LONDON, UK (Reuters, BBC) - Gorillaz have been withdrawn from the nominations for this year's Mercury Music Prize, dotmusic can confirm. The animated, zombie hip-hop act were put forward for the coveted award following their acclaimed and hugely successful self-titled debut album. However, the group, who feature Blur frontman Damon Albarn and hip-hop impresario Dan the Automator, immediately said they didn't want to be considered for the award. Bassist Murdoc commented: "No thanks man! Why don't you nominate some poor other Muppet!" A spokeswoman for Gorillaz and the Mercury Prize today confirmed that Gorillaz have been removed from the list, despite their label Parlophone originally insisting they should remain on the short-list. Elbow, PJ Harvey, Radiohead, Super Furry Animals, Basement Jaxx and Turin Brakes are amongst the bands still up for this year's awards, which take place in London on September 11.
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