if only john lydon hadin't said fuck off..

In January, Albarn starts work on his first opera (based on the life of 16th-century mathematician and astronomer John Dee) and he's contemplating releasing two albums' worth of material left over from Plastic Beach sessions.
He confirms that both Bee Gee Barry Gibb and Sex Pistol John Lydon were approached to sing with him on Plastic Beach, again demonstrating the project's musical scope.

"Barry Gibb allegedly got into the studio to do his part and developed and ear infection," Albarn says. "And Lydon was just like 'F--- off!'
"You can't expect everybody to be into it. I'm amazed at our success rate anyway."