Nineties Britpop legends Blur say ‘F***, it’s good to be back’ as they make live comeback gig in hometown of Colchester
THEY were among the Britpop pioneers of the Nineties, but Blur have lost none of their spark as they made their live comeback last night.
The four-piece were in Colchester, where singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon and drummer Dave Rowntree were born and raised.
And it is clear the excitement has not left them.
Speaking inside the city’s historic castle ahead of their gig at the arts centre there, bassist Alex James exclaimed: “F***, it’s good to be back.”
As well as performing their first live gig in eight years last night, the group will also release their ninth studio album, The Ballad Of Darren, on July 21.
Speaking about the recording process in an exclusive press conference before they took to the stage, Alex said: “There were moments of utter joy.
“We are playing two new songs tonight and the one we’re opening with was the moment when I felt, ‘Oh my God, we’ve pulled it back’.
“I had a little moment. I did most of the bass lying down on a comfortable sofa and it made me stand up, jump up and down. I lost it. It was wonderful.”
The song, called St Charles’ Square, is truly excellent and proves that despite their lengthy break from music, Blur are back — and they are better than ever.
Following their warm-up gigs, including in Eastbourne on Sunday night, Wolverhampton next Friday and Newcastle on May 28, they will go to Wembley stadium for two huge shows on July 8 and 9.
Alex said of the live shows: “We have stripped it right back to basics. It’s just the four of us.”
Damon continued: “That is how we wanted to play live too.
“We imagine Wembley as us at our purest and most uncomplicated.
“The original intention, not the one you get carried away with once you become a big band.
“How we play tonight [in Colchester] is how we will play at Wembley but, hopefully, we presume it will be better there
“But the intention, the reason we are doing it, is the same whether it is here or there.”
Blur had a string of No1 albums in the Nineties and Noughties and hit singles including Tender and Country House. And last night’s concert was packed with nostalgia.
If you are lucky enough to have a ticket to any of their upcoming shows, I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Beckhams hedge bets for privacy
DAVID and Victoria Beckham have come up with a novel way to keep nosy Soho Farmhouse members from peeping into their Cotswolds home.
I can reveal the couple are shelling out thousands of pounds to beef up security at their country mansion and adding “instant hedges” after complaining about prying eyes from the trendy members’ retreat at the end of their lane.
It follows reports that the issue had become so annoying that Posh and Becks had even considered upping sticks and selling the place entirely.
Work has already begun at the multi-million-pound pad, with a 3m-tall barrier created from individual installed hedge plants around the rear of the estate which backs on to the farmhouse.
The couple’s home was previously in full view across the field from the VIP members’ club, which is popular with the likes of Harry Styles and Dua Lipa.
But thanks to their bespoke topiary, it will now be almost impossible for fans to catch a glimpse through the new hedges.
A source said: “The Beckhams were planning on selling up in January but it looks like they have found a solution to their problems.
“Big hedges will help shield them from prying eyes and keep any excess noise out.”
How the other half live indeed.
Robbie on the mothership
ROBBIE WILLIAMS says his obsession with UFOs and aliens was sparked by his mum, Janet.
The Angels singer says that when he was younger, his mother “considered herself a white witch”.
Robbie said: “When I grew up, outside of my mother’s bedroom was a shelf of books and in those books were folklores and fairy tales. I think my mum considered herself somewhat of a white witch.
“So there were all of these interesting books that were mind-expanding. At my grandma’s there were books like ‘UFOs Over London’.”
He added of his own beliefs about the unexplained and supernatural: “I’m checking in with UFO Twitter.
“From 2005 and 2006, when it was the wild, wild west of the internet, it was a wonderful place to go.
“Where I stand on it all is that my mind is open and everything is on the table. I don’t believe in anything, but if people want to come and say that things happened to them then I’ll say, ‘Well, that’s interesting.’
“But it’s not a hill I’m going to go and die on – ‘Well, I think this, and this is definitely happening’ – because nobody knows.”
It’s too hot fur Rita
RITA ORA can’t decide if she is Hot Right Now in the latest video for new single Praising You.
Dressing for all weathers, Rita mixes a slashed strap top and mini skirt with a floor length faux fur coat.
The clip, shot by director Joseph Kahn, is the second video for the Fatboy Slim collaboration, which samples his hit Praise You.
The song is the second single from Rita’s upcoming third album You & I – which she has likened to an open diary about finding The One in director Taika Waititi.
The couple secretly tied the knot last summer in London.
Rita says she hopes to have a bash to celebrate the nuptials in the near future.
I can only assume her outfit for the occasion will be as wacky as this one.
Jessie J’s big news
CONGRATULATIONS to Jessie J, who has given birth to a son.
The Do It Like A Dude singer took to Instagram last night to announce the happy news.
Jessie said: “A week ago my whole life changed. My son entered the world and my heart grew twice the size.
“The feeling is indescribable. I am flying in love. He is magic. He is all my dreams come true. He is my world.
“He and I are both doing great. I am soaking up every second and still can’t believe he is real, here and mine.”
Brit School graduate Jessie added: “I am so grateful for all of you who have followed my journey.
“Thank you for your continued love and support.”
Becoming a parent is amazing and I’m sure Jessie will be a great mum.
Winner Loreen in Tatt-two
LOREEN has hit No2 in the singles charts with her Eurovision winner Tattoo as Ellie Goulding and Calvin Harris hold on to No1 with Miracle.
The Swedish singer said in an exclusive chat: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed by all the love and support that I’m receiving right now – especially from my UK friends who’ve been with me since day one.”
Loreen, who will play Brixton’s Mighty Hoopla festival on June 4, isn’t the only Eurovision star to make an assault on the top ten of the UK singles chart this week
Finland’s Kaarija is at No6 with Cha Cha Cha, UK entrant Mae Muller reached No9 with I Wrote A Song, while Italian singer Alesandra’s Queen Of Kings charted at No10.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Netta has recorded her version of Dead Or Alive’s 1985 classic You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) which she performed during the show’s interval last week.
Eurovision fever is still very much alive.
Out of quite a Lott
PIXIE LOTT is still top of the crops with her new short hairdo.
The Mama Do singer wore a bright red dress as she partied at a BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund bash at events hub 180 The Strand.
Pixie and model Oliver Cheshire finally married last year after having to change their wedding date three times because of the pandemic.
She clearly still has that married glow as the pair prepare to celebrate their first anniversary on June 6.
Early look
ANNE-MARIE has dropped the title track from her forthcoming album Unhealthy.
The Essex gal has teamed up with US country legend Shania Twain for the new single.
Anne-Marie’s accompanying album is out on July 28 and will see her embark on a massive arena tour of the UK including a major date at London’s O2 in November.
Also on my new music radar is LF System’s Dancing Shoes (Take Me Higher).
The Scottish duo have a massive summer lined up, with slots at Glastonbury, TRNSMT, Parklife and Reading & Leeds festivals, to name just a few.