March 18, 2013

A 10 Year Wait - Blur El Plaza Condesa Mexico gig Review


Review: Blur – El Plaza Condesa Mexico Gig
Written by Guillermo Torres

Every Blur fan knows that before the first big gig at every tour, a warm-up show is going to be played… and that is the case for this specific show.

The Plaza Condesa is small venue located in the most “cultural-artistic-hipster” neighborhood in Mexico City: La Condesa. The place used to be a movie theater back in the 1960’s, so it has a 1,900 people capacity.  Almost two years ago, it was refurbished for concert purposes, and by the end of last year hosted bands such as M83, Morrissey, Underworld, Dead Can Dance and Marillion. However, never had there been a show where tickets were sold out in less than five minutes, like it happened with the Blur warm-up show on the evening of March 15th 2013.

The expectations were really high- you may imagine how it felt to wait 10 years to have your favorite band back in town playing a live concert. There were people who queued more than nine hours before the doors opened, and scalpers were everywhere, asking for up to £400 per ticket (when the original cost was £42).

So the show started with the non-album single “Popscene”. Can you imagine how crazy the crowd got? Everyone were screaming and jumping, and the sounds were close to perfect! Then Blur played “There’s No Other Way”, “Girls & Boys” and ”Tracy Jacks”…My first thought were: these guys sound just like they did the last time I saw them- you got it, ten years ago! But a few minutes later, I realized I was wrong; their sound that night was the best I had ever heard.

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Thank You - Graham Coxon 2013

“Jubilee”, “Beetlebum” and “Out Of Time” were up next. These songs were emotional, raw, and I was crying by then. I do believe that Blur and the rest of the band were also surprised and amazed at the level of response from the people. “Trimm Trabb”, “Caramel” and the other hits were played next. And then came one of the most chorused songs of the night: “Coffee and TV”

“Tender” was a really emotional moment in the show, but the three songs “Country House”, “Parklife” (with no Phil Daniels) and “Song 2” were enough to put everyone’s spirits to the top. “Advert”, “End Of The Century” and “This Is A Low" were the last ones from the main gig set list.

The moment of the night, without a doubt, was when Blur performed “Under The Westway”. By this time, we all knew that we were close to the end. “For Tomorrow” and “The Universal” were the songs that closed the show.

Great Band + Great Venue = One the greatest gigs I’ve ever attend!

I can’t wait to the see them at Coachella again!

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Guillermo Torres
(@ElPincheTorres on Twitter)
Pictures by Geraldine 
(@arreborriquito on Twitter)
March 15th 2013  

Went to a Blur concert in 2013? Have a picture for us to feature? Write a review for us and get published. Contact us now! 

Blur Tour 2013 - Full dates and rundown  HERE


March 16, 2013

First Blur Concert of 2013- Mexico El Plaza Condesa (pictures)

Blur played their first ever concert of 2013 and took the stage on March 15th 2013 in Mexico's El Plaza Condesa. The band announced this exclusive warm-up gig to be held in Mexico City just one day before their big main concert at the city's Vive Latino Festival (March 16th).  With singer Morrissey dropping out of tomorrow's Vive Latino Festival, Blur are set to be the biggest name of the day. 

Pictures on the fanpage Blur Mexico showcased Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree with fans at the airport before the gig. The group are seen signing autographs, walking through the terminal and posing for photos with fans who lined up to greet them. Scroll down for some photos from Twitter and Instagram users who posted about the show. 


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Credits to LizzyBerry 
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@Faberocker via Twitter
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Credited to @cuauchenko via Instagram 
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Credited to @argehuntley via instagram
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Blur looked excited and cheerful as they kickstart their massive 2013 world tour. It seems like a great start and if all goes well, perhaps a new album will follow. Read about Blur's stint at Mexico's Vive Latino Festival for tomorrow here

Don't forget to follow the twitter hashtag #BlurMX for more live tweets from the show tonight. Live tweets can be found here.

Check out our Blur World Tour page for all the dates in a convenient table. 

