Damon Albarn Performs ‘The Universal’ | The Jonathan Ross Show

Damon Albarn performs an exclusive version of the Blur classic.
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[@gouchscowl8601]

In 96 my school mates and I saw Damon at a train station and I had the great idea to shout Oasis at him and proceed to slag him off, I know, very original. Sorry Damon, you deserved more respect , the image of you waving your hand at me in a w@nker motion is one of my greatest childhood memories though so no regrets. Top man.

[@JoeMama-ne8wp]

Man why’d you go and do that

[@darreng6030]

Better than an autograph that

[@mikeryan4055]

Always an oasis fan but the older I get the more I appreciate Damon and his musical genius. I never thought oasis where gifted just good old fashion songs but this guy is and always has been ground breaking

[@celioazevedoofficial]

@@mikeryan4055 A true genius.

[@gmmgmmg]

@@mikeryan4055 same here man, always been the greatest Oasis fan through my teen years until my late twenties. Bought avery Album, every single, countless bootlegs, read all books. Now Im 40 and while I rarely go back to Oasis' songs, I often listen to Blur and I consider Damon Albarn an absolute genius and truly groundbraking also with all his other projects , especially with The Good the Bad and the Queen. What a man.

[@Guidolaremi]

I'm Italian, I'm 51 years old. between the ages of 16 and 19 I went to England every summer to study and have fun. even today my eyes, thinking of that time, see poetry... shivers... I close my eyes and hear the blur singing, I feel the lightheartedness... I feel like I've lived my youth. Thanks Damon

[@ritch8088]

So happy I had my teen years in the 90's. TFI Friday, Gladiators, Blur v Oasis, Battle of the boybands, Club 18-30 holiday's, taking photo's and waiting a week for them to develop showing them to mates down the pub. No social media, my mum and dad were young, fit and healthy. Gathered around the TV at Christmas watching the Only Fools & Horses specials. Seeing my nan & grandad on boxing day. Now they're all gone and life just isn't as simple.

[@conorsmith8551]

Mate don't make me cry. I was a child in the 90s but hoped when I grew up the times would be like the 90s and then you realise it has fleeted

[@TheIceyeddy]

Life was definitely special living as a kid in the 90's. I'm so glad I got to experience growing up in that decade where everything was so pure and raw and cool.

[@mtb1779]

Love this version, and your comment @Ritch80 is on the money.... so true, and I could have written that myself! I turned 11 in 1990, and experienced the heights of Britpop in the UK with rocking up to Oasis at Knebworth in 1996 for only £22.50!! Life was so much simpler back when we were young. I fear for our kids and their children: they will end up in the Meta somewhere I suspect!! (insert emoji here!!)

[@josssmith]

Same, kids/teens are kind of spoiled these days with internet, smart phones, streaming, KZbin, etc etc but no way I'd swap my teen years back then for now.

[@mrmikeconway]

Your comment struck a nerve with me. I'm lucky my parents are still around but everything else the same. Wishing you all the best.

[@DanDanCOYS]

It’s one of the best songs ever written.

[@funlittlefish]

Hey if you like Damon Albarn's songs you might like The Doublejumps

[@DerekDerekDerekDerekDerekDerek]

​@@funlittlefishno

[@emilyonkov2172]

His voice is ageing gnarly, Bowie-esque, love it

[@rassyconkerhead5548]

He sold out this song to British Gas, helping them make billions whilst 40,000 old people froze to death because they couldn't afford the sky high gas prices.

[@fergilism]

He's gas

[@toxicity0236]

@@rassyconkerhead5548 Cool

[@Musicaldg1980]

He also lowered the key, so it sounds deeper.

[@finleyrowe5271]

@@rassyconkerhead5548 apparently all 4 band members get free gas for life. Read that on an article dunno how true it is though

[@MrsGamgee977]

My biggest teenage crush. 90s were something else, man.

[@Charlie1821]

It’s somewhat comforting to see your idols grow old with you.

[@quirkypurple]

Damon Albarn seems to just get better and better.

[@thebeachisdark7]

Saw him live a few days back, he was incredible. Not to mention, so kind to his fans he tried to stay as long as he could to meet us.

[@nonenoone3722]

Lucky you. Missed that opportunity

[@credenceia3572]

damon is a legend

[@_mothmaam_]

I’ve grown up listening to his music and somehow it’s still just as fresh and inspired as his early Blur songs. You and your music are universally loved, Damon!

