Damon Albarn was due to come to Dublin next week to perform his new work, The Nearer the Fountain, More Pure the Stream Flows.
We all know why that is not is not happening. The dates have now been rescheduled until April 2021.
But the 52-year-old decided to at least mark what would have been the start of a European tour performing the work, by treating us to a snippet of the piece earlier this week.
Ambient. Sad. Atmospheric. Watch the 20 minute performance here:
The work recalls Albarn’s more abstract pieces such as the Dr Dee opera soundtrack, as well as his solo album, Everyday Robots.
It is inspired by Iceland – where Albarn once co-owned a bar and has been a frequent visitor to over 30 years. The title of the work is based on a John Clare poem, entitled ‘Love and Memory’.
Albarn also performed his latest Gorillaz track ‘Aries’ this week on Jimmy Kimmell Live.
The track is the third in Gorillaz’s new Song Machine series, following ‘Momentary Bliss’ and ‘Désolé.