The iconic Britpop band Blur is set to return to the big screen with their new feature-length documentary, blur: To The End. Directed by Toby L and produced by Josh Connolly, the film follows the band’s recent reunion and the release of their first album in eight years, ‘The Ballad of Darren’. Officially hitting cinemas in the UK and Ireland on July 19, 2024, the documentary captures the group’s recording sessions and landmark performances at London’s Wembley Stadium. It offers an intimate glimpse into the relationships and dynamics of Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree, celebrating over...
- 5/25/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Blur fans, get ready to dive deep into the heart of one of Britain’s most iconic bands. Following the success of their latest album, The Ballad of Darren, Blur has announced a highly anticipated feature-length documentary titled To The End. This impressive documentary covers the band’s rich history, their reunion, and their triumphant return to the stage. The Band’s Storied Comeback To The End brings fans up close and personal with Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree as they navigate the recording process for The Ballad of Darren and prepare for their monumental shows at Wembley Stadium.
The post Blurs New Feature-Length Documentary Is Coming first appeared on TVovermind.
The post Blurs New Feature-Length Documentary Is Coming first appeared on TVovermind.
- 5/24/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Blur have announced a new documentary titled Blur: To the End, which centers around their 2023 reunion. Watch the trailer below.
The clip offers a glimpse into behind-the-scenes footage of the band reconnecting to record their comeback album, The Ballad of Darren, and preparing for their reunion tour. “I’m just concerned that we do it as honestly as humanly possible for people like us,” Damon Albarn says.
According to the official description, the film “follows the unique relationship of four friends — and bandmates of three decades — Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree as they came together in early 2023 to record new songs ahead of their sold-out, first ever shows at London’s Wembley Stadium in July last summer.”
For now, To the End is only slated for release in UK and Irish cinemas beginning on July 19th, but the band has promised details of an international theatrical release are “coming soon.
The clip offers a glimpse into behind-the-scenes footage of the band reconnecting to record their comeback album, The Ballad of Darren, and preparing for their reunion tour. “I’m just concerned that we do it as honestly as humanly possible for people like us,” Damon Albarn says.
According to the official description, the film “follows the unique relationship of four friends — and bandmates of three decades — Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree as they came together in early 2023 to record new songs ahead of their sold-out, first ever shows at London’s Wembley Stadium in July last summer.”
For now, To the End is only slated for release in UK and Irish cinemas beginning on July 19th, but the band has promised details of an international theatrical release are “coming soon.
- 5/7/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
Blur have announced a new documentary titled Blur: To the End, which centers around their 2023 reunion. Watch the trailer below.
The clip offers a glimpse into behind-the-scenes footage of the band reconnecting to record their comeback album, The Ballad of Darren, and preparing for their reunion tour. “I’m just concerned that we do it as honestly as humanly possible for people like us,” Damon Albarn says.
According to the official description, the film “follows the unique relationship of four friends — and bandmates of three decades — Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree as they came together in early 2023 to record new songs ahead of their sold-out, first ever shows at London’s Wembley Stadium in July last summer.”
For now, To the End is only slated for release in UK and Irish cinemas beginning on July 19th, but the band has promised details of an international theatrical release are “coming soon.
The clip offers a glimpse into behind-the-scenes footage of the band reconnecting to record their comeback album, The Ballad of Darren, and preparing for their reunion tour. “I’m just concerned that we do it as honestly as humanly possible for people like us,” Damon Albarn says.
According to the official description, the film “follows the unique relationship of four friends — and bandmates of three decades — Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree as they came together in early 2023 to record new songs ahead of their sold-out, first ever shows at London’s Wembley Stadium in July last summer.”
For now, To the End is only slated for release in UK and Irish cinemas beginning on July 19th, but the band has promised details of an international theatrical release are “coming soon.
- 5/7/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
Altitude has debuted the trailer for the documentary on one of the pivotal bands of the Brit-pop era, ‘blur: To The End’.
Depicting the most recent chapter in the band’s story, the doc is captured during the period in which they made a surprise – and emotional – return with their first record in 8 years, the critically acclaimed #1 album ‘The Ballad of Darren’.
The documentary follows the unique relationship of four friends – and bandmates of three decades – Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree as they came together in early 2023 to record new songs ahead of their sold-out, first-ever shows at London’s Wembley Stadium in July last summer.
Featuring performances of their most iconic, much-loved songs, footage of the band in the studio and life on the road, the doc is an intimate moment in time with this most enduring of English bands, who have been at the...
Depicting the most recent chapter in the band’s story, the doc is captured during the period in which they made a surprise – and emotional – return with their first record in 8 years, the critically acclaimed #1 album ‘The Ballad of Darren’.
The documentary follows the unique relationship of four friends – and bandmates of three decades – Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree as they came together in early 2023 to record new songs ahead of their sold-out, first-ever shows at London’s Wembley Stadium in July last summer.
Featuring performances of their most iconic, much-loved songs, footage of the band in the studio and life on the road, the doc is an intimate moment in time with this most enduring of English bands, who have been at the...
- 5/7/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Blur fans, rejoice! There’s a concert film and a documentary heading to a cinema near you later this year. More details here.
Here’s a double whammy for your Thursday afternoon. Iconic band Blur are getting not only a documentary on their incredible career, but also a concert film.
Updated From Original Story: release date added at the bottom!