[@juantoposimpatico6176]

Listen Oasis and some day you will thank me, babe

[@thereader6667]

Listen to the live studio version of Terracotta heart from the magic whip. X

[@thereader6667]

@@juantoposimpatico6176 I love oasis but Blur is a more musically accomplished band. Noel Gallagher was the only Oasis member to understand music. I’m from the North too!

[@tt-hq5nm]

Oasis were better

[@musicallyfedmonkey]

@@thereader6667 what BS. Oasis was so good it killed Blur and Blur became Gorillaz. Oasis is still amazing band and have been split for years. Oasis did not just create music, they created a culture kids still grow up wanting to be part of. LG is legendary. Oasis will Live forever.

[@b500l8]

Fun fact, each member of the band get free gas for life from British Gas as their payment on the ad used with this song. Damons house is warmest, an average of 32c from october to february. Dave the drummer sweats a lot playing drums so has it on a cooler 22c.Dont know about the other two, they didnt care to divulge, but mentioned as long as they can dry their washing indoors in the winter months its ok.

[@retinalcircus]

Comment lost on all Americans 😂

[@supernatoman]

What?

[@Yimello]

Dave actually bottles it up and sells it on the market. Nice little earner.

[@nerradnewo6328]

Thats not that much fun.

[@brazenlilhussy5975]

@@nerradnewo6328 Ah it is though.

[@roscopeco2000]

I feel like the 90s was the last good era, I've had good times from 2000 onwards but still didn't compare to the 90s everyone just seemed happier..

[@sophiahalatchev658]

before 9/11 😔

[@roscopeco2000]

@@sophiahalatchev658 yep I agree world got shit after that

[@AXELmetroidFAN]

Fully, the millennium marked a down hill trend in literally every aspect of everything. This simulation blows brother

[@roscopeco2000]

@@AXELmetroidFAN amen to that completely agree

[@jamiewilkins5254]

2000’s was better

[@fox_in_michigan8716]

Damon's amazing here obviously but let's also appreciate the ladies on the violin and cello, they did incredibly well

[@themanwithnoname2666]

👍👍👍

[@davidalexbyrne]

The best song he ever wrote. Top 20 of my favourite songs ever

[@markhirstwood4190]

I agree.

[@sturdeehouse]

whats yer number 1?

[@davidalexbyrne]

Beatles strawberry fields forever

[@laceyknicks6863]

What's number 5 and 8?

[@davidalexbyrne]

@@laceyknicks6863 haha very specific, haven't worked it all out yet

[@markatkinson5102]

Saw them back in 1997. This song still gives me chills when I think about the atmosphere this song generated live.

[@brianbrown9512]

A beautiful song carried me back to better times and a fun-filled era. Damon is a great man and much loved. Stay free Stay strong.

[@groovy2shoes]

Wow... it hits me hard that his voice seems to break each time he sings the lyric "When the days they seem to fall through you/ Well just let them go". The power of music...

[@jayr4885]

This just took me back to my highschool days. Blur fan for life. Now I have a 20 year old son and named him after Damon Albarn. Time flies so fast.

[@emmaelizabeth3652]

This has to be one of the best live performances of Universal.. ❤ Moving

[@iMann_iFail]

I was introduced to Damon’s music by my dad during the beginning of the 90s. I’ve grown up listening to Blur, his solo work and of course Gorillaz. Considering universal is well over 20 years old, his performance of it on JR’s show, makes it sound fresh, his songs just don’t age.

[@j.c7719]

He is a true genius, he will go down as one of the greats without a doubt.

[@DiegoMartinez-sl9zv]

I grew up listening to his songs. They saved my life. Made me a musician .

[@leanndanielle3422]

fucking beautiful

[@sil_ent_o]

Yes indeed

[@ablurida]

I can't get over how good the piano sounds here, I was sent to a magical realm, a beautiful meadow with fairies. Gorgeous.

[@spiralstaticbliss]

I owe this man my entire life. What a KING

[@FuckinLibertine]

King? Liam Gallagher?

[@alan83p]

Me hace llorar esto. El domingo voy a ver a Blur por 1ra vez en BsAs, no voy a poder parar de llorar.

[@dondamon4669]

Hope your going alone as the non stop crying will ruin it for everyone

[@paug7036]

DAMON ALBARN YOU LEGEND I LOVE YOU

[@xaharxeruji268]

Can’t describe using words on how classic is this song... doesn’t age at old.

