Graham Coxon, Damon Albarn, Alex James, Dave Rowntree

BLUR

In 1988, Albarn enrolled at Goldsmiths College; he took a part-time course which he claims he did "just to get on campus".

He met up with Coxon once more. After recording a number of demo tapes together, the two formed "the Circus," at which point Coxon introduced Albarn to Alex James. With the addition of Dave Rowntree, the band began playing as "Seymour". Before long the band was signed to Food Records and changed its name to Blur.

"Parklife" was released in 1994 and revived Blur’s commercial fortunes, with the album’s first single, the disco-influenced "Girls & Boys", achieving critical acclaim and chart success.

As of 2006 Blur has released seven full-length albums, five of which went to № 1 in the United Kingdom and all of which reached the top 15. Albarn has written the lyrics to nearly every song released by the band since their formation.

GORILLAZ

Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett

Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett met in 1990 when Coxon, a fan of Hewlett’s work, asked him to interview Blur.

The idea to create Gorillaz came about when the two were watching MTV.

The band’s music is a collaboration between various musicians, Albarn being the only permanent musical contributor, and incorporates influences including alternative rock, Britpop, dub, hip-hop, and pop music. In 2001, the band’s eponymous debut album sold over seven million copies, and featured hits such as the songs "19−2000" and "Clint Eastwood," earning them an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records as the Most Successful Virtual Band.

Albarn released "Mali Music" in 2002, recorded in Mali, during a trip he made to support Oxfam in 2000. He has visited Nigeria to record music with African drummer Tony Allen.

Albarn’s debut solo album, "Everyday Robots", was released on 25 April 2014 to generally positive reviews. The album peaked at № 2 on the UK charts.

In May 2006, NME reported that Albarn was working with Danger Mouse on his first solo album, with the group billed as "the Good, the Bad & the Queen".

"Rocket Juice & the Moon" is the title of Albarn’s side-project featuring Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea and afrobeat legend Tony Allen.

"See the birds they have been taken by the wind
They are not together now

They will have to wait until tomorrow
To see each other again…"