The documentary will follow the band during the year they made their surprise return with the album The Ballad of Darren. The film will portray the friends, bandmembers, some might even say soulmates, as they record ten new songs, culminating in their sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium.
The concert film will then showcase one of those shows at Wembley. Titled blur: Live At Wembley Stadium, it will give you a chance to experience (or relive) the concert from summer 2023.
Toby L. is in charge of directing both films.
Blur, hailing from London,...
Here’s a double whammy for your Thursday afternoon. Iconic band Blur are getting not only a documentary on their incredible career, but also a concert film.
Updated From Original Story: release date added at the bottom!
The documentary will follow the band during the year they made their surprise return with the album The Ballad of Darren. The film will portray the friends, bandmembers, some might even say soulmates, as they record ten new songs, culminating in their sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium.
The concert film will then showcase one of those shows at Wembley. Titled blur: Live At Wembley Stadium, it will give you a chance to experience (or relive) the concert from summer 2023.
Toby L. is in charge of directing both films.
Blur, hailing from London,...
- 4/12/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
Blur drummer Dave Rowntree has taken the next big step in his political career by running for Parliament in the next UK general election.
After recently spending four years on the county council in Norwich, Rowntree will be running as a Labour candidate for the Conservative-held Mid Sussex seat in an attempt to turn it red for the first time.
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to become Labour’s first Mid Sussex MP,” Rowntree said in a statement. “Residents have their best chance in a generation to make their vote count and return a Labour MP to parliament.”
He continued, “The Tories have run out of ideas, and the Lib Dems have run out of steam. I’m running for parliament to provide the energy and vision the area so desperately needs.”
Back in 2017, Rowntree was elected as a county councillor for the University ward in Norwich. He...
After recently spending four years on the county council in Norwich, Rowntree will be running as a Labour candidate for the Conservative-held Mid Sussex seat in an attempt to turn it red for the first time.
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to become Labour’s first Mid Sussex MP,” Rowntree said in a statement. “Residents have their best chance in a generation to make their vote count and return a Labour MP to parliament.”
He continued, “The Tories have run out of ideas, and the Lib Dems have run out of steam. I’m running for parliament to provide the energy and vision the area so desperately needs.”
Back in 2017, Rowntree was elected as a county councillor for the University ward in Norwich. He...
- 3/6/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
Sales
Altitude is launching international sales on two films featuring iconic British band Blur at the Berlin European Film Market. The band, consisting of singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bass guitarist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree, was formed in 1988 and tasted considerable success until it went on hiatus in 2015.
The first film is an untitled feature-length documentary depicting the return of Blur, captured across a year in which the band made a surprise return with their first record in eight years, the #1 album “The Ballad of Darren.” It follows the relationship of the bandmates of over three decades as they come together to record 10 new songs ahead of their sold-out shows at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2023. The second film is “Blur: Live At Wembley Stadium,” a two-hour concert film of the Wembley show.
Both films are directed by Toby L. and produced by Josh Connolly, via production...
Altitude is launching international sales on two films featuring iconic British band Blur at the Berlin European Film Market. The band, consisting of singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bass guitarist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree, was formed in 1988 and tasted considerable success until it went on hiatus in 2015.
The first film is an untitled feature-length documentary depicting the return of Blur, captured across a year in which the band made a surprise return with their first record in eight years, the #1 album “The Ballad of Darren.” It follows the relationship of the bandmates of over three decades as they come together to record 10 new songs ahead of their sold-out shows at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2023. The second film is “Blur: Live At Wembley Stadium,” a two-hour concert film of the Wembley show.
Both films are directed by Toby L. and produced by Josh Connolly, via production...
- 2/9/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
UK sales and distribution outfit Altitude has added a documentary and a separate concert film about iconic British band blur to its European Film Market (EFM) slate.
Altitude will also release both films theatrically in the UK and Ireland later this year.
The first film is a feature-length documentary depicting the band’s emotional return, captured across a year in which the foursome – Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree – recorded their first album in eight years, ‘The Ballad of Darren’, ahead of their sold-out, first ever shows at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2023.
The second film, blur: Live At Wembley Stadium,...
Altitude will also release both films theatrically in the UK and Ireland later this year.
The first film is a feature-length documentary depicting the band’s emotional return, captured across a year in which the foursome – Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree – recorded their first album in eight years, ‘The Ballad of Darren’, ahead of their sold-out, first ever shows at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2023.
The second film, blur: Live At Wembley Stadium,...
- 2/8/2024
- ScreenDaily
Blur is going on hiatus again following their recent reunion, which yielded their ninth studio album, The Ballad of Darren.
In a new interview with French magazine Les Inrockuptibles (via Far Out Magazine), Blur frontman Damon Albarn said, “It is time to wrap up this campaign. It’s too much for me. It was the right thing to do and an immense honor to play these songs again, spend time with these guys, make an album, blah-blah-blah.”
The band — comprising guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James, and drummer Dave Rowntree...
In a new interview with French magazine Les Inrockuptibles (via Far Out Magazine), Blur frontman Damon Albarn said, “It is time to wrap up this campaign. It’s too much for me. It was the right thing to do and an immense honor to play these songs again, spend time with these guys, make an album, blah-blah-blah.”
The band — comprising guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James, and drummer Dave Rowntree...