[@dolo1974]

Beautiful version. He really feels what he sings. Gracias, Damon!

[@Charlito732]

When this píano version starts, it reminds me to Franz Ferdinand's "Eleanor put your boots on". It's in the same key and it sounds similar. Anyway, "The Universal" a masterpiece song.

[@mikeverrechia6200]

Elton John covering Blur! Day made!

[@berndschreiber1167]

Yup! (Thought the same in Matera)

[@Patsy-rd7kj]

What a beautiful version.... of a Fantastic track...deff one of my all time fav's

[@PJV1990]

I miss the '90s, I know it's just nostalgia but it really did seem a better time to be young. Even though I was only born in February 1990 I spent most of my childhood hanging around with my teenage sister and her mates listening to all of this music and experiencing everything that was going on from a pop culture point of view back then (even if I was probably a little underaged to 'experience' some of it haha). I have such vivid memories of that time which is amazing considering how young I was, though you are more likely to remember things that were exciting/amazing experiences, which a lot of British pop culture back then was.

[@izzyguitar8554]

this is so beautiful

[@seanyboyoc]

I have happy memories of this time in my life. Late 20's and BritPop came along. Oasis, yeah ok, but Blur then and now are strong in my now ageing memory. About the same age as me now, Damon your music reminds me of better times yet is somehow timeless, now realising more what a gifted talent you are. So glad you are back together, still producing quality material.

[@redfrost2831]

Saw him live on the 7th of Dec in Coventry, he was absolutely amazing ✨

[@francis72ify]

Canzone stellare,capolavoro assoluto, da brividi .. Una dei pezzi più belli di sempre, genio Damon Albarn...

[@michaeltomkinson134]

Listening to this in 2023 and thinking how much this is a beautiful song 💙

[@girlgirl7165]

Legendary Damon with Legendary song ❤️

[@arieltabach569]

Ufff nostalgic...the past of the years... Damon and the Blur Songs...🙌☝ forever!!

[@Mark-on2mt]

Brilliant song

[@fiddysent2798]

Used to go in my local and it was only Blur and Oasis being played on the video jukebox. Occasionally Pulp and at the end of the night Prodigy. 90s were top

[@tonyconway7284]

STUNNING

[@loryalves9810]

Beautiful...❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@paulfarmer7779]

Absolutely brilliant 👏 takes me back to my youth big into my 90s brit pop and indie 😎 Damon's voice sounds great

[@claudenyspinelli8047]

A versão mais bela que ja ouvi. Que coisa linda. Que interpretação perfeita!

[@funlittlefish]

Hey if you like Damon Albarn's songs you might like The Doublejumps

[@kuro2522]

Last time i saw Damon was like 5 years ago at a Gorillaz concert, hopefully i'll see him again next year if the pandemic allows it. Glad to see he still looks and sounds amazing!

[@ClayDisarray]

Just lovely.

[@cycheung2441]

Love his music, songs and Blur forever!!!

[@clairegriffiths9284]

After over 20yrs I still love him and his music

[@debrafretwell5435]

Poetic and amazing. That is all that needs to be said

[@Marjopolo302]

Beautiful arrangement

[@19grand]

Love this song too. It's not too often I find people that like it as much as I do!!

[@Jonesy_Ford]

Thanks for posting ! Fantastic version !

I love this song for so many reasons, but mostly because it got me through rough times.

[@dragvandile]

beautiful

[@jasonroche3690]

Love this, I was lucky enough to see Blur in 2009. They were one of the first bands I loved growing up and The Universal is amazing 😊

[@celioazevedoofficial]

Perfect!

[@andrewleyden2752]

Such a beautiful song.

[@sfdsfda]

I tear up singing along with these

[@kyky9128]

This was so beautiful. I enjoyed every minute of it.❤️

[@haidee9281]

Blur were my favourites as a teen and now my daughter loves them ❤️ I love this 🥺

[@Lauren_MUFC16]

This version is ace. ❤️ one of my favorite Blur tunes.

[@gigwiththelads6385]

So beautiful, thank you for all Damon. Really.

