August 7, 2012

Blur 21 The Exhibition - reviews and gallery

The Blur 21 exhibition - Londonewcastle Project Space, Shoreditch, 27th July - 14th August 2012. Many fans went, but many simply can't make it to London this summer.

But good news- for the latter group of people, you can STILL enjoy the exclusive Blur exhibition by checking out pictures, reviews and articles in the Blurry cyberspace. Here's our complete guide as to what not to miss, what to read, watch and the highlights of this rare Blur event.

Early Blur logos (Credit: Blurcast)
Blur in 2012 (Credit: Blurcast)
First ever Blur photoshoot for Food Records (Credit: Blurcast)
Test shoot for Modern Life is Rubbish (Credit: Blurcast)
Brit Awards of Blur (Credit: twitter fan)
She's So High alternate covers 
Pile of Blur 
Blur on Primrose Hill Graffiti (Credit: Blurcast)
Graham Coxon 
Blur photo-shoot 
Under the Westway cover design (Credit: Blurcast)

More Pictures



Blur 21 Reviews 



Nostalgia - BlurX 1999 exhibition articles


Order the new Blur vinyl HERE
The Puritan- new track HERE
Damon Albarn says it's the End of Blur! Read HERE
Is Damon and Graham Coxon recording together? Find out HERE
Check out Blur's rumoured new album HERE

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August 5, 2012

Live at 100 Club - Blur leave fans delighted (Watch full gig)

The 100 Club, London. Exclusive, small, intimate, sweaty, bloody, amazing, "the best Blur gig ever" ... these are just some of the words used by the audience and press to describe the warm up gig in the small venue on August 2nd 2012.

Needless to say, Blur performed at their very top form. Highlights include 'Bugman', where Graham Coxon was just mashing it out on the guitar, and the song turned into something punk-like and fantastic. 'Oily Water' from Modern Life is Rubbish was also brilliant - it always is and sounds better live.

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100 Club Blur Photos from NME 
'Colin Zeal' surprisingly was also played - an unconventional track, but it has it's merits. Blur's reviving songs they rarely play live and favouring them over the normal singles collection. No 'Song 2' or 'Country House' this time, but 'Trimm Trabb' and 'Young & Lovely' was again played.

Forum member Goldilocks wrote: That was so awesome!! All the fun of being there but with A/C and room to move. And DAVE!! Nice to see him in these ones and he is just letting it rip. The Trimm Trabb drumming was epic. 


Forum member damon4president also said: Dave has been drumming better than ever at these gigs, he is on fire! During Trimm Trabb Damon just stopped and looked at him in awe, and started a chant of 'Dave! Dave' over Graham's guitar solo

Setlist was:
blur100club, blur setlist, blur converse, blur live 2012, damon albarn singing, damon albarn 100 club, blur olympics, blurwarmup
Credits to Tom
Girls & Boys 
Jubilee 
Beetlebum 
Young & Lovely 
Colin Zeal 
Oily Water 
Advert 
Bugman 
The Puritan 
Trimm Trabb 
For Tomorrow 
Under The Westway









Watch Blur live at the 100 Club, August 2nd 2012 below (credits to uploader). Click to read  the full Margate Warm up show coverage. And check out our live blog of the Maida Vale show for BBC too. 

*Blur come on stage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P4b93DZGpw 
Girls and Boys http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6X4BUecwUI 
Jubilee http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtys7YVa3e4Jubilee 
Beetlebum http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E2xLXOQ5Ds 
Young and Lovely http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAeWTULD1-4 
Colin Zeal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fq_mjTl5N8 
Oily water http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhnrSfRbnno 
Advert http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYjoWw69nR4 
Bugman http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5DEE5mt4Ho 
The Puritan 
Trimm Trabb pt 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj3wQDU1dEM 
For Tomorrow 
Under the Westway http://www.yo
utube.com/watch?v=PZOJmofk4a4 
*Blur leave stage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNLtAX6z9I8 


August 3, 2012

Blur live at Margate Winter Gardens - 'first gig in three years so we are scared'

Blur performed at Margate Winter Gardens on August 1st 2012. The show was met with great reviews from the fans in the audience, and although Graham Coxon's amp had some problems at times, the band managed a really long, really good show.

Blur forum member 'simonn' reported:

Band was very happy. Damon said 'first gig in three years so we're scared'. Lots of smiles, Damon kissed Graham on the back of his neck halfway through one solo, very touching! Damon appeared to play a kazoo solo during (I think) Sunday Sunday, made a change from the jogging...

