Damon Albarn is concerned about the live music industry. In an interview with Sky News, Albarn believes that artists should be able to continue performing during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Gorillaz front man feels that people can make their own mind up.
“If people are willing to perform, they should be allowed to. No one should be forced to do anything. But if people are willing then somehow, we can make it work so everyone can feel comfortable and participate.”
Albarn thinks the band were lucky to have always had their virtual world because “a new kind of creativity is emerging out of all of this”. Damon said he worries for the future of live music and views the pandemic as a “medical emergency but an existential one as well.”
“You’ve got to allow music to continue,” Albarn added. “We are trying to preserve everyone’s health at the moment so passionately, we mustn’t ignore live music in that prescription.”
The artist retraining media campaign laid out by the UK government has drawn some criticism from Albarn. The artist claims that the £257million grant to help live music venues was not sufficient enough.
“It’s sadly something that has been in the DNA of all Conservative governments since Thatcher. The diminishing of the value of the arts, it’s very short sighted and really goes against something I feel extremely proud of. Our British identity is our creative industries and our creative history.”
Last Wednesday, Albarn teased a collaboration with Tame Impala for a potential second season of Gorillaz’ ‘Song Machine’ project.
In an interview with Australian radio station Double J, Albarn confirmed that he had been working with Kevin Parker, alluding to the teaser photo shared by Gorillaz guitarist Noodle on Instagram in February.
Plans For Touring Next Year
Along with the new album, the Gorillaz have also announced a new short summer tour in celebration of the release. They have revealed they are to play four concerts in June, July and August next summer.
