentials during the outing.

Albarn’s appearance comes two years after the end of his 25-year relationship with Winstanley, an artist known for her collaborative wildlife work with Olly Williams. The couple, who share a 25-year-old daughter, Missy, were said to have kept their separation discreet, only confiding in close friends.

A source revealed in 2023 that Winstanley was heartbroken by the breakup, which was reportedly influenced by Albarn’s busy travel schedule and preference for spending extended periods of time at his Devon home, where he had set up a recording studio. “Suzi really tried to make it work,” the insider shared at the time. “It was incredibly sad for her when it ended.”

Winstanley was so affected by the split that she reportedly found it difficult to listen to Albarn’s 2023 Blur album, The Ballad of Darren. The record, widely interpreted as a reflection on their relationship, includes candid lyrics hinting at regret and loss. 

In The Ballad, Albarn sings, “I just looked into my life / And all I saw was that you’re not coming back,” while St. Charles Square opens with the line, “I f***** up / I’m not the first to do it,” suggesting personal responsibility for the breakdown.

Albarn and Winstanley first met in the late 1990s, shortly after his split from Elastica’s Justine Frischmann. At the time, Albarn was living in a Ladbroke Grove flat with cartoonist Jamie Hewlett, who would go on to co-create Gorillaz with him. By the end of 1999, Albarn and Winstanley had moved in together and soon welcomed their daughter.

Over the years, Albarn rarely spoke about his private life, often emphasizing his desire for privacy in interviews. “I appreciate that people want to fill in the gaps, but I just don’t want to talk about my private life,” he told The Guardian in 2003. “I never have done and I never will.”

Despite the breakup, Winstanley continued to show support for Albarn’s work, even attending Blur’s Wembley performance shortly after their split.

While Albarn has not commented on the new relationship, his relaxed appearance during the London stroll suggests he is embracing a new chapter in his personal life.

Gorillaz 2026: Damon Albarn Confirms New Album in Four Languages

Head's up- a new Gorillaz album is coming up in 2025! 

Damon Albarn has pulled back the curtain on his whirlwind of creativity, revealing that he’s been “buried in music-making” and, in a twist, the upcoming Gorillaz album will feature four different languages.

Speaking to The Sun, the Blur and Gorillaz frontman shared how the post-reunion rush of Blur didn’t slow him down one bit. “It’s been non-stop,” he said. “I was staging an opera in Paris while diving into the new Gorillaz record. Honestly, it’s been mad. But, let’s face it, the whole world’s gone mad, so none of this feels strange anymore.”

He added, “I’ve been ridiculously busy creating music -that’s my heartbeat. I guess I’ll have to start letting people hear it soon. There’s always this metaphorical dustbin bag of songs waiting to be tipped out and recycled into something new.”

While earlier this year Albarn hinted that fans might get the record in 2025, he told The Times that the album won’t drop until 2026. Still, he left us with a tantalising tease: “My new Gorillaz record is in four languages!”

On Britpop’s Fiercest Rivalry

In the same interview with The Sun, Albarn gave a surprisingly humble take on the legendary Britpop face-off between Blur and Oasis. Reflecting on the 1995 chart showdown, where Blur’s Country House beat Oasis’ Roll With It, he now shrugs it off:

“Oasis won — the battle, the war, the whole campaign. Let’s be real, it was obvious, wasn’t it?” he admitted. “They’re the victors. They’ve got the crown. I’m happy to step aside and concede. This summer belongs to them, and good on them. I hope it’s brilliant for everyone. I’ll be in a very, very different place.”

He even cheekily called himself “prophetic” for predicting the Gallagher brothers would eventually patch things up. “I mean, come on two brothers? They were always going to reconcile. It’s a good thing.”

On Music and Missteps

Albarn also spoke to The Times about wanting to collaborate with artists in Palestine and Israel amidst the ongoing war. He took a swipe at the controversy stirred by Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance, calling it “one of the most spectacular misfires I’ve ever witnessed.”

The rap-punk act faced backlash after chanting “death to the IDF” and making provocative gestures during their set. “When he started goose-stepping in tennis whites — I mean, I’ve done some questionable things on stage, but not quite that bad. Testosterone takes over, you lose perspective. It’s a shame, but everyone’s just on edge these days,” Albarn remarked.

Upcoming Gorillaz Shows

Fans won’t have to wait until 2026 for a taste of Gorillaz magic. The band is gearing up for a series of exclusive shows between August 29 and September 3 at London’s Copper Box Arena. Each night, Albarn and the full Gorillaz crew will perform one of their iconic albums from start to finish, paired with immersive visuals by co-founder Jamie Hewlett.

