Damon Albarn to make first solo album for 2012

Damon's going to make a solo album! Exciting news everyone! 

DAMON Albarn's done a lot in his 20-year career in music but he's still missing one thing from his lengthy CV – a proper solo recording (The Sun)

Now the Blur and Gorillaz man has pledged to follow fellow Britpop hero Noel Gallagher and spend most of next year recording an album of his own.

But Damon has three albums to get out first.

One is a project by Africa Express – a collective of Western and African musicians – recorded in the Congo.

Another is a collaboration with Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers and drumming legend Tony Allen.

The third is a recording of his Elizabethan opera.

After that he'll get to work on his first solo disc so it's ready for release some time in 2012.

A source said: "Damon's finally ready to make a solo album after years of hiding behind cartoon band Gorillaz and working with collectives of musicians.

"He's looking forward to it and his label bosses at EMI are pleased as it's sure to sell by the bucketload."

Although it's bad news for fans holding out on a full Blur reunion – a Damon solo disc is still an exciting prospect.