Damon Albarn - Damon Albarn saved Womack's life

Damon Albarn saved Womack's life

Damon Albarn saved Bobby Womack's life.

Soul singer Bobby was in hospital ill with pneumonia and colon cancer when he was approached by Damon to appear on the third Gorillaz album 'Plastic Beach', and he says the move helped him pull through.

He told NME: ''During the time I was ill in hospital, the thing that kept me alive was Damon. He was really interested in me. I was like, 'Times have changed - I could be in a wheelchair or have no voice.' He said, 'We'll take a shot. I want you to sing on the Gorillaz album.' That's what brought me back to life.''

The 68-year-old musician - who has struggled with drug abuse in the past - also said one of the best things about working with Damon was that he was clean and sober.

He added: ''Damon was clean. It wasn't like walking in the studio and you can smell the coke and everyone's getting high. If they went out every two weeks, they'd get drunk off one beer.''

Bobby's comeback album 'The Bravest Man in the Universe' is out now.