- 12/6/2023
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Blur have shared a pair of bonus tracks from their comeback album, The Ballad of Darren, titled “The Rabbi” and “The Swan.” The songs appear on the deluxe edition of their first LP in eight years, which arrived just a few days ago.
Whereas “The Rabbi” speaks of being lost and wonders about “tomorrow’s heroes,” “The Swan” is more personal. On the latter track, Damon Albarn sings about always being there for someone even after a relationship is over with lyrics like, “Do you miss me now I’ve gone?/ Know that I will always be here/ Even though I have to let you go.” Stream both songs below.
Albarn spoke with Consequence about the making of The Ballad of Darren for our latest cover story. He called the project “the first legit [Blur] album since [1999’s] 13” due to the collaboration with guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James, and drummer Dave Rowntree...
Whereas “The Rabbi” speaks of being lost and wonders about “tomorrow’s heroes,” “The Swan” is more personal. On the latter track, Damon Albarn sings about always being there for someone even after a relationship is over with lyrics like, “Do you miss me now I’ve gone?/ Know that I will always be here/ Even though I have to let you go.” Stream both songs below.
Albarn spoke with Consequence about the making of The Ballad of Darren for our latest cover story. He called the project “the first legit [Blur] album since [1999’s] 13” due to the collaboration with guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James, and drummer Dave Rowntree...
- 7/24/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
On “The Narcissist,” Blur’s first new song in eight years, Damon Albarn sings about looking in the mirror and seeing a Pierrot (a commedia dell’arte clown) looking back at him as he attempts to rebuild his ego. “If you see darkness look away,” he sings at one point, before the upbeat chorus kicks in: “I’m going to shine a light in your eyes/You will probably shine it back on me/But I won’t fall this time.” The track is the first taste of the band’s upcoming album,...
- 5/18/2023
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
The Brits 2023 are officially over for another year, and it was Harry Styles's night. As predicted, the "As It Was" singer took home artist of the year, song of the year, best pop / r&b, and album of the year - marking the start of a very good 2023 for the former One Direction member, having won the best album award at the Grammys just a week earlier. Wet Leg and Beyoncé both won two Brits, while The 1975, Aitch, and Becky Hill also scooped the top prizes.
Styles sweeping the board even saw him enter an exclusive club, unofficially named the "4 Brits Club." Dave Rowntree, the drummer of Blur, tweeted on Feb. 12, "I'd like to welcome @Harry_Styles to the #4BritsClub. It's been a bit lonely with just us and @Adele these past years. Next meeting in March – you can bring the biscuits." While there are artists who have won...
Styles sweeping the board even saw him enter an exclusive club, unofficially named the "4 Brits Club." Dave Rowntree, the drummer of Blur, tweeted on Feb. 12, "I'd like to welcome @Harry_Styles to the #4BritsClub. It's been a bit lonely with just us and @Adele these past years. Next meeting in March – you can bring the biscuits." While there are artists who have won...
- 2/13/2023
- by Joely Chilcott
- Popsugar.com
Blur’s guitarist Graham Coxon has opened up about his worries during the height of the band’s success.
Coxon said he struggled to deal with fame, and the attention from some of the band’s more obsessive fans, whom he described as“unhinged”.
“You get unhinged people. People who are obsessive,” said the 53-year-old in an interview with The Idler.
Coxon explained that some intrusive attention had led to him worry constantly and suffer from insomnia.
“Until it happens to you, you don’t quite realise just what a nightmare that is,” he said.
“Months and months of not sleeping. Worrying every day, every hour of the day. It was awful,” he added.
Some superfans even made efforts to have engagements with Coxon’s girlfriends during the 1990s, he recalled.
“You’d be on tour and your girlfriend would have all these suitors, trying to get with your girlfriend.
Coxon said he struggled to deal with fame, and the attention from some of the band’s more obsessive fans, whom he described as“unhinged”.
“You get unhinged people. People who are obsessive,” said the 53-year-old in an interview with The Idler.
Coxon explained that some intrusive attention had led to him worry constantly and suffer from insomnia.
“Until it happens to you, you don’t quite realise just what a nightmare that is,” he said.
“Months and months of not sleeping. Worrying every day, every hour of the day. It was awful,” he added.
Some superfans even made efforts to have engagements with Coxon’s girlfriends during the 1990s, he recalled.
“You’d be on tour and your girlfriend would have all these suitors, trying to get with your girlfriend.
- 12/5/2022
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
Blur will play at Wembley Stadium next July, marking the band’s first headline show since 2015.
The event will see Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree come together to perform in the band’s first ever Wembley Stadium performance.
They will be joined on the line-up by British rapper slowthai, Mercury Prize nominee Self Esteem and electro-pop duo Jockstrap.
Damon Albarn said of the reunion: “We really love playing these songs and thought it’s about time we did it again.”
Alex James added: “There’s always something really special when the four of us get in a room. It’s nice to think that on 8 July that room will be Wembley Stadium.”
After their debut album Leisure in 1991, Blur had five successive UK number one albums – Parklife (1994), The Great Escape (1995), Blur (1997), 13 (1999) and Think Tank (2003).
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Blur (@blurofficial)
Along with Oasis,...
The event will see Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree come together to perform in the band’s first ever Wembley Stadium performance.
They will be joined on the line-up by British rapper slowthai, Mercury Prize nominee Self Esteem and electro-pop duo Jockstrap.
Damon Albarn said of the reunion: “We really love playing these songs and thought it’s about time we did it again.”
Alex James added: “There’s always something really special when the four of us get in a room. It’s nice to think that on 8 July that room will be Wembley Stadium.”
After their debut album Leisure in 1991, Blur had five successive UK number one albums – Parklife (1994), The Great Escape (1995), Blur (1997), 13 (1999) and Think Tank (2003).
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Blur (@blurofficial)
Along with Oasis,...
- 11/15/2022
- by Ellie Harrison and Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
Blur will play at Wembley Stadium next July, marking the band’s first headline show since 2015.
The event will see Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree come together to perform in the band’s first ever Wembley Stadium performance.
They will be joined on the line-up by British rapper slowthai, Mercury Prize nominee Self Esteem and electro-pop duo Jockstrap.
Damon Albarn said of the reunion: “We really love playing these songs and thought it’s about time we did it again.”
Alex James added: “There’s always something really special when the four of us get in a room. It’s nice to think that on 8 July that room will be Wembley Stadium.”
After their debut album Leisure in 1991, Blur had five successive UK number one albums – Parklife (1994), The Great Escape (1995), Blur (1997), 13 (1999) and Think Tank (2003).
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Blur (@blurofficial)
Along with Oasis,...
The event will see Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree come together to perform in the band’s first ever Wembley Stadium performance.
They will be joined on the line-up by British rapper slowthai, Mercury Prize nominee Self Esteem and electro-pop duo Jockstrap.
Damon Albarn said of the reunion: “We really love playing these songs and thought it’s about time we did it again.”
Alex James added: “There’s always something really special when the four of us get in a room. It’s nice to think that on 8 July that room will be Wembley Stadium.”
After their debut album Leisure in 1991, Blur had five successive UK number one albums – Parklife (1994), The Great Escape (1995), Blur (1997), 13 (1999) and Think Tank (2003).
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Blur (@blurofficial)
Along with Oasis,...
- 11/15/2022
- by Ellie Harrison and Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
Shania Twain, Chuck D, Abba’s Benny Andersson, T-Pain, Brandi Carlile, Boyz II Men, and more artists, producers, and songwriters delve into the historical resonance of pop music in Banger Films’ This Is Pop. The eight-part docuseries hits Netflix on June 22nd.
Each episode explores pop music beyond its musical aspects, examining its societal impact as well. Racism, sexism, classism, queer politics, and social injustice are addressed, according to a statement.
Episodes are grouped by style, era, and/or genre. The Boyz II Men Effect features Boyz II Men’s Nate Morris,...
Each episode explores pop music beyond its musical aspects, examining its societal impact as well. Racism, sexism, classism, queer politics, and social injustice are addressed, according to a statement.
Episodes are grouped by style, era, and/or genre. The Boyz II Men Effect features Boyz II Men’s Nate Morris,...
- 5/19/2021
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Africa Express, a musical collective led by Damon Albarn, will release a new album, Egoli, on July 12 via Africa Express Records. The album will feature appearances by Gruff Rhys, Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Nick Zinner, Georgia and several South African artists. Albarn previewed the release with a new song, “Johannesburg,” which includes guest appearances from Gruff Rhys, Morena Leraba, Radio 123 and Sibot.
Africa Express is excited to announce new album ‘Egoli’
Out 12th July! Pre-order using this link https://t.co/uvL3igSrmy
Featured artists include @Damonalbarn, Bcuc, DJ Spoko, @_georgiauk,...
Africa Express is excited to announce new album ‘Egoli’
Out 12th July! Pre-order using this link https://t.co/uvL3igSrmy
Featured artists include @Damonalbarn, Bcuc, DJ Spoko, @_georgiauk,...
- 5/8/2019
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Blur reunited for the first time in nearly four years for a surprise gig in East London Friday during Damon Albarn’s annual Africa Express concert. Blur last performed together in November 2015 following the release of The Magic Whip.
For the performance, Albarn rejoined his band mates Dave Rowntree, Alex James and Graham Coxon to play “Song 2,” “Tender” and “Clover Over Dover”; the latter performance marked the live debut of the Parklife track. For “Tender,” the band was joined by London Community Gospel Choir and Rokia Traoré.
Blur rehearsals for Africa Express: the Circus,...
For the performance, Albarn rejoined his band mates Dave Rowntree, Alex James and Graham Coxon to play “Song 2,” “Tender” and “Clover Over Dover”; the latter performance marked the live debut of the Parklife track. For “Tender,” the band was joined by London Community Gospel Choir and Rokia Traoré.
Blur rehearsals for Africa Express: the Circus,...
- 3/30/2019
- by Ilana Kaplan
- Rollingstone.com
Nobody’s buying many albums these days, certainly not like they were in the late ’90s and early aughts during Blur’s commercial peak. But for Damon Albarn, front man of the British quartet, there’s at least one tangible benefit to having a new record, The Magic Whip, his band’s first in 12 years: “Now we don’t have to play the songs that I can’t sing anymore because they’re too high,” he says, smiling just enough to reveal a gold front tooth. Albarn, 47, is slouched onto a chair in the courtyard of Tribeca’s Greenwich Hotel next to guitarist Graham Coxon, 46, who’s vaping away behind a pair of Ray-Bans. They, along with bassist Alex James, 46, and drummer Dave Rowntree, 51, are in town to play The Tonight Show and a surprise concert at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, and with a dozen new songs in their repertoire,...
