Blur’s first concert since 2000 is happening in London this Saturday, and to whet peoples’ appetites–and make Americans who don’t have the type of spending money to jet across the Atlantic to see Blur for a weekend insanely jealous–they’ve posted footage of themselves rehearsing three songs online: “Song 2,” “For Tomorrow,” and “Death Of A Party.” But as many astute YouTube observers noted, lead singer Damon Albarn is wearing a backpack during the test run of “Song 2.” Why would that be? Are there weights in there to help him get in shape for what might be a hyperactive performance of the most unlikely jock jam? Is he hoping to bring back raving? Did he really not want to lose his keys? So many mysteries. Video after the jump! More »
Video footage of Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon… More »
xOasis, Alex Turner, MGMT, and Muse were the big winners at tonight’s NME Shockwaves Awards in London, which also doled out awards to the Killers (Best International Band), the Jonas Brothers (Worst Band and Worst Album), and YouTube (Best Web site) in between performances by half of Blur, Franz Ferdinand, and the Cure. Also honored and dishonored: newly minted U.S. President Barack Obama, who won Hero Of The Year honors, and recently departed Commander-In-Chief George W. Bush, who was named 2008’s villain. Full list of winners after the ump.
Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon reunited onstage… More »
This week’s NME leads with the revelation that Blur is planning to reunite, news that’s been speculated over ever since, well, the day they took a break from putting out music together. So far Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree are only lined up to play one gig—next July in London’s Hyde Park—but already rumors that a Glastonbury appearance is in the cards are thick as well. “It just felt it was right again,” Albarn told the NME. “It somehow feels like there’s something for us to do again, we’re not completely useless or pointless, we’ve got a reason to exist.”