Stay tuned for more videos, audio and mp3s of the World Tour as it happens! 

Went to a Blur concert in 2013? Have a picture for us to feature? Write a review for us and get published. Contact us! 



Blur Tour 2013 - Full dates and rundown  HERE
Blur confirmed for Mexico HERE
Blur Europe Tour News  HERE
Order the new Blur: Parklife (Live at Hyde Park CD / DVD) HERE

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February 17, 2013

Poll: Blur 2013 Comeback

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With the new 2013 World Tour almost taking full shape, Blur have once again generated rumours amongst fans. Everyone is asking the same question: Will Blur release new material in 2013 as part of their tour to surprise the audience? Or will Blur drop a brand new album after their worldwide tour after they fine-tune the sound ? 

Or perhaps Blur will follow the footsteps of bands that have reformed but will not release new material ? Speculations about whether the band are in it "for the money" have also been hot amongst music forums. However if that is the case, then why bother with playing numerous festivals all across the world ?

Some also say that Damon Albarn will go back to his Gorillaz project with cartoonist Jamie Hewlett and focus on releasing a fourth pop album. Others talk about the diverging paths of the four Blur members and how a new album will be incompatible and impossible. 

What do YOU think? Is 2013 the biggest year for Blur and fans alike? 

Vote in the poll below and let us know. Catch up on the Blur World Tour page for all the concert dates in one convenient table.  


February 16, 2013

Blur adds Mexican warm-up date - Vive Latino Festival 2013

Another new Blur 2013 date has been confirmed - this time Blur has announced their first warm-up gig in Mexico City just before their big gig in the Vive Latino Festival, which takes place from the 14th - 17th March 2013. The announcement came shortly after Blur announced a new tour date in Indonesia.

The warm-up date will begin at 8:00pm in El Plaza Condesa, Mexico City on March 15th 2013. The band will take the stage on the 16th March for the main concert.

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Blur is set to be one of Vive Latino Festival's biggest main bands. Other featured artists in the festival include Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, Morrissey and Underworld. The band last played in Mexico during their 2003 tours to promote album 'Think Tank'. They also visited Mexico and played for fans in the Metropolitan Theatre in 1999.

According to the information that has been released, tickets for this show will cost 780 Pesos and can be purchased from the pre-sale on February 18th through the Ticketmaster system.

Visit the official El Plaza Condesa website for more information about the concert and ticketing prices.

Check out our Blur World Tour page for all the dates in a convenient table. 

Blur Tour 2013 - Full dates and rundown  HERE
Blur confirmed for Mexico HERE
Blur Europe Tour News  HERE
Order the new Blur: Parklife (Live at Hyde Park CD / DVD) HERE

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

If you missed old news, visit the NEWS ARCHIVE to read about past news!

Remember to subscribe to RSS and "LIKE" BlurBalls on Facebook.


February 15, 2013

Things to do While Waiting for Blur’s Concerts in 2013

Most of the upcoming Blur concerts of 2013 have already been announced through their official site as well as social media accounts. Blur members Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree are set to kick off their wave of concerts in Mexico on 16th of March during the Vive Latino Festival. It is just nearly a month away from today, which heightens fans' anticipation and excitement more. However, the more we count the days until we see Blur live, the longer they feel. That being said, here are some activities you can do while waiting for the gigs to start.

1. Prepare a personal concert kit 

Going to a music festival like Coachella or a regular concert is no joke. As exciting as the event may be, it can be pretty exhausting at times due to unforeseen circumstances or camping troubles. To cope up with these problems, do prepare a concert kit for yourself. This may include water, Blur books, medicine, extra shirts, pens (to get the band's autograph) and money. Make sure to plan ahead and check the venue online for parking information beforehand. Don't bring expensive things as these are easily stolen or lost, especially in the jam-packed gig venue!

