Blur will reconvene in July 2023 for their first headline event since 2015, which will also be their first performance at Wembley Stadium in London. Drummer Dave Rowntree explained why the band members are so pleased to reunite.
Blur drummer Dave Rowntree told that performing at Wembley Stadium was a “bucket list” opportunity that was “difficult to turn down.”
Shortly after the Britpop band’s announcement that they will perform a one-off show at the arena in 2023, the guitarist claimed that the concert’s organization “came down to the wire.”
Rowntree will reunite with his Blur comrades Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, and Alex James for their first headline concert since 2015 – and their first-ever performance at the England football team’s home – in July.
Rowntree stated that the production of the play took a lengthy time.
“It turns out that it is quite tough to organize something like this, what with the technical resources, the employees, and the playing locations. All of these items are in extremely limited supply.
“So it came down to the wire, but it’s difficult to refuse an offer like that.
“We’ve done about everything possible as a band… what an iconic place, what an iconic theatre. It is simply quite exciting.”
Rowntree, a former Labour councilor, stated that while Blur had previously performed at Wembley Arena, it would be a first for the band to perform at Wembley Stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 90,000.
“It’s one of those iconic locations that are secretly on your bucket list, even if you pretend they aren’t,” he said, adding, “I sincerely hope we’re a band that can fill a stadium like that. I do not wish for there to be four individuals and a dog.”
The Conflict for Britpop
Blur rose to prominence in the 1990s, releasing their debut album Leisure in 1991, followed by Modern Life Is Rubbish in 1993, and finally Parklife in 1994.
It was the first in a string of five consecutive number-one albums and a string of hit singles, including Country House, Charmless Man, Beetlebum, Song 2, Tender, and Coffee & TV, that helped shape British music during the 2000s.
The release of Country House and Roll With It by rivals Oasis on the same day in 1995 spawned the “Battle of Britpop,” with Blur claiming the top spot on the UK charts.
Rowntree joked that Blur is now “kind of embarrassing grandfathers” in the music industry, but that he was looking forward to playing the hits once again.
You only get to play for an hour and a half at these massive concerts, so almost all of that time will be devoted to songs that fans won’t let us leave the stadium without performing,” he said. “However, I believe we will attempt to include a few surprises.
“I recall that once when we skipped Song 2, the audience refused to leave. They felt taken advantage of.”
Rowntree stated that nerves can persist even after so many years.
“These days, the nerves arrive about half an hour before a performance,” he said. “I go from being quite relaxed, lounging around reading a book, to suddenly sitting bolt upright, pacing the room, and uttering, “Oh my God!” half an hour before the performance. What if I am unable to recall the songs?”
And while he claims that the bandmates “don’t go to each other’s residences every night like we used to,” they remain excellent friends who support one another.
“Damon is constantly engaged in numerous intriguing activities. Alex hosts an annual festival that we all attend, and Graham also has a variety of projects in the works.
The fact that we all reside in different parts of the country makes it all the more enjoyable when we do get together.
On Saturday, July 8, fans can witness them performing at Wembley Stadium alongside British rapper Slowthai, Mercury Prize finalist Self Esteem, and London-based electro-pop duo Jockstrap.
Tickets go on sale on November 18 at 10 a.m.
