DAMON ALBARN Born March 23rd 1968 - Whitechapel Hospital, London. His father was an assciate of 'The Soft Machine' and later taught Jazz and Art at College. Grew up in a liberated bohemian atmosphere, his parents giving him the freedom of expression most adolescents crave. In 1978 lived in Turkey for six months before moving to Colchester, Essex. Was a student at London's East 15 acting school, and while there formed a soul-pop duo act named 'Two's a Crowd'.

His first musical influence was Classical. His favourite composers being Kurt Weill and Bertold Brecht. Worked as a barman at London's Portobello Hotel, where he met Bono of U2, who Damon recounts as being quite rude to him. Says Damon: "I've always known he wasn't that special". Ardent supporter of Chelsea Football Club, he's also a pretty nifty player himself, playing in many of the annual celebrity games that raise money for good causes. Lied about his English A-Level result, telling his parents he got a C when he actually received a D. Attended Stanway Comprehensive School in Colchester, where he met Graham. Won his heat in the Young Composer of the Year competition, but failed his A-Level Music exam.

His favourite drink is tea with fresh mint. His famous necklace beads were made for him by his mum when he was six years old. Doesn't eat meat, or frozen food, but he does enjoy Sushi. Owns a house and a bar in Reykjavik, Iceland. Made his big-screen acting debut in Antonia Bird's 'Face' movie, playing the character of Jason, who eventually has his brains slew all over the walls following a gangland hit. Is currently going steady with artist Susan Winstanley, who he has a daughter with, 'Missy'.