Dave sported headphones for at least two songs...Grahams amp went out a couple of times, in particular just before the finale to Trimm Trabb, cue lobbing of pint glass at his amp, crowd tried to perk him with 'Graham' chants, and Damon gave him a big hug....which helped. Great gig, great crowd, wish I had more tickets!

blurmargatewintergardens, blur margate live, blur margate 2012, margate beach, the views so nice, for tomorrowgraffiti, blur primrose hill
- The beach at Margate - posted on Twitter by a fan who went -

Blurcast also posted:

Absolutely awesome gig tonight. A really great set too - definitely a different feel to the 2009 shows and feeling a little less "greatest hits". Caramel is just amazing and I am baffled as to why it was always omitted on the 13 tour. The revamped stop-start Intermission is a belter with the crowd chanting "ole!" in the gaps. London Loves is another great inclusion and will go down a storm in Hyde Park. 

And while I am no big fan of Country House either, when it's being played live and you are jumping about with hundreds of people all singing the words with you, it's a blinder. So to everyone who wasn't there and are complaining that it wasnt a 20 min version of Battle, stop your f**king moaning and start understanding how gigs like this actually work. 

Poor old Graham had some serious problems with his amp tonight though and was visibly reall pissed off when it kept cutting out. I think he got through at least 3 guitars before slamming one of them into the stage and chucking water all over his amp. Not a great thing do with electrical equipment but Damon gave him a big hug to calm him down. It was really looking like it might have to continue as an acoustic set but things got sorted eventually. 

The sound at the venue is not the best and I couldn't really hear the backing singers too well or the brass section for that matter but that didn't spoil my enjoyment at all. 

I am now thouroughly sweaty and disgusting but secretly chuffed that I have ended up with a big 4 person room at the Margate YHA for only £16. Bargain. 


'Caramel', 'Sing', 'Young and Lovely' and the two new Blur songs were also amongst the favourites that were played. The band also played 'London Loves', a track from Parklife, which was a rare sight in live ensembles.

Setlist : a long one, 25 songs totalling 2 hours and 10 minutes. 

Girls & Boys
London Loves
Tracy Jacks
Jubilee
Beetlebum
Coffee & TV
Out of Time
Young & Lovely
Sunday Sunday
Country House
Parklife
Trimm Trabb
Caramel
Advert
The Puritan
Song 2
No Distance Left To Run
Tender
This is a Low
Sing
Under The Westway
Lot 105
End of a Century
For Tomorrow
The Universal

Looks like 'Caramel' is here to stay in the upcoming live concerts. And Damon's gig ritual, the water flinging, really soaked up the audience! Watch ALL of the 25 songs in the videos below *uploads by a1999f. 

Girls & Boys http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpJjVoZTjEY 
London Loves http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orD03VJ3fNA 
Tracy Jacks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bOE5ggPtD0 
Jubilee http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31grLuGYwhk 
Beetlebum http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8CaANN0sqg 
Coffee & TV http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O46kdSe1-o 

Out of Time http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR9CaE8Vdz4 
Young & Lovely http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci8dnyVWFHw 
Sunday Sunday http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZUxeqlL4IA 
Country House http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfIdmmiEijA 
Parklife http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmfek3kw_D4 
Trimm Trabb http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLDgzS-8osc 

Caramel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eerBjpfa95M 
Popscene http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp44fddsRM4 
Advert http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5ed218BINI 
Puritan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJcXpR3vXNs 
Song 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b36KjO7353Y 
No Distance Left To Run http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVa7HkC9gnA 
Tender http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bc0SewQf3s 
This is a Low http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haKGtqjJqTw 

Sing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vPUzJc9phc 
Under The Westway http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_bOfnIbD0E
Intermission http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1FgxB66vjE 
End of a Century http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApSl-GJKLB8 
For Tomorrow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o8_2tahZ4Q 
Universal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twEjgYqn_Ac 




August 2, 2012

Photo Essay: Blur at Maida Vale 2012 (Watch and download full gig)

PHOTO ESSAY: Blur played a miraculous set list yesterday during the first full gig they did in 3 years on July 31st 2012.

