Blur bassist Alex James has weighed in on the possibility of the iconic Britpop band reuniting again, suggesting that any future plans hinge on the activities of their long-time rivals, Oasis. Speaking on Radio X, James told Chris Moyles that Blur would need to "let Oasis get their stuff out of the way" before contemplating another comeback, a remark that fuels ongoing speculation about future Oasis tours, particularly a rumoured run in 2027 following their current Live '25 dates.
James's comments come after Blur's successful, albeit brief, return to the stage in 2023, which included two significant concerts at London's Wembley Stadium, culminating in performances at Coachella in 2024. He described these recent shows as a positive experience, noting that, for the first time, the band concluded a tour cycle without any internal strife. This marks a departure from previous periods, where tours often ended with members expressing discontent.
The bassist, who recently attended Damon Albarn's Gorillaz show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, drew a parallel to the film 'La La Land' when discussing the current state of Blur members pursuing individual projects. He acknowledged that while the band's last performances were "a long time ago now," the door isn't entirely closed for future collaborations, provided it remains enjoyable and doesn't become 'overcooked'.
The historical rivalry between Blur and Oasis, a defining feature of the 1990s Britpop era, was also implicitly referenced. When Moyles jokingly suggested Blur should have headlined Knebworth for Oasis's 30th anniversary, James humorously responded, "Honestly, I don't want to poke that hornet's nest again, trust me!" This highlights the enduring, albeit now more playful, dynamic between the two groups and their respective fanbases.
Fellow Blur member Graham Coxon previously spoke to NME about the band's future, suggesting they "can't leave it too long" before returning due to their age, but also emphasised the importance of individual members living their lives to gather new experiences. Coxon stated that such experiences could provide fresh material should the band decide to create new music together. This perspective aligns with James's view of not forcing a reunion, ensuring that any future endeavour is authentic and enjoyable for all involved.
Source: Radio X, NME