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.”