- 5/19/2015
- by Lane Brown
- Vulture
Back at it! 1990s favorites Blur surprised fans on Thursday, Feb. 19, when the band announced plans for a big comeback. The veteran Britpop rockers secretly spent time in the recording studio and will debut a studio album of new music for the first time in 12 years. The announcement was accompanied by the release of the album's first single, a moody track called "Go Out." Back in the original lineup of musicians Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree, Blur will drop the 12-track album [...]...
- 2/19/2015
- Us Weekly
Blur played a career-spanning set last night at Hyde Park to mark the end of the London 2012 Olympics. Backed by a brass section and extra singers, Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Dave Rowntree and Alex James closed the BT London Live celebration concert with a two-hour show. The band had been supported by Bombay Bicycle Club, New Order and The Specials, before taking to the stage and opening with four tracks from their 1994 album Parklife. Special guests included Khyam Allami, who played the oud on 'Out of Time', which Albarn dedicated to those athletes who were unable to visit London for the games because of repression in their home countries. "That was just an incredible experience!!!! #Blurhydepark2012," said Allami on Twitter after the show. Phil Daniels reprised his spoken-word vocals from hit single (more)...
- 8/13/2012
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
As promised, Blur delivered two new songs via Twitter this week, "Under the Westway" and "The Puritan." Both now have official lyrics videos, and now one has a performance music video. Check out Blur's Damon Albarn behind the keys on "Under the Westway," filmed in the studio. It confirms the suspicion that drummer Dave Rowntree need only toms to make a beat interesting, that kid instruments still have a place in "adult" music, and Albarn must have a deep-seeded affinity for Procol Harum's "A Lighter Shade of Pale." Blur last released new music in 2010 on Record Store Day, a track called...
- 7/6/2012
- Hitfix
Blur has revealed when you can download two of its new songs,"Under the Westway" and "The Puritan,"
"Monday the [July 2] somewhere in London on a rooftop, we will be performing both new songs, for the first time, live on Twitter," bassist Alex James said in a video announcement posted on the band's Twitter feed. The songs will be available for download following the performance.
Back in February, Blur reunited in London and played "Under the Westway," a melancholy number that recalls Let It Be-era Beatles tracks. According to James, the two songs were written in support of the band's upcoming Olympics closing ceremony celebration concert in London's Hyde Park on Aug. 12.
"'The Purtian' is a big and bouncy, up-and-at-'em singalong special," James said in the video. "'Under the Westway' is more of a hymn. But I think they'll both go down very well."
Blur's last album, Think Tank, was released...
"Monday the [July 2] somewhere in London on a rooftop, we will be performing both new songs, for the first time, live on Twitter," bassist Alex James said in a video announcement posted on the band's Twitter feed. The songs will be available for download following the performance.
Back in February, Blur reunited in London and played "Under the Westway," a melancholy number that recalls Let It Be-era Beatles tracks. According to James, the two songs were written in support of the band's upcoming Olympics closing ceremony celebration concert in London's Hyde Park on Aug. 12.
"'The Purtian' is a big and bouncy, up-and-at-'em singalong special," James said in the video. "'Under the Westway' is more of a hymn. But I think they'll both go down very well."
Blur's last album, Think Tank, was released...
- 6/25/2012
- by Christopher Rosen
- Huffington Post
Dave Rowntree has lamented the removal of graffiti on a London footpath inspired by Blur's 'For Tomorrow'. Olympic officials wiped off the tribute which read, 'And the view's so nice', a line in the song referring to Primrose Hill in Regent's Park where the graffiti was written. The 48-year-old drummer told the Camden New Journal: "It's a jobsworth attitude in an Olympic year where we're supposed to be celebrating British culture, and Blur did contribute to British culture. It's (more)...
- 5/29/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
London (AP) — Organizers say Britpop icons Blur will headline an outdoor concert to coincide with the end of the 2012 London Olympics. The Aug. 12 concert in Hyde Park will also feature 1980s stars The Specials and New Order. Organizers of the BT London Live show say giant screens will broadcast the closing ceremony of the games, which will be held across town at the Olympic Stadium. Blur had 13 U.K. top 10 hits in the band's 1990s heyday, including "Parklife" and "Girls & Boys." The original lineup of Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree reunited for...
- 2/21/2012
- by AP Staff
- Hitfix
London — Soulful songstress Adele and tousle-haired singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran lead the race for the U.K.'s Brit music awards ahead of Tuesday's ceremony in London.
Twenty one-year-old Sheeran has four nominations including breakthrough act, best British album, for his debut "+," best single for "The A Team" and best British male solo act. He's up against James Blake, James Morrison, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Professor Green in that category.
Adele, who won six Grammys last week in Los Angeles for her sophomore album "21," is nominated for three Brits – British album, British single for "Someone Like You" and British female artist, an eclectic category that also includes Florence and the Machine, Jessie J, Laura Marling and Kate Bush, who won the same prize 25 years ago.
Adele, who gave a show-stopping performance of "Someone Like You" at last year's Brits, is also due to perform for the first time...
Twenty one-year-old Sheeran has four nominations including breakthrough act, best British album, for his debut "+," best single for "The A Team" and best British male solo act. He's up against James Blake, James Morrison, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Professor Green in that category.
