Xclusive Interview

Graham has managed to carve himself a substantial niche in the market of cool of late, what with being labelled 'New God of New Mod' and even simply 'God' in certain circles, it is time to find out a few home truths about the man with the highest voice in pop - step forward Pauline Coxon, Graham's mum:

Has Graham had a profound musical talent from a very early age?

Yes. He's always loved music, and not only pop. As his father is a professional musician, this must be where his talent comes from, although his taste is more like mine - pop wise that is.

Did he inherit his sense of humour from any of you in particular?

Both I think. We are both very fun-loving people.

How did you feel about him dropping out of university early in order to pursue Seymour/blur? Were you always confident in the group's ability to be successful?

He could have returned to university if things didn't work. A chance like that rarely comes more than once, so it was a case of grabbing it while it was there. I believe we gave him the encouragement and support they needed quiet happily, and believed in them.

Was being a guitarist Graham's main ambition when he was growing up or did he want to pursue something more art-orientated?

Graham always wanted to be a 'Pop Star', although there was a short period when he said he would stay with art and just enjoy his music, but it didn't last long. He learned the saxophone first, then played drums for a time before picking up his sister's acoustic guitar and teaching himself to play.

Have your lives changed drastically in the wake of blurs success? I mean, do you get mobbed by blur fans in Colchester or anything?

No. So far we've managed to keep quite a low profile. We do get a few fans on the telephone as you know.

In the march issue of "Q" magazine, it says that Graham's first crush was on Floella Benjamin, and that he used to rush home "to see Play School with a large glass of chocolate Nesquik." Is this true?

Yes. I worked for the Nestle company then and we always had Nesquik in the cupboard.

What is your favourite blur album and track? Why are they your favourites in particular?

I enjoy all of their music really, so this is difficult. "Parklife" The album is brilliant because of the variety. I think I particularly like "To The End" - it makes me go all cold,. "This is a low" is very cleverly written. "Parklife" the single is fun.

How do you get on with the rest of blur? Which is your favourite member (apart from Graham, of course) and why?

I don't have a favourite. They're all great people and we get on really well.

Finally, how do you feel about the last year? How do you feel about the last year? How can you sum up how it has made you feel and changed your lives?

Our lives haven't changed yet. We are naturally extremely proud parents, as are the parents of the other members of the group. We are now hoping that there success continues and that they manage to cope with fame. I'm sure they will, they're very level-headed people and far too nice for it to spoil them (she says hopefuly!!)