Damon Albarn, the frontman of the iconic British band Blur, has announced that the band will be going on hiatus.
Following a successful reunion and the release of their ninth studio album 'The Ballad Of Darren' earlier this year, Blur, consisting of Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James, and drummer Dave Rowntree, recently completed their last scheduled shows in South America.
In a recent interview with the French publication Les Inrockuptibles, Albarn expressed that while the reunion and album were fulfilling, he finds it overwhelming to continue. “It is time to wrap up this campaign,” Albarn stated.
“It’s too much for me. It was the right thing to do and an immense honor to play these songs again, spend time with these guys, make an album, blah-blah-blah.”
Albarn emphasized that he isn’t completely closing the door on Blur, acknowledging the success and joy of their recent activities, but he clarified that he doesn't want to dwell on the past.
In the meantime, Albarn is directing his creative energies towards other projects. He revealed plans to work on an opera set to be presented in Paris next year and a new Gorillaz album, reuniting with Jamie Hewlett in India for the endeavor.
Graham Coxon, Blur’s guitarist, is also keeping busy with his band The Waeve, which includes former Pipettes member Rose Elinor Dougall. They are scheduled to tour the UK as the opening act for Elbow.
Blur’s recent album 'The Ballad Of Darren' received positive reviews for its emotive and nostalgic essence. NME, in their review, praised the album for its ability to transport listeners to specific moments or emotions, noting the magical quality of their recordings.
This announcement marks another pause for Blur, a band that has navigated several hiatuses and reunions since their rise to fame in the 1990s.
