Blur fans shouldn’t get their hopes up about another reunion. During a recent interview with Alfa 91.3 FM, frontman Damon Albarn hinted that he has no immediate plans to work with Blur again any time soon.
Reflecting on their recent shows, he said performing with the band was fun but not something he wants to do often. He explained that he prefers focusing on what’s ahead rather than revisiting the past. Albarn added that while he enjoys studying history, he isn’t interested in dwelling on his own.
“Looking back, not really my thing,” he said. “You know, I did a few gigs with Blur last year. Was it last year? Year before last. Which was fun, but I don’t – I couldn’t do it very often, you know? I like what’s next, not what’s last [gestures backwards].”
When asked if he likes looking forward, Albarn responded: “I do. But, then again, I’m obsessed with history. So, it’s not actually true, I love looking back. I love studying history, just not my own [laughs].”
Blur had a major reunion in 2023 with a two-night stand at London’s Wembley Stadium on July 8th and 9th. It marked their first headline shows since 2015.
Damon had also revealed why he had considered that time was right for a reunion. He had said:
“It’s important to some of the members to play again. Maybe not so important for me in some senses but, you know what, why can’t I play those tunes? They’re part of who I am and it’s potentially a very joyous night out. Also, I firmly believe we’ve all improved as musicians.”
The reunion also included the release of their first album in eight years, The Ballad Of Darren, and was followed by the announcement that the band would go on hiatus again. The album was band’s first new album in eight years following 2015’s The Magic Whip.
Last month, Blur also announced a 30th anniversary vinyl reissue of ‘The Great Escape,’ containing rare B-sides and bonus tracks from that era.
In the 30th anniversary edition, the first disc features the 15-track standard album, while disc two contains a collection of rare B-sides and bonus tracks from the era, several of which are previously unreleased on vinyl. Both arrive on new yellow and turquoise vinyl and come in a gatefold cover that features all-new expanded artwork by artist and designer Tony Hung.
