It wasn't easy, but nothing is: after reuniting for some shows in the UK and this year's The Ballad of Darren, Damon Albarn has admitted that he thinks it's time for Blur to go back on hiatus.
In an interview with French magazine Les Inrockuptibles [via Far Out], Albarn said that he's ready to "wrap up this campaign" of the Britpop greats' first new album in eight years. "It's too much for me," the musician said, likely while smoking a cigarette. "It was the right thing to do and an immense honour to play these songs again, spend time with these guys, make an album, blah-blah-blah."
Albarn added, "I'm not saying I won't do it again, it was a beautiful success, but I'm not dwelling on the past," so all hope of more Blur might not be lost — just don't expect more from them any time soon. After all, Albarn is gearing up for the next Gorillaz record, following this year's Cracker Island, and presenting the opera he's written in Paris next year.
As for the rest of the band, guitarist Graham Coxon will be touring with the Weave — his band with his partner, Rose Elinor Dougall — and bassist Alex James has his Britpop sparkling wine to keep the spirit(s) alive. Drummer Dave Rowntree will almost certainly continue being Dave Rowntree, having released his debut solo album earlier this year.
Blur wrapped up their touring commitments behind The Ballad of Darren with November festival appearances at Mexico City's Corona Capital and Primavera Sound in Chile and Argentina.
In an interview with French magazine Les Inrockuptibles [via Far Out], Albarn said that he's ready to "wrap up this campaign" of the Britpop greats' first new album in eight years. "It's too much for me," the musician said, likely while smoking a cigarette. "It was the right thing to do and an immense honour to play these songs again, spend time with these guys, make an album, blah-blah-blah."
Albarn added, "I'm not saying I won't do it again, it was a beautiful success, but I'm not dwelling on the past," so all hope of more Blur might not be lost — just don't expect more from them any time soon. After all, Albarn is gearing up for the next Gorillaz record, following this year's Cracker Island, and presenting the opera he's written in Paris next year.
As for the rest of the band, guitarist Graham Coxon will be touring with the Weave — his band with his partner, Rose Elinor Dougall — and bassist Alex James has his Britpop sparkling wine to keep the spirit(s) alive. Drummer Dave Rowntree will almost certainly continue being Dave Rowntree, having released his debut solo album earlier this year.
Blur wrapped up their touring commitments behind The Ballad of Darren with November festival appearances at Mexico City's Corona Capital and Primavera Sound in Chile and Argentina.
