Pop band Gorillaz have rejected their nomination for the prestigious 2001 Mercury Prize.
The 'virtual band', which includes Blur's Damon Albarn and hip-hop hero Dan 'The Automator' Nakamura described the nomination as "like carrying a dead albatross round your neck for eternity".
Radiohead and the Super Furry Animals are among the other 11 artists to have been shortlisted for the award.
