Damon Albarn has accepted that his band Blur were beaten by Oasis in the battle of Britpop and is now hailing his former rivals as “the winners” as the band gear up for their reunion tour this summer
Damon Albarn has admitted defeat to Oasis in the Battle of BritPop.
The 57-year-old frontman of Blur, who had a notorious rivalry with the Live Forever hitmakers in the 1990s – culminating in the infamous Battle of Britpop when both bands released singles in the same week in 1995.
Back then, Blur’s Country House clinched the number one spot over Oasis’ Roll With It – has now declared his former adversaries “the winners” in light of the massive demand for tickets for their reunion tour this summer.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, he said: “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.”
Damon also cautioned his former rivals that they might find their reunion more emotional than anticipated, as he did when Blur performed two gigs at London’s Wembley Stadium two years ago, and expressed admiration for them for scheduling so many shows.
He commented: “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.”
While the Gorillaz and Africa Express frontman believes the Britpop era of the 1990s was more “joyous” than the present day, he doesn’t have much interest in reminiscing.
He remarked: “I’m not being funny but it does feel like a more innocent, joyous age than now. Nostalgia’s okay but I try and stay away from it as much as possible. Sometimes you can’t help but be lost in it.”
Damon has been engrossed in his work with the Africa Express collective, relishing the opportunity to step away from the limelight.
He stated: “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.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
