Who is on the It’s All a Blur tour?

The It’s All a Blur tour is an upcoming concert tour by the English rock band Blur. The tour will take place in 2023, with shows scheduled across North America and Europe. This will be Blur’s first tour since 2015, so fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to see the band perform live again after several years away from the stage. In this article, we will take a look at who exactly is involved in Blur’s It’s All a Blur tour and what roles they will play.

Blur Members on the Tour

The It’s All a Blur tour will feature Blur’s classic lineup:

• Damon Albarn – Lead Vocals, Keyboards, Guitar
• Graham Coxon – Guitar, Backing Vocals
• Alex James – Bass, Backing Vocals
• Dave Rowntree – Drums

This lineup, which has remained consistent since the band first formed in the late 1980s, will be instantly familiar to longtime Blur fans. Frontman Damon Albarn provides lead vocals and is also proficient on keyboards and guitar. Guitarist Graham Coxon handles both lead and rhythm guitar parts as well as backing vocals. Bassist Alex James gives the band its trademark throbbing low end and also contributes backing vocals. And drummer Dave Rowntree holds down the beat and percussion.

Blur’s Consistent Lineup Over the Years

While many bands have lineup changes over the course of their careers, Blur has managed to keep the same four core members over multiple decades. Their musical chemistry and ability to evolve their sound is part of why they have remained relevant even during periods of inactivity. Fans can count on these same four personalities and musical talents being on full display during the upcoming It’s All a Blur tour dates.

Setlist Expectations

Audiences on the It’s All a Blur tour can expect to hear a diverse setlist featuring songs spanning Blur’s entire career. Here are some details on what they might play:

Hits and Fan Favorites

Of course, no Blur concert would be complete without mega-hits like “Song 2”, “Girls & Boys”, and “Parklife”. These Britpop-era staples are practically guaranteed to make an appearance. Other fan favorites like “Beetlebum”, “Coffee & TV”, and “Tender” also seem likely.

Newer Material

While much of the setlist will revisit Blur’s 1990s heyday, they’ll likely play some tracks from their comeback albums too. Songs from The Magic Whip (2015) like “Go Out” and “Lonesome Street” fit well alongside the older material.

Obscure Gems

Diehard Blur fans will be hoping to hear some deeper album cuts and rarities at the shows. There’s a good chance the band could dig up songs like “Yuko & Hiro” (from The Great Escape) or “No Distance Left To Run” (from 13) that don’t get played at every tour.

Costumes and Production

Blur’s live shows are known for being colorful, high-energy affairs with cool costumes and visuals. Here are some possibilities we might see at the It’s All a Blur concerts:

Retro Costumes

During their initial run in the 1990s, Blur became known for donning mod-influenced matching suits. They may break out some retro-styled new suits for their 2023 comeback. Or they may simply wear casual clothes that nod to past eras.

Vintage Instruments

Graham Coxon often performs with a classic Gibson Les Paul guitar. Damon Albarn may use some older synthesizers and keyboards to capture the spirit of his early compositions. Details like this add charm and authenticity.

Big LED Screens

Modern arena shows demand giant screens to allow good views from anywhere in the venue. Blur will almost certainly utilize LED screens to cast evocative visuals and closeups of the band. These will complement the music and energy perfectly.

Tour Dates and Venues

Here is what we know so far about when and where Blur will be performing on their upcoming It’s All a Blur tour:

North American Dates

These four shows will hit major markets in the United States and Canada. More North American dates are likely to be announced soon.

European Dates

This run of UK and European dates gives fans across the continent a chance to catch Blur’s much anticipated return to the stage.

Potential for Expanded Touring

If these initial North American and European dates go well, Blur may expand the It’s All a Blur tour to additional cities and regions. Australia, South America, and Asia would all welcome the chance to host Blur concerts in 2023 as well. Much will depend on the band’s energy and enthusiasm following the early shows.

Openers and Guests

The opening acts and special guests on Blur’s tour will make the event even more exciting for fans. Here are some possibilities on who might join them:

Britpop Peers

Blur could invite fellow 1990s British bands like Pulp, Suede, or Elastica to open select shows. This would be a nostalgic Britpop triple bill for the ages.

Up-and-Coming Acts

Giving exposure to newer bands that blur likes would be in character. UK groups like Wolf Alice and Declan McKenna or American acts like Cherry Glazerr and Beach Bunny would appreciate the opportunity.

Superstars

Blur has collaborated with artists like Paul McCartney, Frank Black, and M.I.A. over the years. A big name guest appearance anywhere along the tour would generate headlines and excite fans.

Impact and Legacy

In addition to being eagerly awaited concerts in themselves, Blur’s It’s All a Blur shows will have a larger significance.

Britpop Revival

For many, Britpop ended when Blur went on hiatus after their 2003 tour. Their return could rekindle mainstream interest in the era and inspire more bands to embrace the classic British pop/rock sound.

Festival Headline Spots

If these shows go well, Blur would be welcomed back as headliners at major festivals like Glastonbury, Coachella, Primavera Sound, and more. Their reputation as a stellar live act would bring major hype.

New Recording Projects

Once they are back out on the road, the creative juices of Blur’s members may start flowing again. Could the tour lead them back into the studio to record their first new album since 2015’s The Magic Whip? Fans can only hope!

Conclusion

After far too long away, Blur is ready to reconnect with fans and remind the world why they had such an impact. Seeing musical innovators Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree share a stage again is reason enough to get excited. But the chance to revisit classics like “Song 2” live will make the It’s All a Blur tour a must-see event. Here’s hoping the shows go so well that Blur makes touring and recording a regular habit again!