blur announce their first album in 8 years 'The Ballad of Darren'
It features 10 tracks
blur will release their first studio album in eight years, ‘The Ballad of Darren’, on Friday 21st July 2023 via Parlophone Records.
Produced by James Ford and recorded at Studio 13, London and Devon, ‘The Ballad of Darren’ follows 2015’s comeback album ‘The Magic Whip’, which stormed straight to Number 1 in the UK.
The 10-track record’s visually striking artwork features an image of an empty swimming pool against a stormy sky, which was captured by British photographer Martin Parr.
Ahead of the album's release, blur have premiered the lead single ‘The Narcissist’, which you can listen to here:
Commenting on ‘The Ballad of Darren’, blur’s Damon Albarn said: “This is an aftershock record, reflection and comment on where we find ourselves now.”
Guitarist Graham Coxon added: “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.”
Bassist Alex James commented: “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.”
Drummer Dave Rowntree said: “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.”
‘The Ballad of Darren’ album announcement comes a day before the band kick off their intimate four-date May 2023 UK tour with a special homecoming gig at Colchester Arts Centre.
blur’s completely sold-out gig at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 8th July features support from Self Esteem and Jockstrap.
Limited tickets still remain to the second date on Sunday 9th July, which features Paul Weller, The Selecter, and Snooker legend Steve Davis on DJing duties.
Buy blur tickets from Aloud.com
blur's ‘The Ballad of Darren’ tracklist:
- 'The Ballad'
- 'St Charles Square'
- 'Barbaric'
- 'Russian Strings'
- 'The Everglades (For Leonard)'
- 'The Narcissist'
- 'Goodbye Albert'
- 'Far Away Island'
- 'Avalon'
- 'The Heights'
Tours to look forward to in the coming months:
ABBA - 'ABBA Voyage'
ABBA's virtual tour 'ABBA Voyage' started in May 2022. The tour sees the ABBA avatars accompanied by a 10-piece live band, all taking place in a custom-built arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.
The shows were due to run until October 2022, but due popular demand from fans, they will now run until 2026.
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton has announced several dates for May 2024. The singer will perform in Newcastle, Liverpool, Birmingham and Dublin before culminating with two nights at London's world-famous Royal Albert Hall.
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams has announced six dates in the UK for May 2024. His tour includes three nights in London, at the Royal Albert Hall, where he will perform his hit 1996 album '18 til I Die' in full alongside other hits from his distinguished back catalogue.
Bryan Adams' second night will see him shine the spotlight on 1984 album 'Reckless', before he brings the residency to a close on the Wednesday with a performance of his latest album, 2022's 'So Happy It Hurts,' alongside other tracks.
The Eagles
The Eagles have announced they will be performing three nights at the brand new music venue in Manchester, Co-op Live Arena. The band will be in the UK for three nights in May and June 2024.
Madness
Madness, the band behind 'One Step Beyond' and 'Our House' have announced they'll be going on tour in 2024 for a 19-date summer tour - with dates running from June to August.
Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys have announced an extension to their 'Dreamworld – The Greatest Hits Live' tour with June 2024 dates. They will be performing in Glasgow, Nottingham, Birmingham, Manchester and Belfast.
Nile Rodgers & Chic
Nile Rodgers & Chic have announced a summer tour, due to take place in June and July 2024, supported by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Deco.
ZZ Top
ZZ Top announce first UK show in five years, the show will take place at London OVO Arena Wembley on Thursday 11th July 2024.
Texas
Texas have added an extra date to their UK arena tour due to phenomenal demand. Sharleen Spiteri and co. will now kick off their tour with a newly announced show at London's The O2 on 5th September 2024.
Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson has announced four UK dates for her 'Together Again 2024 tour', in September and October. The singer will welcome special guest Wyclef Jean at all dates except for London, which has not yet been announced.
Paul Carrack
Paul Carrack announced a tour for 2024 just days after finishing his 2023 tour dates. Paul's 2024 'How Long Tour' - which celebrates 50 years since the release of his best-known song of the same name - will see him perform 20 shows throughout September and October 2024.
Adam Ant
Adam Ant has announced 17 dates for a tour in October and November 2024. The singer had 22 hit singles and won the first BRIT Award!
Hue and Cry
Hue and Cry have announced their 40th anniversary tour will take place in October and November 2024. The band, consisting of brothers Patrick and Gregory Kane, are best-known for their hits 'Labour of Love' and 'Looking For Linda'.
Squeeze
Squeeze have announced a huge tour taking place in October and November 2024 to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Lulu
Although the legendary Lulu shocked fans with her retirement announcement earlier in 2024, the singer revealed she will be extending her 'Champagne For Lulu' tour, adding 10 new dates to the trek. Lulu will be hitting the road again in November 2024, with dates running from Sunday 3rd - Monday 18th.
The Corrs
The Corrs will be going on tour in November 2024 with special guest, Natalie Imbruglia. The siblings will be taking to the road in November 2024, starting their tour in Belfast, before travelling across the UK and Ireland and ending in Sheffield on 18th November.
Lightning Seeds
Liverpudlian serial hitmakers the Lightning Seeds will celebrate their 35th anniversary in 2024 with an extensive UK & Ireland tour. The tour will take place across November and December 2024.
The Human League
The Human League, Philip Oakey, Joanne Catherall and Susan Anne Sulley, will perform eight huge arena shows in the run-up to Christmas 2024 on the 'Generations 2024 tour'. They will be supported on all dates by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and T'Pau.
Wet Wet Wet with special guest Heather Small - 2025
Wet Wet Wet have announced they will be going on touch in 2025 with special guest Heather Small. The band will be touring in January, February and October 2025.
Jason Donovan - 2025
Jason Donovan has announced a huge tour for 2025 to celebrate 35 years in entertainment. Shows begin in February 2025, running through to the end of March.
Mike + The Mechanics - 2025
Mike + The Mechanics have announced their 'Looking Back - Living The Years 2025 Tour', performing across the country in March and April 2025, including dates in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Manchester, Sheffield, and Birmingham, before finishing in London at the Royal Albert Hall.
Gabrielle - 2025
Gabrielle has announced a tour for 2025 called 'A Place In Your Heart'. The singer will be playing 10 UK dates, starting in Glasgow on 2nd April 2025, playing at locations such as Newcastle, Birmingham, Manchester, and more before ending in Bournemouth on 19th April 2025.
Simply Red - 2025
Simply Red have announced they will be going on tour to celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2025. The band will be performing 12 gigs in September and October 2025.
Now read:
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