Damon Albarn slates Live 8

Blur frontman Damon Albarn has attacked Live 8 for being "too Anglo-saxon."

Asked on Radio 4’s Today programme if he would be taking part, he answered: "No. I am not. I haven’t even been asked.

"I don’t want to take part in an event that is so exclusive. Is this the most effective way to help Africa?"

He went on to criticise the event for not featuring enough "black" artists.

"This country is incredibly diverse," he added. "More than ever, black culture is an integral part of society, so why is the bill so damn Anglo-Saxon?

"If you are holding a party on behalf of people, then surely you don’t shut the door on them. It’s insensitive and it also perpetuates this idea that Africa is separated in some way."

Albarn declined to feature in last year's Band Aid single but did show up at the recording to make tea for the participating artists.