Where Are The Blur Members Now?

From Britpop legends to diverse adventurers, the members of Blur have charted unique paths since their '90s heyday.

As of 2024, the members of the iconic Britpop band Blur have been engaged in various individual projects and activities, following their recent band activities.

Damon Albarn, Blur's charismatic frontman, has been particularly active in various musical endeavors. After Blur's first reunion in years and the release of their latest album "The Ballad Of Darren," Albarn announced a break for the band. He has hinted at concentrating on an opera set to be presented in Paris and is also planning to work on a new Gorillaz album, following the success of 2023's "Cracker Island," which featured collaborations with several big names in the music industry.

After the recent reunion and release of their album "The Ballad of Darren," Albarn has announced that Blur will be going on hiatus. He expressed that continuing with Blur at this point is "too much" for him, although he didn't rule out the possibility of reuniting with the band in the future. His decision reflects a desire not to dwell on the past but to explore new creative avenues.

Graham Coxon, the band's guitarist, has also been involved in his own projects. Apart from his contributions to Blur, Coxon has a reputation for his solo work, which showcases his versatility as a musician and an artist. He has released solo albums that highlight his expansive musical range beyond the Britpop genre that Blur is famous for​.

Alex James, Blur's bassist, has taken a unique path post-Blur. Known for his distinct style and musical prowess during the band's heyday, James has ventured into the world of food. He started a cheesemaking business and became a food writer for The Times. This transition from music to gastronomy showcases his diverse interests and talents beyond the music industry​.

Dave Rowntree, the drummer, has explored a different kind of public service following his music career. He became a Norfolk City Council member and has made attempts to gain a parliamentary seat in various constituencies. He also obtained a law degree after his time at Blur. This move into politics indicates his interest in public service and community involvement, diverging significantly from his musical background​.

As you can see, the members of Blur have each taken distinct paths following their success in the band. While they have come together occasionally for music, their individual pursuits reflect a broad range of interests and talents, from operatic compositions and graphic novels to cheesemaking and politics.

Their varied careers are a testament to their versatility and ability to reinvent themselves beyond the realm of Britpop.

Blur To Go On Hiatus Again , Frustrating Fans

Following their latest reunion and the release of "The Ballad of Darren," their ninth studio album, Blur is entering another hiatus. Damon Albarn, the frontman of Blur, in a recent interview with Les Inrockuptibles, a French magazine reported by Far Out Magazine, remarked, “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.”

This statement follows the band's final live performances in South America last month. Blur, which features Graham Coxon on guitar, Alex James on bass, and Dave Rowntree on drums, has been a significant presence in the music scene.

Despite this pause, Albarn left a window open for Blur's future, as he mentioned to Les Inrockuptibles, “I’m not saying I won’t do it again; it was a beautiful success, but I’m not dwelling on the past.”

For fans, the news of Blur's hiatus must be a mix of disappointment and frustration. Just when they were reveling in the band's resurgence and new rhythms, this pause feels like an abrupt halt to the euphoria. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, from high anticipation to a sudden, uneasy quiet.

The band initially disbanded in 2003 and has since reunited occasionally for shows in the U.K. and internationally, starting in 2009. Reflecting on their recent reunion and new album, Alex James told Rolling Stone, “Blur has always been an effortless, joyous, weightless kind of experience… All the years in the world fall away, and it’s just the four of us and the music in the room, and nothing’s changed since that first rehearsal 35 years ago.”

Who knows when Blur might pull another surprise album out of the blue? Their history of unexpected comebacks keeps fans on their toes, sparking a thrilling sense of unpredictability.

In addition to Blur's activities, Albarn shared with the French magazine his upcoming projects, including an opera set to premiere in Paris next year and a new collaboration with Jamie Hewlett in India for a forthcoming Gorillaz album.

Meanwhile, guitarist Coxon is preparing to tour the U.K. with The Waeve, his project with Rose Elinor Dougall. They are scheduled to open for Elbow during their 2024 U.K. arena tour.