Damon Albarn slams Rolling Stones as he accuses them of objectifying Hollywood star
RATHER than respecting his music elders, Damon Albarn has laid into rock veterans The Rolling Stones in the wake of their recent comeback.
The Blur and Gorillaz frontman accused the band of “objectifying” actress Sydney Sweeney and suggested their new music pales in comparison to songs from their heyday.
In the video to the Stones’ recent single Angry, White Lotus actress Sydney writhes in a skimpy leather outfit in the back of a convertible as it is driven past billboards showing younger versions of band members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood.
Damon said: “I listened to their new song and watched this horrible music video showing them at different stages of their lives on billboards.
“And this young woman objectified. What the hell is this? There’s something completely disconnected.”
He added: “The truth is, they have become worse. Worse at persisting to stay themselves.
“That’s something I don’t understand.
“Making exactly the same music but not that good.
“There must be no joy in doing something like this.”
The Stones’ new album Hackney Diamonds, their first record of original material in 18 years, went straight to No1 after its release in October — but Damon has an issue with that too.
He said he was angered by the record’s title and the band’s decision to announce it at an event at the Hackney Empire in East London.
He told French magazine Les Inrockuptibles: “My family lives in Hackney and the way they showed up at the Hackney Empire venue really p***ed me off.
“They’ve never done a thing in Hackney — they’ve never played there, never contributed to anything. They just showed up. It’s all nonsense.”
Damon has been speaking his mind about the Stones for a while now, having previously laid into them last year.
Back then he said: “I’m not into how beloved you become of the smell of your own farts.
“The greatest exponent of that is the Rolling Stones, who just couldn’t let it go.
“It’s disappointing.”
Go on — tell us how you really feel, Damon . . .
Stirling job
LINDSEY Stirling has spent the past month touring North America and now she is bringing her show to the UK for one night only.
The multi-talented electric violinist, dancer and singer from California has become a viral sensation on TikTok and fans will now be able to catch her at London’s Eventim Apollo on December 18.
Song hint is Grande
ARIANA Grande threw the hint of new music into the mix by posting snaps from a recording studio.
The Into You singer, whose last album Positions came out in 2020, sent fans into a frenzy with the suggestion fresh tracks could be on the cards.
Her pics and silent videos on Instagram even caught the eye of celebrity followers.
Singer Billie Eilish said: “UNMUTE PLS,” while SZA added: “Oh, this ’bout to eat.”
Sel rings changes with beau Benny
SELENA Gomez is dating record producer Benny Blanco – who just so happens to be behind a string of her ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber’s biggest tunes.
The Hands To Myself singer confirmed the news on Instagram and gushed that she is the happiest she has ever been after getting together with the musician.
She also shared this photo of her ring finger, right, with a golden B on it, suggesting things are already getting serious between them.
However, a handful of fans criticised the romance and deemed Blanco “unworthy” of Selena, prompting her to hit back.
She wrote: “If you actually care about me, this is my happiest. If you don’t, feel free to say whatever you want.
“But I will never allow your words to guide my life. Ever. I’m done. If you can’t accept me at my happiest then don’t be in my life at all.”
Selena also heaped praise on her beau in a gushing comment as she lashed out at a second critic, revealing: “He has treated me better than any human being on this planet.
“He is my absolute everything in my heart.”
She added: “Just know that I’m not going to be with a f***boy ever again. Sorry to disappoint.”
Benny has worked on big hits including Katy Perry’s I Kissed A Girl, Teenage Dream and California Gurls, Maroon 5’s Moves Like Jagger and Ed Sheeran’s Castle On The Hill.
In fact, the hit tracks he has been involved with have sold more than 500million copies.
And he also produced Justin’s tunes Love Yourself, Cold Water and Lonely, among others.
Benny first worked with Selena for two tracks on her 2015 album Revival.
And with her new album on the way, I’m sure they’ve made plenty more sweet music together.
Doja’s Euro debut
DOJA Cat will embark on her debut European headline tour next year, kicking off in Glasgow on June 11.
The newly announced leg of the rapper’s Scarlet tour will also see her perform in Birmingham, London and Newcastle, with tickets on sale from Thursday.
She has pulled out the last two times she was due to perform in the UK – at Glasto and the Brit Awards – so I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
Iron Maiden rolling back the years
IRON Maiden are still smashing records four decades into their career – selling out a massive stadium show in just 21 minutes.
I’ve learned they are so popular in South America that tickets for their show in Bogota, Colombia, in November flew off the shelves.
It is the fastest-ever sell out of a South American football stadium by an international artist, beating Coldplay, the Rolling Stones, Madonna and Ed Sheeran.
Before they head there, they will play a series of shows throughout the UK and Ireland next June and July.