Damon Albarn has “conceded defeat” to Oasis in light of the Manchester band’s huge reunion shows.
Albarn’s band Blur had a huge rivalry with the Live Forever superstars in the 1990s – which culminated with the so-called “Battle Of Britpop”, when both groups released singles in the same week in 1995.
Ultimately, Blur’s Country House took the number one slot ahead of Oasis’ Roll With It, but now Damon has hailed his former foes “the winners” following the huge demand for tickets for their reunion tour this summer.
He 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.”
Damon warned his former rivals that they may find their reunion more emotional than they expect to, which he did when Blur played two gigs at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2023, and is in awe of them for booking so many shows.
He said: “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.”