blurmaidavale stage, damonalbarn guitar, damon albarn maida vale, blur maida vale 2012, maidavale
Stage was lit up as the small crowd waited for Blur - most viewers, however, were streaming from online
trimm trabb guitar chords, blur trimm trabb, blur setlist, blur guitar chords
Trimm Trabb guitar chords, taken from the set
grahamcoxon gorillaz, graham coxon gorillaz
Gorillaz - Coxon spares ? 
damonalbarn guitar, damon albarn maida vale, blur maida vale 2012, maidavale
damonalbarn guitar, damon albarn maida vale, blur maida vale 2012, maidavale
blursetlist, blur maida vale live, blur performing live 2012, blur bbc red button, blur maidavale 2012, damonalbarn guitar, damon albarn maida vale, blur maida vale 2012, maidavale
In the two intimate BBC Maida Vale gigs (BBC 6 music: 6pm-7pm, BBC Radio 2: 8pm-9pm) the audience witnessed several moments that will completely rewrite Blur's musical history.
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blursetlist, blur maida vale live, blur performing live 2012, blur bbc red button, blur maidavale 2012, damonalbarn guitar, damon albarn maida vale, blur maida vale 2012, maidavale
'Young and Lovely', a B-side of single 'Chemical World' (Modern Life is Rubbish, 1993) was also performed for the second and third time in Blur history, the first being the legendary B-sides gig in 1999.
New single 'Under the Westway' got two more plays. The accompanying 'The Puritan' was also performed once live, the second time since the premier on the roof a month ago.
blursetlist, blur maida vale live, blur performing live 2012, blur bbc red button, blur maidavale 2012, damonalbarn guitar, damon albarn maida vale, blur maida vale 2012, maidavale
blursetlist, blur maida vale live, blur performing live 2012, blur bbc red button, blur maidavale 2012, damonalbarn guitar, damon albarn maida vale, blur maida vale 2012, maidavale
'Caramel' (album '13') was played live for the first time ever. Although the song never made it to the live setlists for Blur's past gigs, the first (and perhaps the last) performance of 'Caramel' was absolutely stunning. 
blurmmileend, mile end blur gig, blur britpop, blur shaker
blursetlist, blur maida vale live, blur performing live 2012, blur bbc red button, blur maidavale 2012, damonalbarn guitar, damon albarn maida vale, blur maida vale 2012, maidavale
Damon crooned and the song shone out brilliantly, intense with emotion.
HIGHLIGHT- 'CARAMEL' LIVE: Uploaded by BlurBalls.com - enjoy this stunning debut, never played live before since the beginning of Blur. 


Recorded by Blurballs.com - Caramel live debut in 13 years 


VIDEO GALLERY: Watch the full Blur Maida Vale shows below. The broadcast is owned by BBC and uploaded by fans to Youtube. *Update: Videos no longer available - download the mp4 video below 

First gig - 6pm to 7pm, for BBC 6 Music (Jul 31st 2012)
First gig - 8pm to 9pm, for BBC Radio 2 (Jul 31st 2012)


BLUR MAIDA VALE GIG, JUL 31st 2012, SETLIST: 
1st GIG - BBC 6 MUSIC
2nd GIG - BBC RADIO 2

  1. Jubilee
  2. The Puritan
  3. Caramel 
  4. Trimm Trabb
  5. Young and Lovely
  6. Under The Westway
  7. Intermission 

  1. Tracy Jacks
  2. Beetlebum
  3. Out of Time
  4. Young and Lovely
  5. End of a Century
  6. Mr Briggs
  7. Tender
  8. This is a Low
  9. Under the Westway
  10. Popscene
  11. For Tomorrow
  12. The Universal 


DOWNLOAD THE VIDEO (MP4) RECORDING (Yes you can still watch it!) : 

*FEATURED LIVE BLOG - TRACK BY TRACK REVIEW AND TIMELINE OF BLUR (AT MAIDA VALE STUDIOS): 

  1. Live Blog 1: BBC 6 Music - Blur Interview @ Maida Vale 
  1. Studios + short rarities performance, Caramel Live, Young and Lovely, track by track review.

  1. Live Blog 2: 
  2. BBC Radio 2 Concert 
  1. 1 hour long performance by Blur in Maida Vale plus Mr. Briggs, Young and Lovely and more.

    • *Both written by our site live from streaming the shows on the day of the gig. Exclusive by Blurballs.com 


    August 1, 2012

    Blur - Maida Vale 2nd Gig (BBC2) Live Blog

    Second Maida Vale gig - Live blogging from Blurballs.com - check it out.

