Alex James, the bassist of iconic Britpop band Blur, recently shared an amusing anecdote about the rock ‘n’ roll antics of their collective offspring. According to James, their children’s parties are wilder than anything the legendary band experienced during their heyday. The musician, now known for his cheese-making pursuits on his Cotswolds farm, humorously acknowledged that the younger generation knows how to throw a truly memorable celebration. Despite his rockstar past, James admitted that being a parent is more challenging than playing in a band, finding solace in the “relaxing” atmosphere of the Blur bubble.
As reported by Music News, In a lighthearted moment on the “Parenting Hell” podcast, Alex James playfully emphasized the exuberance and intensity of his children’s parties, claiming they surpass the wildest rock ‘n’ roll escapades. He jokingly remarked that all his past stories about rockstar excess were overshadowed by the extravagant 16th birthday celebrations. At that age, he explained, the desire for excitement and pushing boundaries reaches its peak, making those parties truly memorable and unmatched in terms of sheer intensity.
Despite the revelry, James admitted to having concerns about these wild celebrations. He humorously shared that he tries to persuade his children to have their parties at the annual Big Feastival event held on his farm. This way, he jokingly shifts the liabilities to the festival organizers, alleviating his worries as a parent. He expressed his genuine terror about the wild nature of teenage parties, emphasizing the anxiety that comes with the responsibility of hosting such events.
Alex spoke about how he thought he was a rockstar back in the day when he was spending “half a million pounds on drugs a year,” but his kids not only prove him wrong, but also call him a wanker from time to time to humble him.
Reuniting with Blur for their recent sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium has been a rejuvenating experience for Alex James. In comparison to the challenges of parenting, he finds playing the bass in a rock band to be relaxing. James quipped that immersing himself in the Blur bubble allows him to temporarily escape the complexities of daily life as a father. The band’s reunion has provided him with a break from the demands of parenthood, offering a sense of ease and familiarity.
Alex James candidly admitted that transitioning between the contrasting lifestyles of a rock musician and a parent can be tricky. Recounting his experiences of returning home after performing for thousands of fans, he acknowledged the need to adjust to the mundane tasks of everyday life, such as doing the dishes. He humorously mentioned his children’s playful reproach, reminding him to leave his rockstar persona behind and assume his role as a dad.