[@jimixjimenez8097]

Un tema precioso. Añoro la década de los 90 y los temas de BLUR. Los británicos siempre han sido el referente del pop mundial...un saludo desde España

[@niningsetia4213]

Yeaaah 😂😂❤❤❤ Thanks for your SONG GOD BLESS everyone Barakallah fiikum 😂😂😂❤❤❤❤

[@81Fitzerz]

Thank you ❤️

[@sparko2012]

Adore this song

[@mandymiller5177]

What a beautiful song

[@jamescushnie8178]

This song when released peaked at #5 in the charts, I remember playing this for months afterwards. An absolute belter! Some songs age like a fine wine, this was just before it’s time and the public was ready for it

[@petedunn795]

Absolute genius of a song!

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

I think we’ve sparked a new appreciation for these songs ❤️

[@EYDIMUSIC]

Wonderful

[@funlittlefish]

Hey if you like Damon Albarn's songs you might like The Doublejumps

[@nuotonelblu]

I remember listening to this song shortly before going to discuss my university thesis. It was emotional.

[@kevingarry11]

great version of a brilliant track

[@eilis1969]

I remember first hearing Blur in the late 80s ..I know I’m showing my age lol ..this is a beautify version of Universal ..always gets me emotional ❤️

[@funlittlefish]

Hey if you like Damon Albarn's songs you might like The Doublejumps

[@shaunyboyz4296]

You wont get better than this. Well done D...

[@grantcameron4912]

No words can put into perspective how good this is. Genius.

[@andrewmaguire4476]

I completely agree. The Gallagher brothers? Don't make me laugh, they're not fit to tie Damon's shoelaces.

[@funlittlefish]

Hey if you like Damon Albarn's songs you might like The Doublejumps

[@sagan666]

Excellent.

[@tomcrookes5689]

Stunning, mesmerising and emotional… Damon really is one of a kind. A really beautiful rendition, my eyes are wet.

[@funlittlefish]

Hey if you like Damon Albarn's songs you might like The Doublejumps

[@diegoblanco1957]

Timeless

[@drstevie]

beautiful.

[@brucelee9750]

Epic version of this all time classic song. 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@mirzatayibnapis1722]

Beautiful

[@rafaelpinto2455]

Timeless song. Period.

[@laceyknicks6863]

This dude never ages!!

[@jenniferfischer9675]

He is amazing as always

[@kimmirossi46]

I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS SONG!

[@Pilcha.]

Temazo

[@alwaysright429]

And 'musician' Liam Gallagher was forever taking the piss out of this man! Liam, who can't play a single chord on any musical instrument whilst singing out of his nose. Pure class Albarn

[@LJNorthey]

Nah, Liam plays guitar. Also, Damon definitely sings out of his nose too. Very nasaly voice, but I really enjoy it (very distinct) :)

[@CMDR_Verm]

That was superb.

[@manuelhammad5061]

i’m so tired of hearing oasis vs blur stuff can we just agree they are both great

[@katherynemero4118]

We COULD agree to that IF Oasis were a better band.

[@russ838]

@@katherynemero4118 that's entirely against the point being made, and a bit sad that you can't comprehend that others like something that you don't. It's totally fine to prefer blur, but it's also true that many others think oasis is better. No-one is right, it's all subjective, let's just all enjoy the music and be glad to have the choice of both, how's about that

[@katherynemero4118]

@@russ838 I don't see how it is against the point. And it turns out that I can comprehend. *shock and awe* I liked Oasis when I was 15. That's the only moment in my life when they were interesting. If you only appreciate songs about getting high with made up bullshit for lyrics, then I feel sorry for you.

[@katherynemero4118]

@@russ838 thank Jesus- Blur has all the brains.

[@russ838]

@@katherynemero4118 so your response is to criticize my taste in music, prove my point, and be sad for me. You don't even know what I listen to. Welp, the only thing I will suggest is to once again, stop attacking others just because they have a different opinion, but I'm probably wasting my energy here

[@sailingbikingandmore2765]

Love from Shanghai & SF

[@paulbarrick5001]

One word... amazing. Fave song ever which just takes me to a place far far away from here.

[@kevomacattack4368]

Pure class

[@bretttempleman5373]

Blimey everything I see Damon in he is just killing it👌

[@alisaweiss8881]

Beautiful Damon ❤️

[@georgiegarcia3524]

beautiful performance. thanks for uploading ;)

[@teresatrejo8737]

Sublime ❤️🙏

[@ElviraCondomine]

No, it's Damon Albarn.

[@janewright2800]

Beautiful song X seems apt for last 18 months! Optimism needed!🙏💚🌏🌈🌠