Blur's Damon Albarn Awarded OBE in New Year's Honors

The past year also saw Albarn collaborate with Moira Buffini and Rufus Norris on Wonder.land, a new musical based on Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, which had its premiere at the Manchester International Festival and is currently on show at London’s National Theatre.

Other music figures to be honoured in the New Year list include pioneering jungle and drum and bass DJ and producer Goldie, real name Clifford Price, who received an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to music and young people in recognition of his charity work.

Meanwhile, David Joseph, chair and CEO of Universal Music U.K. and Ireland, received  the honour of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the British music industry.

A total of 1,196 people are on the New Year Honours list, with actors Idris Elba and Imelda Staunton, screenwriter Peter Morgan and sports stars AP McCoy and Denis Law among the famous names recognised. While they inevitably dominate the headlines, the vast majority of recipients are people recognised for outstanding work that they have done in their local community.