Blur Announce Surprise New Album Ahead Of Live Dates

by | May 19, 2023

The Damon Albarn-fronted Britpop innovators Blur will release their first album in 8 years, titled The Ballad of Darren and comprising 10 new tracks, on 21st July on Parlophone.

Blur (Reuben Bastienne-Lewis)

Blur (Reuben Bastienne-Lewis)

Produced by James Ford and recorded at Studio 13, London and Devon, The Ballad of Darren is the band’s ninth studio album, their first since the chart-topping The Magic Whip in 2015, with artwork featuring an image by British photographer Martin Parr.

Blur (Kevin Westenberg)

Blur (Kevin Westenberg)
Blur (Kevin Westenberg)

Of the new L.P. Albarn says: “This is an aftershock record, reflection and comment on where we find ourselves now.” Guitarist and vocalist Graham Coxon adds “The older and madder we get, it becomes more essential that what we play is loaded with the right emotion and intention. Sometimes just a riff doesn’t do the job.”

Check out new tune The Narcissist below:

Bass man Alex James says: “For any long term relationship to last with any meaning you have to be able to surprise each other somehow and somehow we all continue to do that.” while sticksman Dave Rowntree added “It always feels very natural to make music together. With every record we do, the process reveals something new and we develop as a band. We don’t take that for granted.”

This week’s surprise announcement comes ahead of the band’s return to the place where it all began – Colchester, Essex – for their first ever performance at local landmark Colchester Arts Centre tonight, marking the start of a short run of warm-up performances which will see the blur visit Eastbourne Winter Gardens on 21st May, The Halls Wolverhampton on 26th May and O2 City Hall Newcastle on 28th May.

Blur (Kevin Westenberg)

Blur (Kevin Westenberg)
Blur (Kevin Westenberg)

These warm-up dates are kicking off a summer of highly-anticipated live shows which will bring Alex James, Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon and Dave Rowntree together again to perform their iconic and much-loved songs across Europe over the coming months. The band’s first ever show at London’s Wembley Stadium on Saturday 8th July sold out in minutes – with a second Wembley Stadium show added for Sunday 9th July.

UK LIVE DATES

MAY
19th – Arts Centre, Colchester
21st – Winter Gardens, Eastbourne
26th – The Halls, Wolverhampton
28th – O2 City Hall, Newcastle

JULY
8th – Wembley Stadium
9th – Wembley Stadium

Duran Duran Bring Hits And Deep Cuts To The O2

Gracie Abrams (Julie Greve)

Gracie Abrams Announces Third Album ‘Daughter From Hell’ And Unveils Lead Single ‘Hit The Wall’

Gracie Abrams is entering a bold new era with the announcement of her third studio album Daughter From Hell, set for release on 17th July. Alongside the announcement, the GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter has also shared the album’s lead single, Hit The Wall, offering fans a first glimpse into what promises to be another emotionally charged and deeply personal collection.

Dan + Shay (Press)

Dan + Shay Announce Deeply Personal New Album ‘Young’ And Share Inspiring Title Track

Country-pop superstars Dan + Shay have unveiled details of their highly anticipated sixth studio album Young, set for release on 21st August. Alongside the announcement, the GRAMMY®-winning duo have shared the album’s heartfelt title track, offering fans an emotional first glimpse into what promises to be their most intimate record to date.

Issac Ryan Brown (Nedim Nazerali)

Issac Ryan Brown Keeps Momentum Surging With Infectious New Single ‘Life Of The Party’

Issac Ryan Brown’s rapid ascent continues with the release of his vibrant new single Life Of The Party, a glossy pop-R&B anthem that further establishes the 20-year-old as one of the genre’s most exciting breakout stars.

Jamie Grey (Press)

Jamie Grey Channels Heartfelt Honesty On New Single ‘Unequivocal’

Rising UK singer-songwriter Jamie Grey continues to cement his reputation as one of Britain’s most emotionally authentic new voices with the release of his powerful new single, Unequivocal.

Jesse Roper (Danielle Lindenlaub & Kim Jay of Ethos Imagery)

Jesse Roper Turns Up The Heat With Fiery New EP ‘Daisy Wake Up’

Canadian singer-songwriter Jesse Roper is continuing his steady rise on both sides of the Atlantic with the release of his brand-new EP Daisy Wake Up, a six-track collection that finds the acclaimed guitarist and storyteller leaning fully into his love of gritty blues-rock and high-energy Americana.

Headwreck (Press)

Headwreck Join EMPIRE And Unleash Explosive New Single ‘Raindrops’

Australian nu-metal rising stars Headwreck have taken another major step towards international breakout success, announcing a new partnership with independent powerhouse EMPIRE alongside the release of their ferocious new single, Raindrops.

Bruce Foxton @ Cadogan Hall (Louise Phillips)

Bruce Foxton & Chris Difford Bring Nostalgia And Charm To London’s Cadogan Hall

There are few venues in London better suited to an evening of sharp songwriting and classic British wit than the wonderfully elegant Cadogan Hall. For the first of two nights at the venue, Bruce Foxton and special guest Chris Difford delivered a show steeped in nostalgia, humour and timeless songs that have long since become woven into the fabric of British music culture. While Difford provided warmth and charm through a career-spanning opening set, Foxton and his band revisited the enduring catalogue of The Jam with the confidence and polish of musicians who know exactly what their audience wants.

Brian Fallon (Danny Clinch)

Brian Fallon Returns With First Solo Music In Over Five Years On ‘Not Bad For New Jersey’ And ‘Better Before’

Brian Fallon has returned with his first original solo material in more than five years, unveiling two brand-new tracks: Not Bad For New Jersey and Better Before. Released via Fallon’s own Lesser Known Records, the songs mark a fresh chapter for the New Jersey songwriter while reconnecting with the heartland rock and power-pop sensibilities that have defined his career both as a solo artist and as frontman of The Gaslight Anthem.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing