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.

Damon Albarn Models For Burberry 2024

Damon Albarn, the versatile British musician known for his work with Blur and Gorillaz, recently added another feather to his cap by becoming one of the faces of Burberry's 2024 campaign. 

His venture into the fashion world with this iconic British brand marks a significant crossover of music and style, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between these two creative industries.

The Burberry 2024 collection (dubbed by our writers here as "Blurberry") is a nod to Albarn's musical roots, showcases a blend of classic British elegance with a modern, edgy twist. Albarn, with his unique blend of charisma and nonchalance, perfectly encapsulates the essence of this new line. 

His inherent coolness and effortless style resonate with Burberry's aim to fuse traditional luxury with contemporary culture. Take a look at some of his shots below! 

Damon Albarn- A Fashion Icon in the 90s

It's time for a little look at Damon Albarn's fashion throughout the years. Damon Albarn, the frontman of the legendary Britpop band Blur, is not only celebrated for his musical genius but also for his iconic style that defined a generation in the 1990s. His fashion sense, characterized by a mix of casual and vintage, became a hallmark of the era, influencing the wardrobe choices of many young Britons.

In the early 90s, Albarn's style was quintessentially Britpop – a blend of mod fashion and casual streetwear. He often appeared in classic Fred Perry polo shirts, paired with straight-leg jeans or corduroy pants, a look that resonated with the youth of that era.

His ability to mix traditional British fashion with a contemporary twist made him a style icon. This was evident in music videos and public appearances where Albarn would often sport Harrington jackets, parkas, and the iconic bucket hats, all staples of the 90s British music scene.

Albarn's fashion evolution continued with the rise of Blur. During the height of Britpop, his style became more experimental. He embraced a more eclectic wardrobe, often seen wearing bold print shirts, velvet blazers, and vintage coats, showcasing a more flamboyant side. This shift paralleled Blur's musical evolution, as they moved from their Britpop roots to a more diverse sound.

Despite his evolving style, Albarn maintained a certain nonchalance in his attire, a trait that made him even more appealing. His look was never overly curated; it felt accessible and real, mirroring his approach to music. This authenticity is what set him apart in an era where image was becoming increasingly important in the music industry.

Albarn's modeling work in the 90s, although not as prolific as his musical career, was a natural extension of his influence in fashion. He appeared in various fashion magazines, often photographed in candid, laid-back styles that reflected his personal aesthetic. These photoshoots weren't just about showcasing clothing; they were about capturing the essence of a cultural movement, with Albarn as one of its most recognizable faces.

In these modeling stints, Albarn was not just selling clothes; he was selling a lifestyle, one that appealed to the rebellious and creative youth of the 90s. His appearance in these magazines wasn't about perfection or high fashion; it was about authenticity and attitude, which is what made him and the Britpop movement so iconic.

Today, looking back at Damon Albarn's style in the 90s and his occasional modeling work, it's clear that he wasn't just a musician but a cultural icon. His influence extended beyond music, leaving an indelible mark on the fashion of the time. His style was more than just clothing; it was a statement of identity, creativity, and the spirit of an era.

Bring Back the Britpop Beat

Britpop, a quintessential part of the '90s music scene, has left an indelible mark not only on the music industry but also on fashion trends, especially in hairstyles. As a nod to this iconic era, CurlyMe Hair offers a range of Britpop-themed wigs that are perfect for fans of Damon Albarn and Blur, bringing a slice of that vibrant music scene into your style.

The Revival of the '90s Britpop Hairstyle

In the '90s, Britpop was more than just a music genre; it was a cultural movement. Bands like Blur, led by the charismatic Damon Albarn, were at the forefront, influencing fashion trends across the UK and beyond. The hairstyles of this era, characterized by messy bobs, shaggy layers, and carefree attitudes, became symbolic of the Britpop movement. Today, CurlyMe Hair offers a way to reincarnate this style with a modern twist.

Glueless Bob Wigs: The Perfect Britpop Accessory

Choosing glueless bob wigs are a nod to the classic Britpop hairstyle. These wigs are designed for ease of use, requiring no glue for application, making them a convenient choice for fans looking to embody the '90s vibe. The texture and cut of these bobs mimic the effortless style that Damon Albarn and his contemporaries popularized, bringing an edge of Britpop coolness to your look.

