Damon Albarn: Blur frontman says the government lacks ‘empathy’ for arts

After 18 months not performing for a live audience, Damon Albarn will be on stage soon at the Manchester International Festival.

It’s a rather more intimate gig than his usual shows with just 1,000 people allowed in despite the venue’s 10,000 capacity.

That contrast with the huge crowds for football is something not lost on the Blur and Gorillaz frontman.