Damon Albarn read books on Buddhism when he was bullied at school.
The Blur frontman's family moved house from Leytonstone, east London, to rural Essex, south east England, when he was aged nine and after being enrolled into a new school he felt like he didn't fit in.
The 46-year-old star read literature by German poet and novelist, Hermann Hesse and "various books on Buddhism" as well as trying to find solace in the countryside where he would search "interesting trees where I could make little shrines", reports The Observer newspaper.
Damon insists his childhood inspired his latest album, 'Everyday Robots', which reflects how he got to where he is now.
Talking to The New Review, he added: "I definitely delved into that period in my childhood for the new album. I honestly think it's what set me up to be the person I am now. It's me saying 'This is where I come from and how I got to be who I am."
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