To top it all off, there’s a mystery gig scheduled for September 3 2025, though details remain tightly under wraps. These shows will also coincide with the final week of their House of Kong exhibition — an unmissable treat for fans.

5 of the Best AI-Generated Blur Photos On The Internet

Through AI-generated images, we can explore various facets of Blur’s identity, Damon Albarn’s impact, and the band’s legacy in a futuristic, surreal, and nostalgic context. These images offer a new lens through which we can appreciate Blur's journey and the creative force behind it.

The Classic Stage Performance

The first image showcases Blur in their prime, performing on stage in a dramatic setting. This image captures the essence of their high-energy performances, with Damon Albarn passionately singing, Graham Coxon skillfully playing the guitar, Alex James grooving on bass, and Dave Rowntree driving the rhythm on drums. The interplay of blue and red stage lights adds a sense of nostalgia and intensity, bringing to life the experience of seeing Blur in concert. This image reflects the band's ability to captivate audiences and highlights their signature Britpop aesthetic, which helped define an era of British music. 

Blur in a Cyberpunk Future

The final image presents a futuristic vision of Blur reuniting for a cyberpunk-themed concert in a neon-lit London. This imaginative piece reinterprets Blur’s identity in a high-tech, digital landscape, suggesting that their music remains timeless even in a futuristic setting. The modernization of their classic Britpop outfits hints at the band’s adaptability and the enduring nature of their influence. It also plays with the idea that Blur’s legacy will continue to resonate, even as music and technology evolve.

A Surreal Fusion of Blur and Gorillaz

Another striking AI creation blends the worlds of Blur and Gorillaz, showing Damon Albarn in a half-real, half-animated style surrounded by Gorillaz-inspired characters. This surreal artwork symbolizes Albarn’s evolution as an artist, from his roots in Britpop to his genre-defying work with Gorillaz. It highlights his ability to transcend musical boundaries, merging alternative rock with electronic, hip-hop, and experimental sounds. The dreamlike setting suggests that Albarn exists in multiple musical dimensions, making his artistic journey one of continuous reinvention.

A Nostalgic 90s Britpop Scene

One of the AI-generated images transports us back to the 1990s, the height of Britpop, with Blur (not really with the exact members, however) posing for a vintage-style photoshoot. The band is dressed in casual 90s fashion, standing against a gritty urban backdrop, evoking the rebellious and youthful spirit of the era. This image pays homage to the aesthetic that defined Blur during their rivalry with Oasis, their chart-topping successes, and their role in shaping British music culture. It’s a snapshot of an era when Blur was at the forefront of a musical revolution.

Damon Albarn’s Emotional Presence

A close-up portrait of Damon Albarn provides a more intimate look at the band’s frontman. As the voice of Blur and the creative mind behind multiple projects, Albarn’s emotional depth is a defining characteristic of his performances. The AI-generated image captures his intensity as he sings, bathed in colorful stage lights. It serves as a visual testament to his ability to connect with his audience on a deeply personal level. This image encapsulates the raw energy of Albarn's stage presence and the emotion that has made him one of the most compelling figures in modern music.

These AI-generated images provide a unique and visually compelling exploration of Blur’s past, present, and future. They capture the energy of their performances, the emotional depth of Damon Albarn, the nostalgia of 90s Britpop, the experimental nature of Albarn’s artistic evolution, and the potential for Blur’s music to endure in an ever-changing world. Through this visual storytelling, we can appreciate how Blur’s impact goes beyond mere music—it’s a cultural phenomenon that continues to inspire fans across generations.

Damon Albarn Attends Burberry Fashion Show With Missy Albarn

Damon Albarn and his daughter Missy turned heads with their effortlessly cool presence at the Burberry fashion show during London Fashion Week in March 2025. 

The Blur frontman, aged 56, exuded a laid-back charm, layering an open pale green shirt over a crisp white T-shirt, all topped off with a cream shirt jacket. His ensemble balanced casual sophistication with a signature edge.

Missy complemented the scene with her own stylish flair, opting for a sleek black mini dress that framed her silhouette. Elevating the outfit, she carried a minimalist black-and-white handbag and strutted in matching platform trainers, embodying modern elegance.

The father-daughter pair, radiating confidence, graciously paused for photos before stepping into the venue, securing their prime front-row seats.

Their appearance follows the recent news of Damon’s split from longtime partner Suzi Winstanley after 25 years together.

Despite never formalizing their union in marriage, the two had been inseparable since 1998 and share daughter Missy. Friends reveal that Suzi, a talented artist, is deeply shaken by the separation.