Pre-Cut Lace Wigs: Embracing the Britpop Era

Another standout option is their range of pre-cut lace wigs. These wigs are perfect for recreating the distinctive hairstyles of the Britpop era. Pre-cut for convenience, they offer a realistic look with minimal effort. Whether you're channeling Damon Albarn's iconic messy hair or the sleek bobs seen on other Britpop icons, these wigs provide authenticity and style.

Glueless Wigs: Modern Convenience Meets Retro Style

For those who prefer a more modern approach without sacrificing the Britpop aesthetic, These glueless wigs is the perfect solution. These wigs combine the ease of a glueless application with the classic styles of the Britpop era. They are ideal for fans who want to quickly switch to a Britpop-inspired look without the commitment of a traditional hairstyle change.

The brand stands out for its commitment to quality and style. Their wigs are not only fashionable but also made with high-quality materials, ensuring comfort and durability. Whether you're attending a Blur tribute concert, a '90s-themed party, or just want to add a touch of Britpop to your everyday look, their range of wigs provides the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern style.

Britpop, a significant part of music history, continues to inspire fashion and hairstyles. CurlyMe Hair's Britpop-themed wigs offer fans of Damon Albarn and Blur an authentic way to celebrate this iconic era. Whether you opt for a glueless bob, a pre-cut lace wig, or a modern glueless wig, you're sure to capture the essence of the '90s Britpop scene with style and ease.

Damon Albarn interview On His Heartbreak - Paris Match (July 2023)

THE OTHER KING OF POP

At 55, the musician meets with his comrades of Blur again and delivers a splendid new album. An encounter with the most charming of Englishmen.

Interview Benjamin Locoge / Photos Éric Garault

This Sunday, May 28. Newcastle is in turmoil. In the middle of a bank holiday, the city center has become a lawless zone where alcohol flows freely. Blur played that night in a club in the austere city of the United Kingdom, two months before the release of their new album and six weeks before two concerts at Wembley Stadium, London. For two hours, the quartet scrolls through the soundtrack of the past thirty years with mad intensity. Because, from 1991 to 2003, Blur was, along with Oasis, the best of the World Pop scene. Smart hits, in the line of Kinks, anthems for stadium (“Song 2”) and splendid ballads to end the song. Then everything went off rails, and Damon Albarn needed to try other things: the Gorillaz project in 2000 – his greatest success – the group The Good, the Bad and the Queen with Tony Allen and Paul Simonon, an album with Malian musicians, “Mali Music”, albums under his name, but also operas for the Châtelet, in Paris, or this year production: the magnificent “London Ko” by Fatoumata Diawara. In general, everything Albarn touches turns to gold, and the old adage is repeated with ‘The Ballad of Darren’, Blur’s totally unexpected ninth album. We find the mastermind of the quartet ten days later, in Paris. Smiling, pleasant, melancholic. And totally honest.

Paris Match. You announced a tour with Blur and then a new album. Did it happen in that order since you were going on tour and you needed new songs?

Damon Albarn: Initially, there was none of that in my head. No album, no concert. I was on tour in the US with Gorillaz and when I’m on the road I always bring a little studio with me. I started writing there and I was like, “Um, maybe, maybe…” So I kept composing and I presented about twenty songs to the members of Blur last January. And here we are with “The Ballad of Darren”.

How are you doing? The record talks about complicated loves, break-ups, and people who move away. Looks like life hasn’t spared you…

Yes, it’s true. The last few months, the last year has not been easy… But the music allows me to “bring out” all that… [He smiles.] That is to say, it’s the only way I know to overcome this sort of event. And it’s cheaper than therapy.

Do you really feel better after singing your pain?

Yes. Yes, of course. But I will be able to ascertain it to you when I have performed the whole album in front of an audience. The whole record is not dark, there is still, it seems to me, a small light at the end. If there wasn’t at least that to guide us, what was the point? Life has taught me that even the worst storms come to an end. That’s what I sing about for example in “Avalon”: What is the point of building Avalon, when you can’t be happy when it’s done.

Is it because of music that your personal life is in shambles?

The two have to be linked somehow… But I wouldn’t say my personal life is in shambles, nor would I say it’s unconventional. Like many people, I have a complicated private life and, at the same time, I am lucky to be able to present an artistic entity that can speak to the greatest number. That being said, I don’t want to break down everything I say on this album, the songs speak so much for themselves… [Laughs.]

