Blur | Metro – September 1997

Scans courtesy of Soulla Petrou who photographed Blur for this feature (thank you!)

Damon Albarn | Metro – April 2019

60 seconds with Damon Albarn

The 51-year-old, who’s on tour with his band The Good, The Bad & The Queen, on Morris dancing, Brexit and Parklife

Is it challenging to go on tour with your album Merrie Land? It’s a sorrowful Brexit lament…

Indeed. I’m comfortable with singing it. This record is as odd as the times. It’s not escapism. It’s more a kind of wonky story… I really enjoy travelling around the country, setting out your little stall, singing your songs and then leaving. It’s quite meditative in a way.

Your song The Truce Of Twilight references the Dorset Ooser, this extraordinary horned wooden head used in Morris dance. Is English folk ritual important to you?

Very much so. That’s my core, my soul. I’m fascinated by Morris dancing. I’ve found the greatest kinship with that old folk pagan idea when visiting other parts of the world. We’re all folk. We all have our spirituality, and it’s a shared thing, not something that divides us.

Rocket Juice and the Moon | Metro – March 2012

I’m having a whale of a time with Rocket Juice & The Moon

Rocket Juice & The Moon may be the trio of Blur’s Damon Albarn, master drummer Tony Allen and Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea – but don’t call them a supergroup.

Meeting Damon Albarn as he mooches around his west London base – admiring the view over the Westway; whizzing up vegetable juice; exchanging football banter – you wouldn’t guess that he’s probably the busiest man in the music world right now.

His latest projects include his ‘pastoral folk’ opera Dr Dee and the reunion of his Britpop veterans Blur for the London Olympics closing concert; he’s also continued with cartoon superstars Gorillaz and other production work (such as Bobby Womack’s next album).

Damon Albarn | Metro – March 2001

60 Second Interview 

Best known as the lead singer of Blur, Damon Albarn, 32, is taking a more low-profile role with his latest band, Gorillaz. Created by Albarn and artist/cartoonist Jamie Hewlett, Gorillaz is an animated four-piece – singer 2-D, bassist Murdoc, rapper Russel and guitarist Noodle – whose songs feature Albarn alongside a roster of other performers. The band’s single, Clint Eastwood, is out now.

There’s been a good response to Gorillaz so far.
Damon: I’m pleased with it. It’s nice to be vindicated when you’re involved with something that doesn’t use your own name. It makes me feel like I’m here because I’m here, rather than because it’s Damon Albarn on the label.