Reports suggest that Suzi asked the Britpop icon to vacate their Notting Hill residence, though the reasons behind her decision remain undisclosed.

A source close to Suzi shared, “She is absolutely heartbroken. Even in the whirlwind of the entertainment world, where relationships often struggle, they had built a life together for so long.”

Damon, known for his eclectic style, finished his look with relaxed brown trousers and crisp white tennis trainers. Adding a bold touch, he topped off the ensemble with a cool green cap and yellow-tinted sunglasses, blending retro cool with contemporary ease.

Damon Albarn and Suzi Winstanley ended their long-tern relationship in 2023, marking the end of a long-standing partnership that had remained largely private. The Blur and Gorillaz frontman and the artist had been together since 1998 and share a daughter, Missy. Reports indicate that Suzi was devastated by the split, with sources describing her as "absolutely heartbroken" over the breakup.

It is believed that Suzi asked Damon to leave their Notting Hill home, though details of their separation remain private. Albarn himself has not spoken publicly about the reasons behind their breakup, but it is said to have deeply affected him.

The split comes during a significant period for Albarn, as Blur made a major comeback with their 2023 album The Ballad of Darren and a headline performance at Wembley Stadium. In interviews around the time, Albarn hinted at personal struggles, describing the album as a deeply melancholic and reflective work. Many fans speculated that some of the lyrics addressed the end of his relationship with Suzi.

Despite the personal turmoil, Albarn has continued to focus on his music career, making high-profile appearances, including attending London Fashion Week with his daughter Missy. While the details of his separation from Winstanley remain private, it is clear that the split marks a significant emotional chapter in his life.

Damon Albarn And Musicians Protests Against AI

In a striking act of defiance, more than 1,000 musicians—including icons like Annie Lennox, Damon Albarn, and Kate Bush—released a silent album on Tuesday to protest the UK government’s proposed changes to copyright law. The artists argue that the new legislation would enable AI companies to exploit copyrighted material without proper licensing, threatening the livelihoods of creators and the future of the UK music industry.

Titled Is This What We Want?, the album features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces, symbolizing the silence artists fear could engulf their industry if the proposed laws take effect. The tracklist itself delivers a powerful message: "The British government must not legalise music theft to benefit AI companies." All proceeds from the album will be donated to the charity Help Musicians.

The controversy stems from a government consultation on plans to allow AI developers to use online content for text and data mining without requiring explicit permission from rights holders. While creators would have the option to "opt out," critics argue that the burden of monitoring and enforcing these rights across countless AI platforms would be insurmountable for individual artists.

Kate Bush encapsulated the collective concern in a statement: "In the music of the future, will our voices go unheard?" Her sentiment is echoed by a diverse coalition of artists, including Billy Ocean, Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien, Bastille’s Dan Smith, and legends like The Clash and Jamiroquai, all of whom have backed the silent album.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has defended the proposals, stating that the current copyright framework is stifling the potential of both the creative industries and the AI sector. A DSIT spokesperson emphasized that no final decisions have been made and that the government is committed to finding a balanced solution that benefits all parties.

However, artists remain unconvinced. Composer Max Richter warned that the changes would not only harm musicians but also "impoverish creators" across all artistic disciplines. Imogen Heap, Yusuf (Cat Stevens), Riz Ahmed, Tori Amos, and Hans Zimmer are among the many high-profile figures supporting the protest.

Organizer Ed Newton-Rex described the proposals as "disastrous for musicians" and "totally unnecessary," arguing that the UK can lead in AI innovation without sacrificing its world-renowned creative industries. Singer-songwriter Naomi Kimpenu added, "We cannot be abandoned by the government and have our work stolen for the profit of big tech."

The stakes are high. In 2023, the UK music industry contributed a record £7.6 billion to the economy. Artists fear that the proposed changes could devastate emerging talent and undermine the sector’s global standing. Sir Paul McCartney, Lord Lloyd Webber, and Sir Stephen Fry are among the signatories of a letter to The Times condemning the plans, joined by Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, and Sting.

In response, the UK’s creative industries have launched the Make it Fair campaign, urging the public to contact their MPs and oppose the government’s plans. The campaign includes national newspaper advertisements and calls for widespread engagement to protect the rights of creators.

As the public consultation period closes, the silent album stands as a poignant reminder of what could be lost. The artists’ message is clear: the UK government must prioritize the protection of creative works and ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of artistic integrity.

The question remains: will the voices of musicians be heard, or will they be silenced by the march of technology?