You had already released a break-up album, “13”, in 1999…

Yes, it’s true. It was another relationship that had ended, but in the end it was the same cataclysm that hit me… I hope not to experience this a third time… When I was a kid, my mother had fun terrifying me by telling me: “You never know what’s around the corner.” And I always took her words literally. This is what allowed me to move forward, not to settle into a certain idiotic comfort. But I wake up every morning not really sure what fate will hold for me..

To get through these trials of life, you went back to your old band and your oldest accomplices…

Yes, Blur is the closest thing I have to a mantra. When we go on stage together these days, it inevitably reminds me of us as teenagers, young adults in 1992-1993. We kept that energy while adding more emotions…

Why did you start Blur with Graham Coxon in 1988?

Graham and I met at Stanway Comprehensive School, a school for students who struggled in more reputable schools, where standards were a little lower. But I was lucky to grow up in the artistic world, my father ran the Art School of Colchester, my mother was an artist… At school, I was perceived as the “different” boy, because I was probably really different from the others. My culture, my references were not the same as the children my age. Graham’s father was a musician in the British army, so he was musically inclined but less artistically inclined than me. And it was our common interest in music that brought us together.

Do you remember your first interactions with him?

Oh no! We wrote a first song together, “Sing”, without even having the idea that we could release it, get signed, or record an album. We were like all young adults, just living in the moment. But we were offered a contract after only five concerts, it worked like that at the time. [He laughs.] And the adventure was launched…

Thirty years later, what do you think of your first album?

I wish I had more confidence in my writing abilities. The texts seem to me a bit confused, lacking structure. But there are good things: Sing is a song that we still play. And I like the energy that comes out of this album, which is more of a Graham record, I must admit.

You reverse the trend with “Modern Life Is Rubbish”, your gargantuan second album…

Yes, I am claiming here that I am a songwriter. I don’t know if I really had confidence in myself then, but we had done an American tour which had turned into a nightmare. We played in total indifference or in almost empty venues. And that sparked something in me. [He laughs.] I was 22 years old, angry, disappointed, lost and frustrated…I had to do something about those negative feelings. And I chose to write about them. I’ve always had that mindset…

From 1993 to 1999, you will experience the most beautiful adventure of Britpop since the Beatles. What do you make of this, in hindsight?

I became obsessed. I still am, it’s my human condition. Each success obliges you, finally forces me to seek how to grow, how to surprise. I still have the feeling, at 55, of having to prove something. Because when you’ve landed a number 1, you want another, and then another. Until the day when you no longer correspond to the standards of the time. In the early 1990s, we were young, we were new, we looked good. And society could project itself into us. We embodied something positive, and that suited us well. The danger would have been to believe that people found themselves in us. But it was in the era that they found themselves, in this period that we were going through together. Because, at some point, someone else comes along and attracts all the light.

The album “Blur”, in 1997, was already stepping aside…

Graham couldn’t stand the very nature of Britpop anymore, he needed to look elsewhere. I agreed with him. I couldn’t write about “dirty pigeons” all my life anyway… So we switched to heroin! [He laughs.] It worked until I became a father. There I understood that the two were incompatible: having a family while on drugs was not possible. And I do not recommend it to anyone…

Was it an act of courage to go against the movement that had thrown you under the spotlight?

I don’t think courage had anything to do with our approach then. It’s just the music we wanted to make. We had no loan, no children, no stable relationships, we could afford to try things. We spent a lot of time in Iceland, in particular, we recorded “Song 2” in a very small studio in Reykjavik, and it became a gift from heaven for us. This song is probably playing somewhere in the world as we speak. It’s been used for commercials for twenty five years… It’s totally crazy and honestly we could never release anything, never make music again and still live off the rights that “Song 2” earns us. This one little song could allow us to never have to work again.

In the early 2000s, Blur collapsed and you released Gorillaz, a huge success…

Blur did not crumble. Graham left because his own life was falling apart. It took him years to figure out who he was, to get back on track.

THE BRITPOP IN TWO ALBUMS: “PARKLIFE” AND “THE GREAT ESCAPE”

“The main reason I wanted to play Blur again was to be able to sing ‘Parklife.’ There is something very optimistic in this song, ”says Damon Albarn. Released in 1994, the album of the same name is a great album of “guitar pop”, written with humor and notably including the hit “Girls and Boys”. A year later, when Oasis was at its peak , Blur did it again with “The Great Escape”, offering a hit, “Country House”, and an anthem, “The Universal”. Nearly thirty years later, these two masterpieces show a facet of the England we love: jubilant, smiling, melancholic, energetic and smart. “It’s a record written too quickly,” says Albarn, because we were playing to be known at night while wanting to work during the day. But the result is not so bad. »

Have you been a helping friend to him during this period?