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Coachella Venue

2. Find your concert buddy 

For those who have attended concerts (whether it is Blur or other bands) in the past, the experience is definitely more fun and exciting when accompanied by a concert buddy or people you know. When looking for one, go for someone who is not ashamed of embracing the whole concert experience. For times where you cannot find existing friends that are willing to go, a good suggestion is to take advantage of the availability of the internet and connect with fellow Britpop fans.

Festivals aren't all about music, they're about creating bonds and togetherness too. They are a great way to find new friends and expand your horizons a little, so chat to the person next to you who is singing along or simply having a great time. Who knows, you might find your concert buddy in Twitter, Last FM or in social gaming sites like FoxyBingo. You can also try visiting sites like the Blur forums or even the band's Facebook page to connect with other music-lovers.

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3. Re-learn Blur songs 

During a concert, it is inevitable for audience members to dance and sing their hearts out. A friend once told me before that people around him looked at him strangely after he sang the wrong lines while Blur were performing "Under the Westway" last year. So, spare yourself with this kind of experience by re-learning or memorizing their songs earlier before their 2013 gigs. While you’re at it, make sure to re-watch their music videos and sing along with the chorus.

4. Invest in a camera 

If you do not own a camera, now is a pretty good time to invest in one for the festivals. Cameras don't have to be expensive to be able to shoot decent pictures or videos, and festivals are a perfect time for having fun, enjoying the scenery and capturing the moment. Blur gigs always contain memorable moments, and videos can make great memorabilia for a great gig. After all, this may be Blur's very last tour in a long time if they decide to call it a day after the year ends.

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Lucky fans meeting Damon Albarn after a gig
Other top tips: 
  • Pick the right festival - some are kids-friendly, some have massive crowds that block all movement. Some have special parking spaces or cater for the elderly / disabled particularly well. Make sure you do some research before buying tickets. 
  • Keep young children away from any hazards during the festival - electric cables and amps can cause harm. 
  • Don't lose sight of adults and kids alike - it's easy to get lost in the big crowds.
  • Bring enough food and water - summer festivals are guaranteed get you sweaty!  
  • Relax - it's a music festival to be enjoyed, and not stressed over! Listen to the music, and bring earplugs if you are worried about the loud noise. 


December 5, 2012

Blur confirmed to headline Mexico Vive Latino Festival - 2013

Breaking News: Blur is confirmed for yet another music festival -and this time it's in Mexico. Blur is set to play in one of Mexico's biggest music festivals in 2013 - the Vive Latino Festival. Blur will be playing on the 16th March 2013.

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Other featured artists in the Vive Latino Festival 2013 include Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, Morrissey and Underworld. Blur is set to be one of the festival's biggest main bands. The last time the iconic Britpop band played in Mexico was in 2003 for their last big tour to promote album Think Tank.

The announcement for Mexico sparks speculation about Blur for Coachella 2013 in California, United States of America. If they play in Mexico, it would be logical for Blur to play in America to the fans there.

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Mexican fans - Join the Blur Latin American community on Facebook 

The festival is on March 14th – 17th 2013 at Foro Sol in Mexico City, Mexico. This news followed on from Blur's confirmation of gigs in Spain, Portugal, Belgium and Poland for 2013.

More rumours about Blur headlining the Reading and Leeds Festivals of 2013 are circulating. More Europe dates should be announced soon as one of Blur's management have said that there will be a full-on tour in 2013.

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Dave Rowntree tweeted about the Mexico gig 

The question that many are asking is: Will Blur have any new songs or new albums in time for their 2013 tours ? Can Blur tour without producing any new material ? With one festival lining up after another. Mexico is the latest one on the list, and Blur has a busy year ahead of them.

Purchase your tickets via Ticketmaster.mx.

Blur for Spain and Portugal  HERE
Blur confirmed for Poland HERE
Blur Europe Tour News  HERE
Order the new Blur: Parklife (Live at Hyde Park CD / DVD) HERE

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

If you missed old news, visit the NEWS ARCHIVE to read about past news!

Remember to subscribe to RSS and "LIKE" BlurBalls on Facebook.


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