    damonalbarn guitar, damon albarn maida vale, blur maida vale 2012, maidavale
    • 8:05pm - Track 1: Tracy Jacks . Blur added cowbells. Cowbells! Lovely song from Parklife - including my favourite lyrics and chorus. Damon looked agressive for a moment there - scary. Love Steve's "Blur" football shirt - Damon wore it for the Brits 1995. 
    • 8:09pm - Track 2: Beetlebum. Alex James swingin' it there, looking as cool as ever. Seems like this gig is full of singles, at least for the first half! Blur's drug-inspired hit single, and probably many's favourite track. Amazing stage lights - orange, yellow, not too bright, not too mellow. We rhyme. Beetlebum goes on, and it is a fantastic track, gets better and better.... 
    • 8:14pm - Graham Coxon on his knees... doing the Beetlebum epic middle section. Blur are looking tops and energetic and absolutely radiating pure music. 
    • 8:15pm - Track 3: Out of Time - Think Tank Single - Reminds me of long walks in the park, and sad music videos. Damon's solo - good to hear his voice in top form again. Is this Damon or Graham on guitar ? Can't tell, can't tell, but I can only hear the music. And wait a minute - Graham Coxon has NO GLASSES today.
    • 8:18pm - Track 4: Young and Lovely - Again ? Who wouldn't mind listening to this classic b-side again ? Damon spoke of parenthood and being old. Friday's child... Awfully real tonight - isn't the lyrics "Far too real tonight" ? Still, we're singing along to this right now. La la la. 
    • 8:24pm - Track 5: End of a Century - This song's sounding better and better. Damon - "As we get closer to 50". FIFTY! Not 40, not 30, not 20... now he's reaching 50! Cheeky lyrics - we like. Damon sings them with ease. Rehearsals paying off at last. Fashion update - Damon isn't wearing his red boots today... white shoes ? Air cushioned soles ? Trimm Trabs ? 
    blur maida vale, maida vale 2012, blur 2012, maidavale, blur live 2012, blur hyde park 2012
    • 8:27pm - Damon tells a story - "I was talking to somebody... going on holiday in Windowsill. Starts Track 6: Mr Briggs (B-side). Damon looked young and energetic as usual. Great little track. Recorded it for you all !
    • 8:32pm - Track 7: Tender. Beatlesque. As usual - 7 minutes of joy. 
    • 8:38pm - Track 8 : This is a Low - The song that deserves to be a single from 'Parklife' but did not make it. Let's see if Damon can hit the high note - This is a LOOOOW. He did it - Damon's singing is superb, and very chilling. Eyes closed, both hands on mic, can this get better ? The crowd seems to be very still tonight... wonder whether it's the weather or the brilliant music getting through their hearts. Dave banging on the drums all right!
    • 8:43pm - Track 9: Under the Westway - Wow, the introduction is stunning. I can see why Orbit's version sounded a bit too much like something out of '13' and not enough of a 'hymn' to Damon Albarn. And guess what - they added Orbit's synth to the track! Perhaps they should have performed Orbit's version too - that would be funny. Every time I listen to this, I remember - Blur are BACK and better than ever. Graham's backing vocals are chilling, stunning and awesome. 
    • 8:47pm - Track 10: Popscene - Damon blasts a siren! Loudspeaker siren object alert! Just like in 1991, the Leisure era! We thought he'd sing into the microphone, just like 21 years ago, but sadly he chucked it away before grabbing the mic. Wait - will Damon sing into the loudspeaker ? 
    blur maida vale, maida vale 2012, blur 2012, maidavale, blur live 2012, blur hyde park 2012, alex james 2012, graham coxon 2012
    • 8:50pm - Track 11: For Tomorrow - A dear Blur fan of mine thinks Damon will sing "under the Westway" now - yes or no ? No - still "lost on the Westway". Damon should have sang "Now we're under the westway" ! The bass sounds superb on our speakers. We'd recommend listening to this full with high quality bass amps. Always loved the trumpets and wind instruments on 'Modern Life is Rubbish'. Modern music sometimes seem rubbish compared to Blur. 
    • 8:58pm - Track 12: The Universal - Last track of the evening and the track on British Gas adverts for the past 3 years. Damon messed the lyrics! Yes, Damon, "the words are wrong" and you stumbled a bit (or was it Graham) but in the end, Blur "really really could happen". Damon just put his head on the mic - in frustration ? It really really could happen. Indeed. Will Song 2 be played next as a bonus ? Woo hoo song? 

    Damon ends by saying "I know I made a mistake". Steve asks the audience whether they missed Blur and were met with a huge "YES". Yes, we missed Blur, but we got an evening of wonderful nostalgia, and b-sides!

    And that's it. For the 1st Maida Vale Studios gig (6pm-7pm, Jul 31st) click here to read our live blog plus watch exclusie footage, including Caramel (Live)Download the audio (mp3) of both shows here. The full set list of the Blur Maida Vale 8:00pm-9:00pm show 2012 - July 31st at BBC 2 is the following:
    1. Tracy Jacks
    2. Beetlebum
    3. Out of Time
    4. Young and Lovely
    5. End of a Century
    6. Mr Briggs
    7. Tender
    8. This is a Low
    9. Under the Westway
    10. Popscene
    11. For Tomorrow
    12. The Universal 
    Check out the video we recorded of Blur's 'Mr. Briggs' below. 




    Damon Albarn says Blur will continue after 2012- HERE
    The Puritan- new track HERE
    Damon Albarn says it's the End of Blur! Read HERE
    Top 7 Blur Updates of 2012 HERE
    Check out Blur's rumoured new album HERE

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

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