Damon Albarn hit out at Brexit during his acceptance speech at tonight’s BRIT Awards as Gorillaz won Best British Group.
The group picked up the award after beating fellow nominees Royal Blood, Wolf Alice, London Grammar and The xx.
Accepting the award, Blur frontman Albarn said: “I’ve got one thing to say and it’s about this country. This country is, believe it or not, quite a small, little thing but it’s a lovely place, and it’s part of a beautiful world.”
“Don’t let it become isolated,” he added, “don’t let yourselves become cut off. Considering our size, we do some incredible things in music. We got a real spirit and a real soul. Don’t let politics get in the way of that shit.”
'We do incredible things in music in this country' @gorillaz
Gorillaz are the winners of British Group
Watch The #BRITs 2018 LIVE here: https://t.co/YP6iG713ES pic.twitter.com/hWwLHqbSN1
— BRIT Awards (@BRITs) February 21, 2018
Albarn appeared to slur during his speech, leading fans to speculate about his level of drunkenness.
Gorillaz collaborator and Savages singer Jehnny Beth also spoke to NME at the ceremony. Watch in the video below.
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The 38th BRIT Awards were held at London’s O2 Arena this evening (February 21). Stormzy and Dua Lipa taking home big awards on the night.
Stormzy won British Male Solo Artist and Best British Album, as well as delivering a triumphant closing performance.
Dua Lipa, meanwhile, took home Female Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act. Presented her first award by Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown and Kylie Minogue, Lipa said during her acceptance speech: “I want to thank every single female that has been on this stage before me and has given girls like me a place to be inspired by and [someone to] look up to and allow us to dream. Here’s to more women on these stages, winning these awards and taking over the world.”
Little Mix presented the British Male Solo Artist award to Stormzy, who said: “Thank God, that’s the reason why I’m here to do what I do”.
Foo Fighters picked up Best International Group, their fifth BRIT Award to date. Dave Grohl paid tribute to the UK in his acceptance speech.
Rag’n’Bone Man won Best British Single for ‘Human’. He thanked “everyone back in Brighton” and “everyone who has had my back over the years”.
International Male Solo Artist went to Kendrick Lamar, beating Drake and Beck.
Dua Lipa picked up her second award of the night in the form of British Breakthrough Act. She brought her younger brother and sister onto the stage with her and told fans to “believe in magic”.
Lorde won International Female Solo Artist and sent a video message. Gorillaz won Best British Group.
Harry Styles took home British Artist Video of The Year for his ‘Sign Of The Times’ clip.
Stormzy won the biggest accolade of the night, picking up British Album Of The Year for ‘Gang Signs And Prayer’. During his acceptance speech, he said he put “everything” into the record, adding: “I didn’t have anything after.”