Adele, who won six Grammys last week in Los Angeles for her sophomore album "21," is nominated for three Brits – British album, British single for "Someone Like You" and British female artist, an eclectic category that also includes Florence and the Machine, Jessie J, Laura Marling and Kate Bush, who won the same prize 25 years ago.
Adele, who gave a show-stopping performance of "Someone Like You" at last year's Brits, is also due to perform for the first time...
- 2/21/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
London — Soulful songstress Adele and tousle-haired singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran lead the race for the U.K.'s Brit music awards ahead of Tuesday's ceremony in London.
Twenty one-year-old Sheeran has four nominations including breakthrough act, best British album, for his debut "+," best single for "The A Team" and best British male solo act. He's up against James Blake, James Morrison, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Professor Green in that category.
Adele, who won six Grammys last week in Los Angeles for her sophomore album "21," is nominated for three Brits – British album, British single for "Someone Like You" and British female artist, an eclectic category that also includes Florence and the Machine, Jessie J, Laura Marling and Kate Bush, who won the same prize 25 years ago.
Adele, who gave a show-stopping performance of "Someone Like You" at last year's Brits, is also due to perform for the first time...
Twenty one-year-old Sheeran has four nominations including breakthrough act, best British album, for his debut "+," best single for "The A Team" and best British male solo act. He's up against James Blake, James Morrison, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Professor Green in that category.
Adele, who won six Grammys last week in Los Angeles for her sophomore album "21," is nominated for three Brits – British album, British single for "Someone Like You" and British female artist, an eclectic category that also includes Florence and the Machine, Jessie J, Laura Marling and Kate Bush, who won the same prize 25 years ago.
Adele, who gave a show-stopping performance of "Someone Like You" at last year's Brits, is also due to perform for the first time...
- 2/21/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
London (AP) — Blur are to be honoured at the 2012 Brit Awards with a prize celebrating two decades of influence on British music. 21 years since the release of their debut album "Leisure," the band was announced Thursday as the 2012 winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Music award. Formed in the late 1980s, Blur were hailed as leading lights of the 1990s Britpop scene, and released seven studio albums. Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree reunited for a number of concerts in 2009, including a headline performance at Glastonbury Festival. Previous winners...
- 12/8/2011
- by AP Staff
- Hitfix
Blur frontman Damon Albarn has confirmed that the band have started to record new material. The Britpop stars - consisting of Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree - recorded a new track with poet Michael Horovitz earlier this year. The song was inspired as a reaction to the slight threat that Notting Hill Carnival could have been cancelled back in August, following the riots that hit the UK. Albarn told NME: "If they'd have cancelled the carnival - and thank God they didn't - maybe we'd have put it out. "It had its moment: it was a perfect plea to reinstate the carnival. (more)...
- 11/9/2011
- by By Lewis Corner
- Digital Spy
The GameCity Prize has been unveiled by Nottingham video game exhibition GameCity. Aimed to become the video game equivalent of the Mercury, Turner and Booker Prizes, the award will uncover the best gaming release of the last 12 months. With no restrictions on each nominated entry in terms of budget or scale, nominees include Portal 2, Limbo, Pokemon Black and Child of Eden. The jury is formed of individuals from fields outside of the industry, including musicians You Me At Six and Blur's Dave Rowntree, Doctor Who actress Frances Barber, Southbank Centre's art director Jude Kelly OBE and Tom Watson MP. "I'm bored of the debate of whether games are 'art' or not - the question isn't 'if' they're interesting, but 'how' and 'why'," said GameCity director Iain Simons. "The (more)...
- 9/15/2011
- by By Matthew Reynolds
- Digital Spy
Reformed British band Blur are recording tracks for their first new album since 2003 - but fans face a six-year wait to hear the songs.
The "Parklife" hit makers revealed last year they were planning to record as Blur once again, but in January, drummer Dave Rowntree claimed they had still not entered a studio together. Now guitarist Graham Coxon has revealed Blur are recording tracks sporadically - although it could be a long time before they're released.
He tells NME magazine, "I suppose every now and then we like to meet up and record a few things. Whether it sees the light of day or not is a different thing. We just do stuff when we feel like it. I'd quite like to have a bit of time so you can really get stuck in.
He adds, "Well, I doubt it (will be released this year). Because all we're doing...
The "Parklife" hit makers revealed last year they were planning to record as Blur once again, but in January, drummer Dave Rowntree claimed they had still not entered a studio together. Now guitarist Graham Coxon has revealed Blur are recording tracks sporadically - although it could be a long time before they're released.
He tells NME magazine, "I suppose every now and then we like to meet up and record a few things. Whether it sees the light of day or not is a different thing. We just do stuff when we feel like it. I'd quite like to have a bit of time so you can really get stuck in.
He adds, "Well, I doubt it (will be released this year). Because all we're doing...
- 2/17/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Blur drummer Dave Rowntree has said that the band will 'definitely' do something in 2011. Speaking to Gigwise, Rowntree said that he wasn't sure what direction a second reunion would take. "Who knows what it’s going to end up like?" he said. “What I do know is that we don’t want to commit ourselves to anything vast at the moment.” Rowntree added that whatever (more)...
