In a recent interview with NME, Graham Coxon, the guitarist of Blur, discussed the band's renewed activity and their latest project, the concert film Live At Wembley Stadium. Coxon emphasized the urgency for the band to keep making music, stating, "We can't leave it too long because we're knocking on!" The film follows the band's journey of reconnecting through their 2023 comeback album, The Ballad Of Darren, and culminates in their triumphant shows at Wembley Stadium.
The August release of To The End, a documentary directed by Toby L, preceded the concert film. The documentary explores the band's dynamics, the emotional struggles of lead singer Damon Albarn following a personal split, and the complexities of reuniting after years apart. Coxon reflected on how the band's differences, highlighted in the documentary, fuel their creativity and emotional expression.
Coxon also recounted their Coachella performance, where Albarn's pointed remarks toward the audience generated headlines, noting the challenges of festival environments.
Both films, To The End and Live At Wembley Stadium, provide a stark contrast to Blur's earlier retrospectives, showcasing a band that is still grappling with their past while finding strength in their current unity. When asked about the band's future, Coxon indicated that while there are no solid plans yet, they are open to possibilities, stating, "Creatively, we'll always be able to do something, but it's important that we live life for a bit."
While reminiscing on their Wembley gigs, Coxon labeled them the best of their career, stating their confidence and the technology available today allowed for an unforgettable experience. He expressed gratitude for the journey and the band’s cohesion.
The films are currently available in cinemas, as Blur continues to navigate their legacy and future projects together. Fans can look forward to Coxon's upcoming work with his band The Waeve, releasing their second album, City Lights, on September 20.
For more details, check out NME.