I helped him by saying, “I’m not working with you anymore until you fix yourself.” I couldn’t deal with his unstable behavior anymore, I was happy that our relationship was finally over, it had become far too toxic for him and for me. But our story has demonstrated that it was much stronger than this incident. Because we are still here. And above all, Graham is a happy man now, much more at ease with life as a whole. He went through so many dark episodes…

Your drummer, Dave Rowntree, and bassist, Alex James,do they have a say in Blur?

Of course. But Blur is above all Graham and me. Careful, I do not want to minimize their role within the band, but they have lives outside. Alex has five children, he makes cheese, writes columns in the press, organizes a festival. Dave has a degree in astronomy, he knows how to fly a plane, he had political responsibilities within Labour, he could even be elected to Parliament one day. Me, I only composed and wrote songs!

In your mind, Blur never broke up and then reformed?

What is the point of this kind of final sentence? This allowed us to never make a comeback. We are not always available at the same time, we are all doing things on our side, we are busy. And, when we feel like it, we play at Wembley Stadium…

What makes you happy?

Being able not to do the same thing all the time. I couldn’t follow up with a huge tour, another Blur album. I know that we have concerts planned until the end of 2023, and then I have to work on the opera that I am producing with Jean-Luc Choplin in Paris, “The Curse”, the sequel, in all modesty, to “The Magic Flute! ” 

You now sing songs written more than thirty years ago, which we blamed the rock dinosaurs when you were just starting in the music industry.

Yes, I am fully aware of that. [He laughs.] It makes me laugh to reread what I wrote in “End of a Century”: “The mind gets dirty when you get closer to thirty”, or in “Tracy Jacks”: “He’s getting past forty and all the seams are splitting”. It was projections towards an age that seemed far away, unimaginable… I merrily passed it, but it was worth it.

Interview by Benjamin Locoge

Source

Damon Albarn Split From Partner Of 25 Years

Big news. Damon Albarn, the frontman of the iconic band Blur, and his partner of 25 years, Suzi Winstanley, have recently parted ways, according to The Mail on Sunday. Although they never officially married, their enduring relationship began in 1998 and produced a daughter named Missy, who is now 23 years old. The news of their separation has left friends and sources close to Suzi Winstanley reporting her deep devastation.

It is reported that Ms. Winstanley, an artist, made the decision for Albarn to vacate their Notting Hill residence, although the exact circumstances surrounding this decision remain undisclosed. A source close to Winstanley shared, "Suzi is heartbroken at their relationship ending. It is a really sad time for everyone involved."

Despite her heartache, Suzi Winstanley was spotted in the audience at Wembley earlier in the month, attending a performance by Albarn with Blur as part of the British Summer Time festival.

Throughout the lockdown period, Damon Albarn spent considerable time at his farmhouse in South Devon, a location he partially converted into a music studio. In a candid interview with French magazine Paris Match, he admitted to personal struggles in recent months, remarking, "The last few months, the last year has not been easy. But the music allows me to 'bring out' all that. That is to say, it's the only way I know to overcome this sort of event. And it's cheaper than therapy."

It is understood that Albarn channeled much of his emotional journey into his music, particularly in the most recent Blur album, "The Ballad Of Darren," which was released recently and currently holds the number one position on the charts. The album contains poignant lyrics that appear to reflect his relationship with Winstanley and a sense of personal responsibility for its breakdown. In the track titled "The Ballad," he sings, "I just looked into my life/And all I saw was that you're not coming back." Another track, "Goodbye Albert," contains lyrics that express his longing for communication, saying, "Don't punish me forever."

Talking about the new record: “It’s emotional. Loses in many forms have played a big part of my life recently. I do believe you carry all the people you lose and the nature of how you lose them is something you carry with you as well. It’s a heartbreak record.”

Damon Albarn and Suzi Winstanley's love story began in 1998, shortly after Albarn's split from Justine Frischmann, the lead singer of Elastica. Elastica found success in America, and according to Frischmann, this seemed to have posed a challenge for Albarn at the time. Neither Albarn nor Winstanley has commented publicly on the reasons behind their split.

The couple welcomed their daughter Missy, named after the renowned hip-hop artist Missy Elliott, in 1999. In a previous interview with Esquire, Albarn described fatherhood as a transformative experience, saying, "It massively changes you...having a kid, inevitably you look to the future far more."

