June 19, 2011 21:05

Blur's Damon Albarn debuts new song from 'Doctor Dee' opera

Gorillaz mainman performs 'Apple Carts' on 'The Andrew Marr Show'

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Blur and Gorillaz mainman Damon Albarn has debuted a new song from his forthcoming opera Doctor Dee.

The singer appeared on The Andrew Marr Show to play 'Apple Carts' this morning (June 19) - you can watch a video of the performance on the BBC News website.

The opera, which details the life of 16th century scientist John Dee, is due to be performed at the Manchester Palace Theatre on July 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 as part of the Manchester International Festival.

Albarn will perform live as part of the show, which he has co-created with celebrated theatre director Rufus Norris.

He explained that he felt compelled to tell Dee's story as he believes he has been "whitewashed out of history".

"It's just amazing how much colour there is in his ideas. Just imagine the English now if we had kept that spirit in our hearts," Albarn told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme.

Doctor Dee is the second opera Albarn has created - Monkey: Journey To The West (pictured right) was premiered at the 2007 Manchester International Festival.

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