Damon Albarn labelled ‘p***k’ after comments on Graham Norton despite audience laughing
Damon Albarn, the musician behind the virtual band Gorillaz, recently found himself in an awkward exchange on The Graham Norton Show, and subsequently faced backlash online. The incident stemmed from comments made while promoting Gorillaz’ upcoming tour, which includes a performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in June.
A Tense Exchange on National Television
The situation began when Graham Norton welcomed Albarn, noting it had been some time since his last appearance. Albarn responded by stating, “Well, you just haven’t invited me back.” This led to a discussion where Albarn claimed to have met Norton in a nightclub and questioned his lack of invitations to the show. Norton, seemingly surprised, responded that he had no recollection of the encounter, suggesting he may have been “quite… drunk.”
The conversation took another turn when Norton highlighted that Gorillaz’ concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would be their “biggest ever gig.” Albarn, a known Chelsea fan, responded by referring to the stadium as “a large music venue in North London,” a remark that elicited laughter from the studio audience.
Fan Reaction and Football Rivalry
Albarn’s seemingly playful jab at Tottenham Hotspur did not sit well with some fans of the football club. Online, some supporters responded with harsh criticism, even resorting to name-calling, referring to him as a “p***k.” This reaction underscores the passionate nature of football fandom and the sensitivities surrounding club rivalries.
Tottenham Hotspur is currently experiencing a challenging season, having recently sacked their manager, Thomas Frank, and currently sitting 16th in the Premier League. The club has appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager, hoping to improve their performance before Gorillaz’ June concert.
What’s Next for Gorillaz and Albarn?
Gorillaz announced their UK and Ireland tour last September, with dates extending into Europe. It remains to be seen how the atmosphere will be at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in June, given the recent exchange. The incident will be largely forgotten by then, or it could contribute to a more charged atmosphere during the performance. The band could address the situation directly, or choose to ignore it and focus on the music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the awkward exchange between Damon Albarn and Graham Norton?
The exchange began after Norton welcomed Albarn, prompting Albarn to state he hadn’t been invited back on the show, and then to question Norton about a previous meeting in a nightclub.
Why did Damon Albarn avoid directly naming Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?
Albarn, a Chelsea fan, referred to the stadium as “a large music venue in North London,” likely as a playful jab at the rival football club.
How did Tottenham Hotspur fans react to Albarn’s comments?
Some Tottenham Hotspur fans reacted negatively to Albarn’s comments, taking to social media to express their displeasure and even resorting to name-calling.
Will the recent online controversy impact the reception Gorillaz receives at their Tottenham Hotspur Stadium concert?