Damon Albarn has spoken about his problems with heroin.
The Blur singer described the Class A drug as being a "cruel, cruel thing" but admitted that taking it in the '90s did make him more creative.
Speaking to Q magazine, he said: "[Heroin] freed me up. I hate talking about this because of my daughter, my family. But, for me, it was incredibly creative."
He added: "A combination of [heroin] and playing really simple, beautiful, repetitive s**t in Africa changed me completely as a musician. I found a sense of rhythm. I somehow managed to break out of something with my voice."
The singer added that he first discovered the drug "in the front room" when he returned from a tour. "I just thought, 'Why not?' I never imagined it would become a problem."
Despite his mixed praise for the substance, Albarn admitted he was glad to have kicked his habit.
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He added: "[Heroin] does turn you into a very isolated person and ultimately anything that you are truly dependent on is not good."
The frontman recently spoke about his new solo project, saying: "I just never imagined it was something I'd do. Who doesn't love playing in a band? It's f**king brilliant. The best. Maybe I was just subconsciously avoiding a solo album."
