Former Crack cover stars Gorillaz take home the award for British Group at this year’s Brits ceremony.
The group, which Damon Albarn created in 1998 with graphic artist Jamie Hewlett, beat fellow nominees Royal Blood, Wolf Alice, London Grammar and The xx. Upon accepting the award, Damon Albarn surveyed the state of Britain and its role in music, before broaching the subject of Brexit: “It’s a lovely place. It’s part of a beautiful world, but what I want to say is don’t let it become isolated. Don’t let yourselves become cut off. Considering our size, we do incredible things in music. We got real spirit and a soul, don’t let politics get in the way of all that shit, alright?”
In a fitting act of solidarity, Albarn then handed the microphone to his fellow Gorillaz collaborators who had joined him onstage, including Savages’ Jehnny Beth. However, their speeches were cut short, leaving host Jack Whitehall to awkwardly apologise. “Ooh, I really don’t want this to be an Adele moment,” he quipped. A reference the infamous moment the singer swore live on air.
Albarn is no stranger to the Brit Awards, having been a fixture during the 90s as part of Britpop luminaries Blur. At the 2002 Brit Awards, Gorillaz were nominated for numerous awards including Best British Group and Best British Newcomer. In 2006 and 2011 they were nominated for Best British Group.