- 1/17/2011
- by By Kate Goodacre
- Digital Spy
Blur drummer Dave Rowntree has accused David Cameron of being a "Smiths tourist". Rowntree, who is standing as a Labour candidate in the Cities of London and Westminster constituency next month, accused the Conservative leader of not being a real fan of the '80s indie legends. "He's a Smiths tourist," he told The Guardian. "Real Smiths fans dress a certain kind of way, and they have a certain kind of haircut, and they wear certain kinds of T-shirts. "But what they probably don't do is have their picture taken outside the Salford Lads Club." However, the Britpop star also blasted form Labour leader Tony Blair for his dealings with musicians during the '90s, when he invited popular acts to join him at Number (more)...
- 4/27/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
London, Apr 9 – After seven years of inaction, members of ‘Blur’ have finally reunited in the studio and are releasing a new track next week.
It is the first single from Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree since 2003’s ‘Good Song’.
Fans tempted them back into action with kind words after their recent warts-and-all documentary, ‘No Distance Left To Run’.
“Initially, Damon had no intention of going back into the studio with Blur. He’s been very busy with Gorillaz,” the Sun quoted.
It is the first single from Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree since 2003’s ‘Good Song’.
Fans tempted them back into action with kind words after their recent warts-and-all documentary, ‘No Distance Left To Run’.
“Initially, Damon had no intention of going back into the studio with Blur. He’s been very busy with Gorillaz,” the Sun quoted.
- 4/9/2010
- by News
- RealBollywood.com
Damon Albarn has revealed that he thought kicking Blur bandmate Graham Coxon in the face would make him sober. The group, which consists of Albarn, Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree, split in 2002 after Coxon went to rehab for alleged alcohol problems. Albarn said on their recent documentary: "I didn't want to do it, I had my other group Gorillaz - and then Coxon (more)...
- 12/21/2009
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Damon Albarn has said that he wants to get on with his life after this year's Blur reunion. The frontman told The Observer that he enjoyed performing with his bandmates Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree. Albarn said: "Bit by bit we got back to the level where we had been in our prime. Where it was stadiums and everybody singing and very euphoric. "And then after the last gig in Scotland, I got on the train and left it all behind. That's it, I haven't thought about it since." He added: "For me, it was so nice to do that again and to (more)...
- 12/8/2009
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
The guitarist – who rejoined his bandmates, frontman Damon Albarn, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree, for several summer shows this year – is still hopeful the group will make another album and tour again, even though the individual members have gone their separate ways. He said: “Everyone has gone back to their day jobs from the Blur thing. Damon’s really involved with Gorillaz stuff, so that’s obviously taking up a lot of his time and energy. But I’m open to suggestions as far as next year goes.” Graham insists it was a fantastic experience to rejoin Blur after departing in acrimonious circumstances in 2002, while the band were recording the album 'Think Tank', and one he hopes to repeat. He added to NME magazine: “It was really good to play, get close to those boys and play rock concerts. The Blur thing was obviously excellent. I mean,...
- 11/26/2009
- by cyan
- Gossipvita
The ‘Not Fair’ singer – who launched a scathing attack on illegal file-sharing on her MySpace blog and attacked indie group Radiohead for giving their latest album away on a pay-what-you-want basis – claims she doesn’t care if people copy her albums and sell them on for a profit. Lily, 24, told UK radio station Key 103 Radio: “If someone comes up with a burnt copy of my CD and offers it to you for £4, I haven’t a problem with that as long as the person buying it places some kind do of value on my music.” In Lily’s original blog post she said downloading was starving up-and-coming artists of money they need to keep producing music, and attacked the Featured Artists Coalition (Fac) – whose members include Travis singer Fran Healy, Blur drummer Dave Rowntree and Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien. She wrote: "I'm going to be writing to British artists,...
- 11/20/2009
- by Alice
- Gossipvita
Blur have denied accusations that they have only reunited for the money. Guitarist Graham Coxon, drummer Dave Rowntree and singer Damon Albarn told The Guardian that there were other reasons behind their decision. Coxon said: "I think money has to be talked about at some time or another, but initially it wasn't much to do with it. "I thought we deserved, as friends, to have a positive chapter in the Blur story - so even if it was the last one, to make it a nice one - for the fans, for us, for whoever." Rowntree said: "If it was a question of making a few quid. I'm sure (more)...
- 6/15/2009
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Lily Allen claims her dad caused Blur to split. The 'Fear' star is a big fan of the reformed Britpop legends but believes her actor father Keith Allen's close friendship with bassist Alex James contributed to the group's rows. Blur parted ways in 2003 but the rockers - Alex, frontman Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon and drummer Dave Rowntree - reunited earlier this year and announced the would perform a series of shows. She said: "I love Blur. I was a bit dubious about Damon Albarn because my dad was on the Alex James side when they were falling out. "I think my dad made it quite hard for the rest of Blur because he was out getting completely...
- 6/13/2009
- Monsters and Critics
Blur are set to be the stars of a new movie. The reformed Britpop group will be the subject of a feature-length documentary, which will show their steady rise to fame and the arguments that forced them to split. A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Everyone in the Blur camp is really excited. There's plenty of material to fit in - their first five years of struggle, their Britpop heyday with all the drinking and their gradual and bitter demise." The band - Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree - announced they were reuniting last year after watching old clips of their shows on video sharing website YouTube. Guitarist Graham said: "I encountered that magic of...
- 6/4/2009
- Monsters and Critics
Blur are set to be the stars of a new movie. The reformed Britpop group will be the subject of a feature-length documentary, which will show their steady rise to fame and the arguments that forced them to split.
