"Face" the movie starring Damon is now available on video hire in the UK. A retail release is November 98.
All future Transcopic releases including the next release Tran 002 (Sugar Bum/Tears From A Willow by Ooberman) will be available through the Rough Trade shop.
In the latest issue of blurb there's an excellent t:shirt sale. So if you're not a member join now!!.
blur have been CONFIRMED for this years Glastonbury Festival. blur will host the Main Stage on the Saturday evening. The date will be June 27. (May 8)
Seymour photos hit Melody Maker in this week's issue with a cracking yet un-unique photo of Graham and Damon. The photo's listed in the Steve Lamacq section. NME never turned up at my door today. (Paperboys just aren't the same as when I where a lad!)
Clubbers and listeners to Pete Tong's show on radio one (May 7) will no doubt have heard remix's of song 2. These have so far been released only on white labels, and have not been approved by blur.
Alex is part of an all star cast that contributes to the new Duffy album, "I Love My Friends" - out now on Cooking Vinyl Records. It's practically a Me Me Me reunion as Justin Welsch also contributes drums, along with the other guests, Aimee Mann and Andy Partridge. Also, following in the footsteps of Dave Rowntree Alex is now learning to fly - and he recently spoke to The Idler Magazine about how he found his new hobby.
The ever-so "Popular-Popscene" has recently been released in Australia as a double "A" sided CD single (7243 8 851542 9), also featuring On Your Own, and two remix's of D.O.A.P. (Well Blurred & Billy Whiskers). The CD sleeve uses the designs from both UK releases, the front using the image of on your own CD2, and the back using the original Popscene design.
Transcopic Records next release will be by a newly signed band. The Liverpool and Bradford based band, "Ooberman" have been described by Transcopic as "Beach Boys arrangements, Zappa wit with 90's pop sensibilities". The two tracks will be available on a double "A" sided 7" released on May 11. The songs "Sugar Bum" and "Tears From A Willow" are actually lifted straight from the bands demo tape, as they were considered so strong.
The labels third signing, the dance duo Control Freaks, will be releasing a 12" in May/June. Keep tuned for more info here and at Transcopic - Merchandise will be available soon.
Stuart MaConie has been approached by blur to write to an authorised text-heavy biography of the band. More info here soon.
The latest edition of blurb 10 (May 5) has now been sent out to all members with some pretty exciting news. If you're not a member and would like to join then click here and begin to realise the sights, sounds and news about blur you've been missing out on since the day She's So High hit the UK chart. (Overseas members welcome too!)
Damon was "chuckled at" by The Sun newspaper this week for going to the wrong cinema for the premiere of "Gummo". He was apparently spotted with Justine and a tub of popcorn when they should've been at the Curzon around the corner.
Damon's listed 29th in this weeks melody maker (April 18th). The list is regarding the coolest 50 things you must do before the year 2000. Damon gained the position because he said "Once, I travelled around Spain and I never said a word to anyone the whole time I was there. That was quiet a feat. But I really enjoyed it, not talking to anyone and being completely invisible. It made me feel quiet strong".
Phil Daniel's is playing an acoustic set at a new monthly club, "Heat", at London's ICA on April 17. Tickets are £4-5 and can be ordered on 0171-930 3647.
Damon, who led the celebrity six-a-side team, also including Phil Daniel's, in a match on the Stamford Bridge pitch against the Chelsea Disabled Football club on April 3 won 1-0. Robbie Williams was a guest player on Damon's team.
blur will be among those competing in this years Music Industry Soccer Six tournament, to be held at London's Mile End Stadium on May 17. Challengers hoping to wrest the trophy from last years winners blur at Fulham FC will include Robbie Williams, Mark Owen, Space, Stereophonics, OCS, Levellers, Fat Boy Paul Gallagher, Reef, Dawn of The Replicants, 3 Colours Red and Headswim. Tickets are available from Virgin Box Office, £10.
Paul, director of Graham Coxon Shake It All The Way-Ay-Ay managed to get his voice aired over the country today (April 8th). Paul told the marvellous Jo Willey on Radio 1 about the memorabilia he had picked up from blurs after shows, gigs and on the street meetings. Jo thought that Alex's cigarette in the jar was most humorous. (Tuesday March 8)
Damon was apparently (unconfirmed) turned away from Arab Strap's gig in London, after Damon arrived after the guest list had closed, during the week. (week starting April 6)
Meanwhile counterpart Graham turned out to watch fellow UK tour supporting band and big mates of my'n "The Warm Jets". Graham was with Paul Kaye. (week starting April 6)
Damons debut film experience last November in the film "Face" is due for VHS release in MAY of this year. Damon, who played run-a-way driver Jason, played a short but sweet role in a gripping film at a bunch of thugs trying to steal a batch load of hard core cash. The cinema screenings ran for about tree to four days and was lucky to see the film.
A spokeswoman told Graham Coxon Shake It All The Way-Ay-Ay that the video will be available to buy and hire in all good music and video outlets. A price unconfirmed is to retail at £12.99.
Damon and Graham are to team up with '60's American duo The Silver Apples for their appearance at the Meltdown Festival at the London Royal Festival Hall on July 5.
Damon and Graham asked to play with The Silver Apples through Meltdown organiser John Peel when they heard the duo were appearing.
Commenting on the collaboration, Peel said: "We left it up to the people concerned to sort out what they wanted to do. I was quiet pleased blur didn't feel like playing as blur but that two of them were eager to do something with somebody else."
Tickets are on sale now priced at £8-15.
Early recordings by Damon and a live tape and soundcheck of blur dating from 1989 when they were known as Seymour will go up for auction at Christie's on April 30.
The tapes have been entered for auction by Beat Factory Studio owner Graeme Holdaway. He had a management contract with Damon for two-and-a-half years during which the singer demoed and recorded a number of songs, some of them with Graham and Dave.
The recordings span the period from June '87 to late-'89. They comprise about 12 hours of digital and multi-track recordings in a wide range of styles. Graham plays saxophone on a number of the songs.
There is also a soundcheck and live recording from a Seymour gig in Colchester in the summer of 1989.
The recordings are being offered without artist's consent, so the buyer will not be able to commercially release them.
Holdaway told NME: "I last talked to Damon about these tapes two years. He asked me how much I wanted for them and I mentioned a figure which he thought was too high. He said, 'Let's gets together and talk about it.' I wrote him a letter but haven't heard anything since."
Holdaway said the ale was not prompted by the news of the Gallagher tape but had been planned since last year. The Gallagher tape, which is also on auction, is expected to reach between £4,000-£6,000 while the Albarn recordings are set at a considerably higher £25,000.
The thing is, it's not just a cassette it's fully professional 24-track stuff," Holdaway said.
Damon appeared on the "Mark & Lard" show on Tuesday. Damon filled in on the two-hour slot on Radio 1 in place of Mark Radcliffe who unfortunately couldn't be with us. Damon hinted on particular songs, subjects and the forthcoming year. A copy of the show can be purchased on request at Graham Coxon Shake It All The Way-Ay-Ay or please forward a suitable exchange
Mark & Lard have confirmed themselves for the V98 bash. More commonly known as "The Shirehorses", Mark & Lard will play the Main Stage on Day 2 at Chelmsford. A full right up to V98, Glastonbury and T In The Park will be brought to you Xclusive from us, as we'll be snoopin' along.
A remix of Popscene, Beetlebum and Song II are allegedly being remixed by unknown artists. No, this isn't Will Orbit and his universe setting up Bustin and Dronin II. These are bands who've obviously been given permission from Food and may even enter the charts so beware if you hear 'em!
A bootleg of blur in Dublin, January 97 is said to be browsing the markets. The bootleg includes the first version of Song II which alike Mr Robinsons Quango was edited by blur before finally being placed into the album. More news on this and other blur bootlegs as soon as we hear it.....
Damon and Graham poster comes free in this months 'Select' magazine. Select, a big fan of blur covered the Peel Acres sesh last year and continual news flashes about the lads.
Also in Select is Damon and Ken Livingstone after their battle to save out student pride in Parliment last February.
Glastonbury tickets went on sale today (March 30th). Priced £80.00 and alike last year no acts will be confirmed until June and tickets are expected to sell within the month.
Graham was presented with "The Coolest Man In Rock Award" in Melody Maker (March 28th). A poster of Graham in New York came with the award winning for all readers, and described Graham as a 'cool talented anorak'. Graham's reason for winning was back to the starshapped days when Graham was knocked over by a car (first time round) and just seemed to refrain himself from screaming, stand and continue smoking the same fag.
Other entries where Richard Ashcroft who came in at 50, Oasis who has Noel win most "Sadest in Rock" and Liam in the mid 30's. Tim Burgess of the Charlatans well deservedly followed Graham in at number 2. Radioheads Thom York and Jonny Greenwood where in there too. If (Johnny Greenwood's in, why isn't Alex? - After all Johnny is a wannabe Alex James!)
Free blur poster in NME (March 28th). The poster dates back to blurs modern life era with a pic. Of Damon spraying the screen and the lads looking onwards. It's a pretty poster and if you didn't get it first time round here's the opportunity!
Graham made a backstage appearance at the Bluetones gig this week (March 24th). Graham was spotted in the bar at the Astoria, London.
Damon's been caught again by the media with Zia from the Dany Warhols. It looks like Shaznay All Saints been kicked into touch, that's the way Damon - play the field!
Graham's "Ligger of The Week" in Melody Maker this week (March 21st). Do we have a bit of competition between Damon and Graham here? Maybe one day they'll bump into each other on their nights out…… or maybe not.
Damon's been voted in the top 50 for the "Sexiest Guy In The World" competition (March edition 98). Damon rolled in the mid thirties as he competed with guys like Ross, Chandler and Joey from the US series Friends, David Beckham and many many more.
The girls magazine "Bliss" provides the winning photo's and on the blur gallery you can see the photo of Damon used. (Under 1998 section).
Damon once again is "Ligger of The Week" in Melody Maker (March 14th). Basically just for his antics in London's City Centres in the evening.
I have managed to pull off a once in a lifetime oportunity for all raving blur fans. Did YOU see blur in Korea prior to their Australia and UK tour? No, well maybe you can see the video of the gig…
It's a bootleg with excellent sound, vision and overall quality. It's a 60 minute set of mainly the self titled album and is yours at £12.00. (not inc postage). For more details email now!!
Damon has been branded a "Randy Dandy" by the Daily Star, which alleges he's having a 'red-hot romance" with The Dandy Warhols' keyboard player, Zia McCabe. Zia, whose trademark breast-baring during her encores has become legendary, was supposedly spotted with Damon at the Warhols' aftershow poarty in London last month.
An onlooker was quoted as saying "He didn't care who spotted them. He was knocking back the booze and enjoying Zia's company." This comes hard after on the heels of another recent tabloid story linking Damon and ALL SAINTS' Shaz at a warehouse party in Hackney.
I say nice on Damon, widen your angle to the female species.
Graham Coxon, has hit Melody Maker (March 21st, 1998). The full page interview is all about him and his new label Telescopic. It's not very interesting because The Maker forwarded some really sh_t questions and Graham just wasn't giving much away.
Damon is to be one of the artists taking part in this years Meltdown Festivaln at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
The experimental arts and music festival is being curated by John Peel and will take place over two weekends. (June 20 & 21 and July 4 & 5). John Peel said, "Damon is going to be in something. He seemed keen on it which was nice. I like Damons attitude - it's more a case of, 'Yeah, lets have a go at that,' rather than, 'You'll have to speak to my people'. Peel said Meltdown will provide a chance for artists to strectch themselves.
Damon & Graham have created a piece of music entitled "101%" using a one minute guitar piece from Thurstone Moore. 30 separate one minute guitar segments have been sent out to various artists for individual interpritation which will be included in a release by Lo Recordings called Root.
blur head into the studio in July for the recording of their sixth album. You could be looking at something very deep but with more emotion than the self titled album which was released last February. (Seems so long ago eh?)
Damon will be playing in this years Football Showbiz XII team against the Chelsea Multi-Disabled team at the cool Stamford Bridge. The game takes place on April 3rd and promises to involve plenty of celebs, followed with entertainment with Alex and The Orb as DJ. There is a small number of tickets available and can be purchased from the box office at Stamford Bridge. Otherwise send a stamped addressed envelope to the blur fan club and they can get into contact with the organisers.
Whether blur will take part in this years Celeb' Football at Fulham FC is unknown. Blur who are the holders after beating Robbie William's Liverpool side in the final last year, have the opportunity to take the field again...more news as it comes on both of these events.
blurs chance of writing the World Cup Song has been beaten by an outsider!, the lead singer of Echo and the Bunnymen. The lead singers demo was obviously impressive compared to Alex's attempt which was actually quiet funny though I only heard the chorus.
Despite rumours there has been no plans for a Death of a Party video release as yet. blur announced in Melody Maker that because each member has been doing so many things at late and the new album still to come there wouldn't be enough time.
The assembly line peoples program first AA side single hit the market last Monday. The singles are really cool, and await the next one in June/July.
Blur are strongly tipped to play their only UK gig of 1998 at the Glastonbury festival on June 26/27/28th. Although the acts will not formally be announced until June tickets go on sale March 30th priced £80 and will sell out within three weeks.
Damon has collaborated with composer Michael Nyman on a Noel Coward song called "London Pride". It will feature on the Coward tribute album being put together by Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys, entitled "20th Century Blues".
Damon has confirmed that he will be writing music for 'Granada A La Luna'. The project composes of classical music accompanying the work of Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca. The release is due in April, 1998.
Radio 1's evening session with Steve Lamacq was out of this world (is that possible?) - Steve LIVE ON AIR called Graham to talk about what he was upto in life at the moment and the Transcopic label. When Steve asked Graham where he was, Graham replied: "I'm in a cupboard, with some petty cash tins which is interesting and a fax machine"...... He also spoke about the other members and how he hadn't seen any of them apart from Damon in a long time, he said someday they'll meet again.......
Radio 1 also played Assembly Line People Programs debut single, a very quirky piece, lot of guitar and vocal - interesting and has Graham written all over it. WELL DONE GRAHAM!
Beware in the post-offices of phonecards of Grahams "Scream They Last Scream" piece of artwork. The artwork celebrates the lifestyle and music composure of Syd Barett. All money raised from the sales will be presented o the War Child Charity.
Damon achieved 3rd in Lager Lout of the week in this weeks 'Melody Maker' - after the performance in Stringfellows night club in London.
Next weeks Melody Maker has 40 free stickers, a couple of blur ones hanging around.
"Blur; and the weirdness works oncemore" is the heading for the NME write upto the Bustin' and Dronin' album this week. A philosophical piece on the blur raves, antics and pre-modernlife is the main body of the article, oh! and of course, a write up on the tracks. An "ok" impression for the remixes and sheer delight for the Peel Acre tracks NME say. Eat sh_t select!
Confirmation today (March 4th) is that the Assembly Line People Program single will be not available on CD, 7" only. Thanks to HMV in Manchester for that help. (March 9th OFFICIAL release, but available from HMV March 6th)
Damon accused Tony Blairs new government of betraying young people over its decision to abolish grants and introduce tuition fees for students. He made his comments during a 15-minute speech at a lobby of Parliament on Wednesday, February 25. A full 2 page write up in this weeks NME. (March 4th)
BLUR hit the SELECT magazine this month. An article on the Alex James and mysterious author is all revealed, and a low-down on the Bustin' and Dronin' compilation is given (March 9th release, UK). Unfortunately the B&D is given a rating of 2 out of 5! - A conspiracy I do believe.
Graham Coxon had a nice week (Feb 28th), he and other band members of THE AUDIENCE and WARM JETS went into Camden on the piss only to be found bladdered in the street!
What about Damons antics at a lap-dancing night in Stringfellow's, when he was 'entertained' by a delightfully appendaged young lady only to reach over to slip a tenner into into her g-string and fall flat on his face at her feet, prompting in response of, "sorry mate, I'm not into the kinky stuff."
Radio 1's evening session with Steve Lamacq this week has been giving copies of the 'Bustin' and Dronin' compilation away if you could answer the question NOT related to blur...one question is even regarding OASIS!
blur's opportunity to take the Brit. Awards by storm again in 1998 failed. Song 2 up for best video and best single was beaten by All Saints. - Blur do still hold the record though, four Brit. awards in one evening. The Verve managed three.
Thank-You John Peel who on Radio 1 Monday evening (9th Feb) told Radio 1 listeners at the Brits he hoped blur won both awards. Also he hopes they'll play Peels back yard again.... bit off a different approach to Reading 1992 when he said it was all 'Dangerous hits of melody?'.....
Graham Coxon's decided to launch his own record label. The name
Transcopic. The Chicago based band; "Assembly Line People Program' have an A-Side single due for release March 9th. (when I grab a copy I'll let you know how good it really is). Graham, who produced the first album said it'll be released this summer. 'It will be about what Graham really wants.' A spokeswoman told NME.
Graham recently attended the Brat Awards at the London Brixton Academy, speaking with NME he said the thing was shyte and over by 8.30pm - oh, and he was also totally pissed off by the fact that the wine wasn't free!
Damon will be among speakers at a lobby of Parliament on Feb 25th. The lobby, organised by Brent East MP Ken Livingstone (voice of Ernold Sane), is against the Governments proposed plan to abolish the student grant and introduce tuition fees.
Damon said "Abolishing grants and imposing tuition fees means that people from the poorest backgrounds will leave education with huge depts and many more will be deterred from becoming students. It's all very well saying that people who benefit from education should pay for it, but everyone benefits from a well-educated population just like they benefit from the health service".
XFM 104.9 present XCLUSIVE INTERVIEW back to back special from 10am to 1pm on Sunday February 15th. With blur!!!
Blur are favourites to write the 1998 WORLD CUP SONG. Also in the running is Pulp, Ocean Colour Scene, Echo and The Bunnymen and The Boo Radleys. According to bookmakers William Hill, blur 6-4, OCS and The Boo Radleys 3-1, Pulp 4-1 and Echo and The Bunnymen 5-1.
Blur are to release a UK version of the 'Bustin and Dronin' remix compilations - previously only available on import via Japan. (Priced at £34.95 in HMV!)
The UK version (DOUBLE CD) will be priced at £16.99 and will be released March 9th. First CD features 9 remixed tracks of self titled album and second features 6 live tracks taken from Peel Acres last year.
Louise Werner of band Sleeper (from Manchester Uni!!!!) was well behaved this year at the New Year bash in Camden...... It was Graham who had been touched by the hand of madness this time round. He was indiscriminately snogging everyone in sight, man, woman or beast!
Over Christmas the gang announced what they'd be doin'. Dave said he'd be on the bog reading a book he picked up in Australia, Graham said he's gonna sort himself out (he keep's hearing noises in his head), Alex wants a pint coz Australia was non stop Champagne and finally Damon's gonna be on the couch watchin' telly.
If you recently read on the blur newsgroup that Damon is dead, then please remove this wicked and horrible rumour from your mind. It's a sick joke posted by some unreal, very odd person.
***Huge news which has rocked the blur fan club, newsgroups and mostly the music mag's is the out break and sudden announcement by Mr Albarn that blur will not be touring again after the final gig in the UK. It comes after an exclusive interview (recorded on tape!!) with Mary Ann Hobs on Radio 1 only 15 minutes prior to the gig at B.A. - After a backing of this announcement by Blur FC it looks like a definate no no to any further tours. Damon said that the next album due for release in 98 needs to be focused closely on and much attention. It is believed that blur will be playing Glastonbury but is still a rumour at this stage.***
Phil Daniel's made a nice return at Brixton. Phil returned to play his role in Parklife and Graham played "You're So Great"!!!
Blur's summer show at Peel Acres was repeated on Radio 1 Sunday December 21st. Out of the total 60 minute show you actually heard blur play about 15 minutes. Peel as normal took 45 minutes to escort Damon and Graham around his record collection..... need i say more?
In case you didn't know Song 2 is the new theme for the well known computer soccer game FIFA 98. As the game loads prior to a game the voice of Mr Albarn and "Woo Hoo" continues to echo in the background.
The release of the blur UK tour on video has been given a set date! It is due for release early new year. It will be a bootleg and should cost around £15, information on where this video can be purchased will be given here soon as poss'.
Blur FC's latest edition brings you the "Death of A Party remix". A very cool and much liked song which has had an excellent response from fans across the country which I spoke to on the December '97 tour.
The blur 1998 calendar looks pretty cool this year. Very different to last years with much more personal photos rather than those taken on stage. I think August has the best picture but that is just a matter of opinion. blur 1998 calendars are available on request.
This years V98 bash looks to be just as good as last year, well nearly as good anyway. The Verve take the front spot after blur last year, there are rumours and speculation that blur and Pulp will this year be the special guests at Glastonbury '98. More on this as soon as we hear of it.
Blurs UK tour has been a bigger success than their recent Aussie one. Damon said last night (December 10th) that the UK tour still going down is the best tour blur have ever done. He says the Wembley gig was the biggest and best they have every performed. The Brixton Academy gig which was on Radio 1 live (copies available on request) cannot of been far from it.
Damon said in the interview prior to tonight's Wembley gig that it could be the year 2000 before blur tour again. With rumours that the 6th blur album will be out in 98, I think not. I do not believe Damon and Co. could go 2 years without touring, I know they have worked 355 days of the year ever since Parklife but can blur really sit down and have a rest at this stage , as more and more bands hit success blur have to fight for their position at the top which so far they have managed to keep for so long...
