Blur performing in Newcastle in 2009. Pic: Wikipedia
Former Goldsmiths alumni, and award-winning rock band, Blur have announced details of a major comeback, with their first album in 12 years set for release in April.
The band have also made available new track ‘Go Out’. It is the first song released by the foursome since 2012.
The band, which formed when Graham Coxon, Damon Albarn and Alex James met at Goldsmiths College in 1988, announced their return at a Chinatown press conference February 19 hosted by DJ Zane Lowe.
Describing the album frontman Albarn said: “It wasn’t a flash studio, it was pretty claustrophobic and hot. We went in and knocked about loads of ideas.”
Blur will also headline Hyde Park on July 20 alongside Taylor Swift and The Who. It will be their fourth performance at the venue.
The Magic Whip will be Blur’s first album of new material since 2003s Think Tank. The band fell apart after guitarist Coxon left the group during recording sessions, only performing as their original line-up again in 2009, when they performed at their alma mater as part of a series of warm-ups before the summer festival season. Their performance at Glastonbury Festival during that summer was described by the Guardian as the ‘best headliner in an age.’
Another series of concerts followed in 2012, including a performance at the London Olympics closing concert. The band have released new music infrequently, with singles coming out in 2010 and two years later.
The band members have been busy on numerous other projects during Blur’s inactivity. Albarn’s eclectic career
has included work on Chinese operas, a concept album about modern London and cartoon band Gorillaz.
Coxon has released eight solo albums whilst James has carved a culinary career, earning fame for his home-made cheeses. Drummer Dave Rowntree entered politics, standing for the Labour Party at the 2010 General Election.
Blur’s new album is available to pre-order from Amazon, with anyone who orders before Monday 23 February gaining access to a pre-sale for Hyde Park tickets.
