Damon Albarn has revealed his disappointment at Gorillaz losing a chart battle with Boyzone.
Cartoon collective Gorillaz are one of the most potent pop groups around. Recruiting some huge names for their new album, ‘Plastic Beach’ was widely hailed as one of the group’s most satisfying efforts yet.
Released to widespread acclaim, Gorillaz entered into a Transatlantic chart battle. ‘Plastic Beach’ raced to number two in the United States, while in Britain the album fought for pole position with Boyzone.
The final placing was too close to call, but in the end Boyzone ran out winner. Gorillaz charted at number two, completing a Transatlantic second placing.
“I was a bit fucking gutted that ‘Plastic Beach’ only got to two in America” Damon Albarn told MTV News. “And I was obviously a bit gutted that it only got to two in England. Against fucking Boyzone!”
Continuing, the singer laughed off the disappointment. “But, at the end of the day, it’s OK. I’ve had a lot of successful Number Twos over the years.”
Of course, Damon Albarn’s most famous chart battle was with Oasis. In that case, Blur came out on top with the Manchester group’s ‘Roll With It’ having to make do with number two.
Gorillaz enjoyed a hugely successful 2010. The band grew to become a headline festival act, performing notable sets at Glastonbury, Roskilde and more. Making inroads in the United States, the group played several massive shows during their Stateside tour.
The cartoon group played the iTunes festival, and have now made an EP available to commemorate the show.
Containing material from ‘Plastic Beach’ and beyond, the tracks were recorded live at London’s historic Roundhouse venue this summer.
‘Gorillaz – iTunes Sessions’ is out now.