In a recent interview, Albarn confessed to feeling like a "sad 55-year-old" but expressed that it's okay to experience sadness at his age. He reflected on the inevitability of life's ups and downs, especially by the time one reaches 55, and discussed his deep appreciation for classical music and its capacity to evoke emotions.

Despite personal challenges, Blur continues to make music and perform, and their recent concerts, particularly at Wembley, have been described as some of their best by Albarn and his bandmates. The enduring legacy of Blur remains intact, even as Damon Albarn navigates the complexities of life's emotional landscapes.

Blur and Oasis- Revising the Britpop Feud That Rocked The Nation

Get ready to dive into one of the most sensational and electrifying rivalries in music history—the epic showdown between Blur and Oasis. Brace yourself for a wild ride as we delve into the exhilarating battle between these Britpop behemoths that captivated the world and shaped an era.

In the 1990s, the airwaves crackled with anticipation as Blur and Oasis emerged as the vanguard of the Britpop movement. Their rivalry became the stuff of legends, a clash of titans that captured the hearts and imaginations of music fans worldwide. It was a cultural phenomenon that transcended the boundaries of mere music and became a bona fide cultural war.

The rivalry between Blur and Oasis was fueled by their contrasting personas and musical styles. Blur, with their art-school charm and cheeky wit, epitomized the quintessential Englishness. Their album "Parklife" became a defining anthem for a generation, encapsulating the essence of life in 1990s Britain. Damon Albarn's wry lyrics and Graham Coxon's catchy guitar hooks created a distinctive sound that resonated with the masses.

Enter Oasis, the brash and unabashed champions of working-class rock 'n' roll. Led by the Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, Oasis unleashed a tidal wave of anthems that spoke to the disillusioned and disaffected youth. Their debut album "Definitely Maybe" ignited a revolution, with tracks like "Rock 'n' Roll Star" and "Live Forever" becoming the rallying cries of a generation.

The rivalry reached its zenith when Blur and Oasis released their respective singles, "Country House" and "Roll with It," on the same day in 1995. It was a battle for the top spot on the charts, and the stakes couldn't have been higher. The media frenzy that ensued was unprecedented, as fans and critics alike eagerly awaited the outcome of this clash of the Britpop titans.

The battle between Blur and Oasis was not just about the music—it became a larger-than-life spectacle, a war of words and personalities that played out in the press. The Gallagher brothers' snarky remarks, Albarn's intellectual musings, and their contrasting lifestyles all added fuel to the fire. The sensational headlines and the relentless hype elevated the rivalry to mythic proportions, capturing the attention of the world and turning the Britpop scene into a global phenomenon.

But amidst the hype and the media frenzy, it was the music that ultimately mattered. The rivalry pushed both bands to new creative heights, with each release vying for the title of the definitive Britpop masterpiece. Whether it was Blur's introspective masterpiece "The Great Escape" or Oasis's anthemic "What's the Story) Morning Glory?," their albums became the soundtracks to an entire generation.

While the rivalry between Blur and Oasis reached its peak in the 1990s, their impact continues to reverberate to this day. They redefined British music and inspired countless bands that followed in their wake. Their music transcended the rivalry, standing the test of time and solidifying their place in the pantheon of rock 'n' roll.

The rivalry that shook the music industry, sparked debates in every pub, and fueled the dreams of an entire generation. It was a time of wild excess, outrageous claims, and unforgettable music. This is the story of two giants, forever entwined in a rivalry that will forever captivate our imaginations.

Fast forward to 2023, and the world is abuzz with speculation about the future of the legendary Blur and Oasis rivalry. As fans eagerly await what's next, whispers of a possible reunion or collaboration between the two bands send shockwaves of excitement through the music industry. While the members of Blur and Oasis have embarked on their own successful solo ventures in recent years, the lure of a reunion has always loomed large.

As nostalgia grips the hearts of fans, the possibility of seeing Damon Albarn and the Gallagher brothers share the stage once again becomes tantalizingly real. In an era where reunions have become a recurring trend, the resurgence of the Blur and Oasis rivalry in 2023 could be the ultimate musical coup. Imagine the sheer spectacle of a joint performance, the clash of their iconic anthems, and the harmonious convergence of their distinct sounds. It would be a monumental event that transcends time and rejuvenates the rivalry, captivating fans old and new.