Damon Albarn laments missed chances to record with Dr Dre, David Bowie and Kendrick Lamar: ‘It was all my fault’

Blur frontman revealed a number of artists with whom he almost collaborated

Damon Albarn has lamented missing the opportunity to record with a number of major artists, including David Bowie, Prince, and Kendrick Lamar.

The Blur musician spoke ahead of two Gorillaz gigs at London’s O2 arena later this week, being held in honour of NHS workers.

Speaking to The Herald, Albarn reflected on his career, eventually delving into the topic of missed opportunities.

“Dr Dre, Prince and Kendrick Lamar … I missed all three of those,” he claimed. “All my fault. Which is quite a lot of people to miss.”

He also discussed a proposed collaboration with David Bowie and The Kinks’ Ray Davies.

“It was actually a serious thing we were going to do,” he said. “[Bowie] summonsed me when he was playing in Switzerland into the labyrinth of his backstage and I went to see him and he said, ‘Well, we’re going to do this, but if this tour keeps doing as well as it is then I’m going to carry on touring.’”

According to Albarn, Bowie continued to tour, meaning that the album never happened.

“I regret that one. I just imagine what that might have sounded like,” he added.

Over the course of his career, Albarn has nonetheless collaborated with a number of the world’s biggest artists, including Snoop Dogg, Elton John and Lou Reed.