A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Everyone in the Blur camp is really excited. There's plenty of material to fit in - their first five years of struggle, their Britpop heyday with all the drinking and their gradual and bitter demise."
The band - Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree - announced they were reuniting last year after watching old clips of their shows on video sharing website YouTube.
Guitarist Graham said: "I encountered that magic of Blur performances again through sites like YouTube."...
A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Everyone in the Blur camp is really excited. There's plenty of material to fit in - their first five years of struggle, their Britpop heyday with all the drinking and their gradual and bitter demise."
The band - Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree - announced they were reuniting last year after watching old clips of their shows on video sharing website YouTube.
Guitarist Graham said: "I encountered that magic of Blur performances again through sites like YouTube."...
- 6/4/2009
- icelebz.com
Blur are set to be the stars of a new movie. The reformed Britpop group will be the subject of a feature-length documentary, which will show their steady rise to fame and the arguments that forced them to split.
A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Everyone in the Blur camp is really excited. There's plenty of material to fit in - their first five years of struggle, their Britpop heyday with all the drinking and their gradual and bitter demise."
The band - Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree - announced they were reuniting last year after watching old clips of their shows on video sharing website YouTube.
Guitarist Graham said: "I encountered that magic of Blur performances again through sites like YouTube."...
A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Everyone in the Blur camp is really excited. There's plenty of material to fit in - their first five years of struggle, their Britpop heyday with all the drinking and their gradual and bitter demise."
The band - Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree - announced they were reuniting last year after watching old clips of their shows on video sharing website YouTube.
Guitarist Graham said: "I encountered that magic of Blur performances again through sites like YouTube."...
- 6/4/2009
- icelebz.com
Pink Floyd and Blur are among the musicians who have spoken out against the British Nationalist Party using their music to raise campaign funds, reports The Times. The political group has been selling folk albums on its website, while its commercial partner Excalibur has been offering compilation CDs with titles such as Proud Heritage and Rule Britannia. Billy Bragg, Pink Floyd's Nick Mason and Blur drummer Dave Rowntree have now joined the Musicians' Union and Featured Artists' Coalition in a bid to stop the BNP using their music to promote its beliefs. The organisation is seeking a legally recognised moral right to control where their music is reproduced and published. (more)...
- 5/28/2009
- by By Lara Martin
- Digital Spy
Blur are planning to record a new album. The 'Parklife' stars - singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree - reconciled late last year to play several reunion concerts this summer but had not confirmed if they would release new material. However, Graham - who left the group before they began working on their last LP, 2003's 'Think Tank' - said: "I'd be up for it if everyone else is really into the idea. "If it feels good then we will record again. I'm sure we will." However, fans can expect a long wait for any new music from the group. Graham added to Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "We've got some stuff going...
- 4/22/2009
- Monsters and Critics
Blur are planning to record a new album. The "Parklife" stars - singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree - reconciled late last year to play several reunion concerts this summer but had not confirmed if they would release new material.
However, Graham - who left the group before they began working on their last LP, 2003's "Think Tank" - said: "I'd be up for it if everyone else is really into the idea."
"If it feels good then we will record again. I'm sure we will."
However, fans can expect a long wait for any new music from the group.
However, Graham - who left the group before they began working on their last LP, 2003's "Think Tank" - said: "I'd be up for it if everyone else is really into the idea."
"If it feels good then we will record again. I'm sure we will."
However, fans can expect a long wait for any new music from the group.
- 4/22/2009
- icelebz.com
English alternative rock band Blur will be joined by Klaxons and Florence And The Machine for their comeback gig in Manchester's Men Arena on June 26. The four original members of the group are now back together and will be performing a series of shows in summer.
Singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree will perform a series of gigs including two shows at Hyde Park on July 2 and 3, plus festival appearances at Glastonbury, T In The Park and Oxegen.
Blur's manager Chris Morrison told NME magazine, "Every show Blur play this summer is going to be unique and different.... they've always had an amazing reception in Manchester."
Meanwhile, Blur's rehearsals for their comeback gigs are going well. Guitarist Graham Coxon tells Uncut that he's enjoying his time with the band again.
Singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree will perform a series of gigs including two shows at Hyde Park on July 2 and 3, plus festival appearances at Glastonbury, T In The Park and Oxegen.
Blur's manager Chris Morrison told NME magazine, "Every show Blur play this summer is going to be unique and different.... they've always had an amazing reception in Manchester."
Meanwhile, Blur's rehearsals for their comeback gigs are going well. Guitarist Graham Coxon tells Uncut that he's enjoying his time with the band again.
- 4/3/2009
- icelebz.com
Popstars including Robbie Williams, Billy Bragg and Blur drummer Dave Rowntree have expressed their support for fans who download music. The musicians attended the first meeting of the Featured Artists Coalition (Fac), which discussed matters including illegal downloading and the continuing dispute between the Prs and YouTube. Bragg told The Independent:"What I said at the meeting was that the record industry in Britain is still going down the road of criminalising our audience for downloading illegal MP3s. "If (more)...
- 3/13/2009
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Blur drummer Dave Rowntree has denied reports that he will leave Blur after the summer to concentrate on his law career. Last week, a report in The Independent suggested that Rowntree would work full-time for a law firm when Blur complete their touring commitments. On the official Blur forum, Rowntree said: "I want to set the record straight following the bizarre and inaccurate piece in The Independent. "As anyone who (more)...
- 3/10/2009
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
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