BBC Radio Theatre

Blur are an English rock band formed in London in 1988. The band members include singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James, and drummer Dave Rowntree. Their debut album, Leisure, was released in 1991 and incorporated elements of Madchester and shoegaze. Subsequently, the band shifted their style towards British guitar pop influences, drawing inspiration from groups such as the Kinks, the Beatles, and XTC. This change was reflected in their albums Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993), Parklife (1994), and The Great Escape (1995). The lead single from Parklife, 'Girls & Boys,' achieved commercial success, reaching number five on the UK singles chart and number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. Blur played a significant role in popularising the Britpop genre and gained widespread popularity in the UK. Their rivalry with Oasis culminated in the 1995 chart battle known as "the Battle of Britpop." The band's self-titled fifth album, released in 1997, marked another stylistic shift influenced by American indie rock and became their third UK number-one album. Its single 'Song 2' gained popularity on alternative radio in the US.