Blur @ AsiaWorld Arena – 8pm, 6 May 2013
The epitome of Cool Britannia, Britpop legends Blur haven’t released a new album since reforming for a series of concerts in 2009, but such is the strength of their discography that’s been largely irrelevant as the band have wowed their fans across the globe at gigs and festivals. Formed in London in 1988 as Seymour, the group consists of singer/keyboardist Damon Albarn, guitarist/singer Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree. Blur’s debut album Leisure (1991) incorporated the sounds of Madchester and shoegazing. Following a stylistic change influenced by English guitar pop groups such as The Kinks, The Beatles and XTC, Blur released Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993), Parklife (1994) and The Great Escape (1995). As a result, the band helped to popularise the Britpop genre and achieved global popularity, aided by a chart battle with rival band Oasis in 1995 dubbed “The Battle of Britpop”. In recording their follow-up, Blur (1997), the band underwent another reinvention, showing influence from the lo-fi style of American indie rock groups. “Song 2”, one of the album’s singles, brought Blur mainstream success in the United States. Their next album, 13 (1999) saw the band members experimenting with electronic and gospel music, and featured more personal lyrics from Albarn. In May 2002, Coxon left Blur during the recording of their seventh album Think Tank (2003). Containing electronic sounds and more minimal guitar work, the album was marked by Albarn’s growing interest in hip hop and African music. After a 2003 tour without Coxon, Blur did no studio work or touring as a band, as members engaged in other projects
The Hong Kong concert, part of Blur’s 2013 World Tour is currently the only non-festival gig announced by the band and tickets go on sale on 25 February
Blur @ AsiaWorld Arena – 8pm, 6 May 2013
Tickets: HK$880, $680 (standing and seated) and $480 (seated only) from www.hkticketing.com
