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Damon Albarn has spoken frankly about his use of heroin in the 90s, admitting it changed him completely as a musician - in a good way.
Speaking to Q about his use of the Class A drug at the "height of Britpop", Albarn says the drug, and a trip to Africa, made him more creative as a musician. "[Heroin] freed me up," Albarn said. "I hate talking about this because of my daughter, my family. But, for me, it was incredibly creative ...
"A combination of [heroin] and playing really simple, beautiful, repetitive shit in Africa changed me completely as a musician. I found a sense of rhythm. I somehow managed to break out of something with my voice," the Blur frontman revealed.
Watch the video for Damon Albarn's 'Lonely Press Play' below:
Albarn also described how he first used the drug when he returned home from tour, and found it "in the front room." "I just thought, 'Why not?'" he said. "I never imagined it would become a problem."
His heroin usage is a subject he touches on on his forthcoming debut solo album, Everyday Robots. On a track called 'You And Me', he sings: "Tin foil and a lighter, the ship across/Five days on, two days off."
"I'm happy I found that poetry," Albarn told Q. "I can move forward now without all the nudge nudge, wink wink innuendo I've had in the background for years."
Everyday Robots is set to be released April 28. Damon Albarn and new band The Heavy Seas will be playing dates around Europe throughout the summer, including a headline slot at Latitude Festival. His UK tour dates are below. For more information visit Gigwise Gig Tickets.
London Rivoli Ballroom (April 30)
London Queen Mary University Great Hall (May 1)
Latitude Festival (July 19)
Below - 8 amazing photos of Damon Albarn and Blur, live in Dublin:
