Funny Blur Quotes

Dive into the witty world of Blur with these hilarious quotes that perfectly encapsulate the band's quirky spirit and Britpop essence. Get ready for a chuckle-filled journey!

"You don't have to go now, sit here and tell me how great I am!" - Dave.

"At the end of the day, not only do we write great songs, but we have a natural strangeness about us that makes us interesting." - Damon.

"The trick with Graham is to give him the illusion he's creating a racket." - Damon.

"We've always been too friendly, too clever and too good-looking for a lot of people." - Alex.

"Of course I'm a hedonist. What else is there to live for? The rest is just killing time." - Graham.

"I have to say that I find it easy to write a great hook. Sometimes I'll write something and say to myself, "It shouldn't be this easy". I don't know, the songs just come out." - Damon.

"You know, it occurred to me recently that Noel now lives in a big, big house, a very big house in the country. The old wonderwall's looking a bit sad too." - Alex.

"We're a very post-modern thing. There's a line in "Repitition", "Try try try, all things remain the same, so why try again?", adapted from Beckett. I sensed that one Christmas morning when I was 18 being chased across my old school field by my old girlfriend's irate father. I was drunk and had wanted to tell her I loved her. There's an enormous emotional reason behind that song, but does the world give a f***?" - Damon.

"People say we're the Rolling Stones and that Blur are the Beatles. We're the Stones AND the Beatles. They're the f***ing Monkees!" - Noel Gallagher.

"Science hasn't been hip for a long time. It'd be good if everyone could point to the Pole Star at a certain time every day. It'd be good to have a feeling of universal orientation." - Alex.

"Oh dear, I think we're going to claim we've invented everything again." - Dave.

"I went to drama school so at some point I always felt I would act. I had to really, my mum was very upset when I left drama school. I found it very difficult the first week; then I just sort of allowed myself to relax and it was enjoyable after that. It's very difficult thing performing onstage compared to acting on screen." - Damon.

"I don't exist. Literally every day I read something that tells me I'm not real." - Damon.

"We offer everything that all other bands together offer - we've got it all." - Damon.

"I'd hate to be a rock band. It's like saying 'I only drink beer' when I like to drink sherry sometimes." - Damon in 1995 (he's changed his tune now though...).

"Blur aren't even one of those bands I detest." - Mat from Suede.

"I am rich. I f***ing am. There's no point in denying it." - Damon.

"I'm the George Harrison of the group. I don't do backing vocals because I prefer to look cool and smoke a fag." - Alex.

"We actually got more column inches than Bosnia" - Damon on the "Blur vs. Oasis" hype.

"Tortoise are an excellent band. It was a case of friends sending me compilation tapes and me going out and getting, like, albums by Slint - a band who really use guitars, which not many people do at the moment, especially in Britain. Here you'd be hard-pushed to find someone doing anything exciting with a guitar." - Graham.

"I love dogs, but I couldn't eat a whole one. Ha ha!" - Damon.

"I hate Bush." -Alex James.

"If I could be on the cover of Smash Hits with anyone it would be Damon Albarn... and my boyfriend is going to kill me when he sees this! I said in another interview Damon's really cute and he's getting paranoid about it. It's just a fantasy, like lots of girls fancy Brad Pitt. I'll probably never meet him, and someone told me that's just as well, 'cos Justine wouldn't be happy!" - Dannii Minogue.

"We love each other too much too get married." - Damon about Justine Frischmann.

"They [comets] just look good, a bit like the Spice Girls - they don't support any intelligent life." - Alex.

"What do we stand for? So we don't lie down all the time!" - Damon.

"I prefer Blur's attitude. They seem to be more level about it all. But I don't know any of them, I'm just talking about their image. I think Blur are more responsible for younger people - that's important." - Jason Orange (from Take That) comparing Blur and Oasis.

"I still tread in dog's mess occasionally." - Alex.

"Pop people, we're pop people." - Damon.

"When I think of the fans here in Canada ... I think of obsessive psychos." - Graham.

[What albums have you liked this year?] "Blur. Best album they've done in a while. Anything that's got more of Graham's guitar-playing, I'm bound to like. [You're quite similar as guitar players...] I watched him play at the Tibetan Freedom Festival, and he seemed to get lost in it all, and it was the most exciting thing I've seen. Yes please. I'd love to be compared to him." - Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead).

"Life's a sauna, and then you have a shower." - Alex.

"Don't talk to any funny men." - Graham.

On the Britpop days - "I was unbearable at that point, impossible to live with, it was disgusting behaviour; we knew we could get away with murder and that was a very bad signal to give out. We felt like we turned everything round and were being credited for everything that happened at the time, and we were drinking with people whose pictures we'd had up on our walls. That first flush of success was as good as it was ever going to get. Happy days." - Alex.

"I thought he (i.e. Damon) was the handsomest boy I'd ever seen in my life." Justine Frischmann.

"I've always been charmed by Liam." - Damon.

"I think art is unnecessary and too expensive. I would advise you to stop painting and start gardening or rock climbing, remember to eat lots of greens." - Alex.

"I'll have her (i.e. Justine Frischmann), I'm miles bettter than the idiot she goes home with every night. She told me I was the rudest bloke she'd ever met. She thinks I'm a scally but her curiousity will get the better of her." - Liam Gallagher.

"I used to go to loads of parties and when I got there Graham would be lying on the floor like a human doormat." - Damon.

"Seymour was the more radical, non-bite sized, unfriendly face of Blur" - Alex.

"Damon can't breakdance. Damon - terrible video [On your own], you can't wear a Kangol, please stop trying to breakdance. It's f**king horrendous. And I tell you what Damon, if you see me you can f**king look me in the eye and tell me that, cause it's f**kin' terrible. I hope the f**king tax man takes him for everything he's got." - Goldie.

"Melodic and slightly irrelevant." - Alex described Blur's sound of 1995.

"I like things to repulse people, to upset and move them. I don't want to give people an identity, I want to give them a crisis." - Damon.

"I've only ever been in love with one person and that's Justine." - Damon.

"I'm not the famous one." - Graham.

Damon Albarn and Suzi Winstanley- A Relationship Timeline

Damon Albarn fans are all aware that the frontman has recently gone through a traumatic breakup with his long-time beau Suzi Winstanley. But how many of us really know what's going on? Who is Suzi Winstanley and how has she impacted Damon Albarn's life? Here's a relationship timeline for the pair and how their love story unfolded, and ultimately ended. 

Damon Albarn, the British musician best known as the frontman for Blur and co-creator of the virtual band Gorillaz, has been in a long-term relationship with Suzi Winstanley, a talented visual artist. The two have maintained a relatively private relationship over the years, yet here’s a look at some key moments in their timeline:

Early Relationship Beginnings (1990s)

• Meeting in the Late 1990s: Damon Albarn and Suzi Winstanley met in the late '90s. Around this time, Albarn was transitioning from Blur's peak Britpop era to exploring more eclectic musical ventures. Suzi Winstanley, an accomplished artist, was establishing her name in the art world.

1999 – The Birth of Their Daughter

• Welcoming Their Daughter, Missy: In 1999, Damon and Suzi welcomed their daughter, Missy Albarn. This marked a pivotal point in Damon’s life, with his music often reflecting more mature, introspective themes after her birth. Damon has credited Suzi and Missy as a grounding influence for him.

The 2000s – A Private Relationship

• Remaining Out of the Spotlight: Throughout the 2000s, the couple largely kept their relationship out of the public eye, choosing to focus on their careers and family life. Damon often split his time between his projects with Gorillaz, The Good, The Bad & The Queen, and his solo work, while Suzi pursued her art.
• Damon Albarn and Suzi Winstanley have never married. Despite their long-term relationship and family life together, they have chosen not to formalize their relationship with marriage. Albarn has expressed in interviews that he doesn’t see marriage as a necessity for a committed relationship. Instead, he and Suzi have focused on building a strong bond based on mutual support and shared creative interests. 

The 2010s – Professional Collaborations and Public Appearances

• Supporting Each Other’s Careers: Damon and Suzi occasionally attended public events together, especially where their interests in music and art intersected. Suzi, as a visual artist, is likely an influence on Damon’s creative projects, which are known for their unique visual styles.

The 2020s – Continuing a Strong Bond

• Support Through Challenges: Suzi has supported Damon during periods of intense work, particularly when he’s on tour or recording. Albarn has spoken about the challenges of balancing personal life with the demands of his career, often expressing gratitude for the support and understanding he receives from Suzi.
• Private Family Life: The couple remains relatively private, even as their daughter, Missy, has grown and begun to pursue her interests.

Current Status

• A Sad Ending: As of now, Damon and Suzi have split up following news of their falling out in 2023/2024. Damon Albarn and Suzi Winstanley have reportedly ended their relationship after 25 years together. Albarn's frequent trips to his Devon recording studio and his insistence on spending time there were reportedly the main reasons for the split.
• Sources indicate that Winstanley was "heartbroken" by the split and asked Albarn to leave their Notting Hill home. The breakup is believed to have influenced Blur's 2023 album, The Ballad of Darren, with lyrics reflecting themes of loss and separation

As of November 2024, there is no publicly available information confirming that Damon Albarn is in a new relationship following his split from Suzi Winstanley in 2023. Since the separation, Albarn has maintained a low profile regarding his personal life, and no credible sources have reported on any new romantic involvement. 

The Best Thai Massage in London - Opulence Thai Spa

For all of you in UK or are visiting UK, we want to talk about a massage spa in the heart of London that truly stands out from the rest. Spending a day exploring London’s rich musical heritage is exhilarating. Whether you’ve wandered through the iconic Abbey Road, browsed rare records in Soho, or visited the places where Britpop was born, it’s easy to get lost in the city’s deep musical roots. But after hours on your feet, soaking in the sights and stories of legendary artists, your body might be craving something more: rest. And what better way to unwind than with a rejuvenating Thai Massage in London?

When it comes to recovery after a long day of exploration, there’s no better place than Opulence Thai Spa. Located just a short walk from Holborn Station, this hidden gem offers the perfect antidote to London’s bustling energy. Imagine stepping into a place where the chaos of the city melts away and your senses are soothed by calming aromas and gentle music.

Why Opulence Thai Spa? 

Finding a truly authentic Thai massage in London can be surprisingly difficult (and we've tried many before). Many places claim to offer Thai massages, but few deliver the genuine experience that Opulence Thai Spa does. Their dedication to preserving traditional techniques sets them apart. From the warm welcome at the door to the skilled hands of their therapists, every detail is thoughtfully designed to feel great and relaxing. 

Their traditional Thai massage is a must-try for music enthusiasts needing a reset. Think of it as hitting the “pause” button after a day spent chasing melodies and uncovering hidden musical treasures. You’ll leave feeling rejuvenated, stretched out, and ready to take on more of London’s vibrant culture.

Why a Thai Massage Is Exactly What You Need

Exploring London’s music scene isn’t just mentally stimulating—it’s physically exhausting too. Between walking from venue to venue and carrying your latest vinyl finds, it’s no wonder your muscles feel tight. That’s where a Massage in London comes in. Thai massages focuse on stretching and releasing built-up tension, making it the ideal remedy for tired travellers. 

At Opulence Thai Spa, their therapists are trained in authentic Thai techniques, using rhythmic compressions, acupressure, and yoga-inspired stretches to help you feel balanced and refreshed. It’s a great experience that leaves you feeling like you’ve traveled far beyond London’s city limits.

They don't just offer Thai massages, they also offer a huge range of other types of services:

• Express Stress Relief - short on time but craving some relaxation? This 30-minute session focuses on stretching out tension and clearing your mind. Ideal for squeezing in a wellness boost during a busy day in Covent Garden.
• Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage - if you’ve been hunched over a desk or carrying heavy bags, this is the perfect treatment. It focuses on upper-body tension, releasing knots and easing muscle stiffness, so you walk out standing taller and feeling lighter.
• Deep Tissue Massage - Struggling with chronic muscle tension? This firm-pressure massage targets deep layers of muscle and stubborn knots. It’s an intense treatment that delivers lasting relief for sore, overworked muscles.
• Swedish Massage & Aromatherapy - Combine the calming strokes of Swedish massage with the soothing benefits of aromatic oils. This treatment is perfect for anyone who wants to unwind while enjoying the mood-boosting scents of essential oils.
• Relaxing Swedish Massage - For those who prefer a gentle, no-frills approach, this traditional massage focuses on relaxation and overall wellness. It’s a great way to release tension and leave with a calm, refreshed mind and body.

Their back, neck, and shoulder massage is a lifesaver for anyone carrying camera gear or heavy bags full of records. The targeted relief helps ease tension in those overworked areas, leaving you feeling light and pain-free.

Beyond massages, they also offer facial treatments to rejuvenate your skin after a day spent navigating the city’s busy streets. Their Jacquet-Leroy pinching technique, for example, stimulates collagen production and leaves your skin looking as refreshed as you feel.

What makes Opulence Thai Spa truly special is its authenticity and variety of services that they offer. In a city filled with fast-paced lifestyles and surface-level experiences, it offers something deeper. The spa’s beautiful aesthetics create an environment where you can slow down, recharge, and find balance. For music lovers who’ve spent the day lost in the magic of London’s music landmarks, it’s the perfect way to unwind.

They offer different facial massage treatments that are suitable for everyone: 

• Classic Massage: perfect for relaxing facial muscles.
• Jacquet-Leroy Pinching: helps with production of elastin and collagen, giving your skin a new glow. 
• Muscle Strengthening: improves the firmness of your facial muscles for a lifted look. 
• Shiatsu: refreshes the face to leave it glowing and stunning. 
• Skin Smoothing: for those with fine lines and wrinkles to improve skin complexion. 
• Lymphatic Drainage: promotes better circulation for the face. 

End Your Visit on a Relaxing Note

London’s history is endless, and there’s always more to explore. But after a long day of walking in the footsteps of legends, your body deserves some care too through a Massage in Covent Garden. Opulence Thai Spa provides that care in the most soothing and authentic way possible. Next time you find yourself near Covent Garden, take a detour to Drury Lane for a well-deserved treat. Your body—and your playlist—will thank you.

Address: Opulence Thai Spa, 182 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PP

Graham Coxon and Rose Elinor Dougall - A Love Story & Relationship Timeline

Blur’s guitarist Graham Coxon and former Pipettes singer Rose Elinor Dougall have formed not only an electrifying musical partnership but a deep personal relationship. But how did they meet? Who is Rose Dougall? From their initial meeting to the formation of their band, The WAEVE, and welcoming their daughter, Coxon and Dougall’s journey is as much about love and family as it is about music. 

Here’s a look at their love story & relationship timeline.

2004: Graham attends a gig by The Pipettes

The pair met for the first time at a gig in 2004 by The Pipettes which Graham Coxon decided to attend. Graham Coxon reportedly "needed a night out" and the pair had a brief chat at the bar after the show. The pair lost contact and did not meet each other afterwards for a long time. 

December 2020: A Fateful Meeting

Graham Coxon and Rose Dougall reconnected at a charity gig in London’s Jazz Café organised by their friend in late 2020, and this casual meeting quickly turned into a creative spark. Dougall, known for her work with The Pipettes and as a solo artist, suggested they try writing music together casually. 

For Coxon, who had recently relocated from LA to London and was navigating a world paused by COVID-19, the timing felt perfect. He described it as a “state of flux,” which Dougall’s suggestion offered a way out of. Their shared love for experimental music and art-rock influences set the stage for a unique partnership, both musically and personally.

Early 2021: The Birth of The WAEVE

Coxon and Dougall’s collaboration quickly transformed into something greater. They formed The WAEVE, a project where the two could explore new sounds and blend their musical influences. Their chemistry was immediate, and it didn’t take long before their creative relationship deepened into a romance. 

Through long hours of songwriting and recording, they discovered an emotional connection that enriched both their music and their lives.

2023: Debut Album and Growing Together

Their self-titled debut album, The WAEVE, was released in early 2023 to critical acclaim. The record was a mix of dreamlike soundscapes and experimental arrangements, blending beauty with underlying tension. The combination of Dougall’s haunting vocals, Coxon’s signature guitar, and surprising elements like saxophone and modular synths, created a unique, immersive experience for listeners. Fans and critics noted that the record felt intensely personal, almost like a glimpse into the budding relationship between Coxon and Dougall.

Dougall later reflected that making the album felt like “getting to know each other” through music. What began as a simple suggestion to write together became a journey of mutual discovery, and the two found themselves falling in love over the course of creating their first record.

August 2022: Welcoming Their Daughter, Eliza May

In August 2022, Coxon and Dougall welcomed their daughter, Eliza May. The arrival of Eliza May added a new layer to their partnership and profoundly impacted their music. Suddenly, their creative world expanded to include the joys and challenges of parenthood. 

Coxon and Dougall’s experiences as new parents soon found their way into their songwriting, especially as they began working on their second album, City Lights.

September 2024: The Release of City Lights

Just over a year after their debut, Coxon and Dougall released City Lights in September 2024. The album is a bold evolution of The WAEVE’s sound, marked by art-rock intensity and themes of family and self-reflection. 

The songs capture the complexities of parenthood, love, and life’s ups and downs, making City Lights a deeply personal album. The couple described the album as a way of “confronting the constraints of domestic life” and channeling that urgency into their music.

Tracks like “Song For Eliza May” are directly inspired by their daughter, while others, like “Simple Days” and “You Saw,” reflect their journey as a couple and as parents. The album showcases a more aggressive, assured sound compared to their debut, reflecting both their evolving partnership and the challenges of balancing creativity with family life.

October 2024: Taking City Lights on Tour

To celebrate the release of City Lights, The WAEVE announced a series of intimate shows at Rough Trade locations in Liverpool, Nottingham, and Bristol. 

They also planned their biggest headline show to date at London’s Village Underground on October 29. Before that, they joined Elbow on tour and performed at several festivals, sharing their new music with fans across the UK.

A Relationship Built on Love, Creativity, and Exploration

For Coxon and Dougall, The WAEVE represents more than just a band—it’s a testament to their shared journey as partners, parents, and musicians. From the first spark of collaboration in 2020 to the release of City Lights in 2024, their relationship has grown in harmony with their music. 

As they look forward to future projects and the ongoing adventure of parenthood, Coxon and Dougall’s story remains a compelling mix of romance, creativity, and exploration. For fans of both Blur and Dougall’s earlier work, The WAEVE is not just a new musical chapter—it’s the embodiment of a love that grew through music and became something extraordinary.

Graham Coxon’s Latest Project, The WAEVE: Pushing Boundaries and Embracing Parenthood

For Graham Coxon, founding member and iconic guitarist of Blur, musical exploration has always been part of the journey. But his latest project, The WAEVE – a collaboration with singer-songwriter and his new wife Rose Elinor Dougall – offers fans a deeper look into his creative evolution. Their new album, City Lights, serves as a raw, reflective record born out of the transformative (and sleepless) days of early parenthood, channeling a mix of vulnerability and grit that reveals a whole new side of Coxon.

After the release of The WAEVE’s self-titled debut in 2023, City Lights builds on the unique chemistry between Coxon and Dougall, blending indie rock with touches of jazz and post-punk to create a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new. While Blur fans may recognize Coxon’s signature guitar style, The WAEVE’s music is distinct, weaving in lush saxophone lines, atmospheric synths, and Dougall’s hauntingly beautiful vocals. Together, Coxon and Dougall have crafted an album that feels both cinematic and intimate – the perfect soundtrack for late nights and introspective moments.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind City Lights, Coxon has spoken openly about how early parenthood has shaped the project. “There’s a kind of surrealism that comes with the lack of sleep, a strange clarity too,” he shared with NME recently. “It’s been a time of change for both of us, and the music has kind of emerged from that space – raw and genuine.” 

For Coxon, known for his introspective solo work and the occasional melancholy within Blur’s music, City Lights is a deeply personal and collaborative project, allowing him to push boundaries while staying grounded in life’s real, sometimes messy, moments.

Working with Dougall, former vocalist of The Pipettes and a talented artist in her own right, has also allowed Coxon to explore new creative territory. Dougall’s voice and lyrical presence bring a unique warmth and depth to The WAEVE’s sound, giving Coxon a fresh perspective in his songwriting. Together, they form a partnership that’s both dynamic and balanced, with Dougall’s emotive delivery perfectly complementing Coxon’s intricate instrumentals.

Released to critical acclaim, City Lights has already captured the attention of fans and critics alike, showcasing a more experimental side of Coxon while remaining accessible. Tracks like “Over and Over” and “Dawn Break” delve into themes of love, loss, and renewal, with melodies that linger long after the first listen. It’s a far cry from the Britpop anthems that defined Blur’s early days, but it’s exactly where Coxon wants to be.

As Blur prepares to hit the stage again for upcoming reunion shows, Coxon’s work with The WAEVE feels like a testament to his relentless pursuit of musical growth. “Blur will always be a part of me, but The WAEVE lets me express myself differently,” he said in an interview. For fans of both Blur and Coxon’s solo work, The WAEVE’s City Lights is a captivating exploration of artistry, transformation, and the strange beauty of change.

In City Lights, Coxon has once again proven his ability to evolve while remaining true to himself, this time with Dougall by his side. For those ready to follow him into this next chapter, The WAEVE offers a soundtrack as unexpected and layered as the journey itself.

City Lights - Tracks

1. "City Lights" – 4:20
2. "You Saw" – 5:24
3. "Moth to the Flame" – 4:43
4. "I Belong To..." – 4:23
5. "Simple Days" – 4:09
6. "Broken Boys" – 3:12
7. "Song for Eliza May" – 5:37
8. "Druantia" – 7:44
9. "Girl of the Endless Night" – 4:55
10. "Sunrise" – 6:50

Blur’s Graham Coxon on Oasis Reunion: “Good for the Fans and Good for Them”

As Oasis fans gear up for one of the most anticipated reunions in British rock history, Blur’s guitarist Graham Coxon has weighed in on the Gallaghers’ decision to patch things up and hit the road once again. “It’s good for them and it’s good for the fans,” Coxon said in a recent interview with The Sun, capturing the mood of an entire generation ready to relive the highs of Britpop.

For Coxon, this isn’t just industry news; it’s a reminder of a time when Blur and Oasis dominated the UK charts and drove the Britpop phenomenon of the 1990s. The two bands’ rivalry was legendary, fueling one of the most electric eras in British music. Now, with the Gallaghers setting aside their differences, it feels like a piece of that magic is back.

In August, Liam and Noel Gallagher announced their plans to reunite Oasis for a stadium tour, which kicks off in the UK and Ireland in July 2025. After bringing their hits to fans across North America, the iconic duo will return to London for two final dates at Wembley Stadium in September before taking the show to Australia in October. While Coxon is all for the reunion, he kept a respectful distance from suggesting it outright, clarifying, “God no, I wouldn’t have talked to him about that… I don’t know him well enough to say that.”

Interestingly, the announcement comes alongside another Britpop throwback – a stage play currently in development for London’s West End, titled The Battle. Set to debut in 2025, the play will chronicle the fierce rivalry between Blur and Oasis, with a particular focus on the infamous 1995 chart showdown. That summer, Blur’s “Country House” and Oasis’s “Roll With It” went head-to-head for the Number One spot, a battle Blur won. Written by John Niven and produced by Simon Friend, The Battle is being billed as “a comedy with teeth,” and promises to capture the competitive spirit and camaraderie that defined the scene.

Meanwhile, Coxon hasn’t slowed down creatively. He recently released City Lights, his second album with The WAEVE, his collaboration with Rose Elinor Dougall. Following their 2023 debut, this new release is a personal exploration of early parenthood and its sleepless nights, something Coxon discussed candidly with NME. Despite his own busy schedule, he’s excited for the Oasis reunion, noting, “Hopefully it’s a genuine reunion because some bands break up and don’t get that chance again.”

With Blur’s legacy secure and Oasis set to reignite their own, this reunion feels like a nostalgic gift to fans who never stopped hoping for another chapter. For Britpop devotees, it’s like the ‘90s never left – and Coxon, like all of us, seems ready to cheer them on.

Graham Coxon Embroiled in Bitter Divorce with Ex Soraya Coxon

Blur guitarist Graham Coxon is in the midst of a bitter, gruelling UK High Court divorce battle with his wife, Soraya "Essy" Coxon. 

On September 19 2024, Mr. Coxon attended an interim hearing at London’s Royal Courts of Justice, presided over by Mr. Justice Peel, regarding his separation. Both Mr. Coxon, represented by Rosanne Godfrey-Lockwood, and Mrs. Coxon, represented by Michael Glaser KC, were identified in the proceedings, though the judge has prohibited publication of specific case details.

A follow-up hearing is expected in the coming months.

Coxon’s professional life remains high-profile as Blur recently completed a world tour, including two monumental performances at Wembley in 2023. The band, which includes Damon Albarn, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree, continues to thrive with a legacy of 13 UK top 10 singles and seven chart-topping albums.

While Coxon’s personal life has been challenging, he has found renewed happiness and inspiration with musician Rose Elinor Dougall. 

Dougall, the granddaughter of respected BBC newsreader Robert Neill Dougall and singer in The Pipettes, and Coxon share both a romantic and musical partnership as the duo behind The WAEVE. They released their latest album, City Lights, in September and are also parents to a two-year-old daughter Eliza May.

Coxon’s marriage to Soraya 'Essy' Coxon reportedly began to dissolve around 2020 with rumours of him meeting Rose Elinor Dougall at the same time during a London charity concert, which led to a period of emotional turmoil. 

Reflecting on the experience, he recently shared with The Times: “It was extremely traumatic. That’s when I knew I needed therapy.”

Graham Coxon with his ex-wife Soraya 'Essy' Coxon

The guitarist eventually returned to the UK, where he connected with Dougall. Their relationship began as a creative collaboration but soon blossomed into romance and family life. 

“I didn’t know what I was going to be doing,” Coxon recalled. “I had just gone through a big loss of confidence, so I liked the idea of working with someone who could sing and play piano and take the strain a little bit. I don’t think either of us expected it to go the way it did.”

Known for his reserved and socially awkward nature, Coxon admitted that Dougall’s lively, outgoing personality has helped him open up. 

“I’ve always been socially awkward, which is why it’s great going out with Rose because she’s lively and she enjoys the moment,” he explained. 

Looking back, he added, “For years I was the snarling person in the corner, hiding in a pub in Camden. I was the problematic Blur boy.”

This news comes around the same time when Damon Albarn, Coxon's long-time friend and bandmate from Blur, separated from his long-term partner Suzi Winstanley. 

Damon Albarn releases New Song 'Gumbri' with Kaktus Einarsson

Damon Albarn has recently released a new single with "Gumbri" by Kaktus Einarsson feat. Damon Albarn's wispy vocals. "Gumbri" is a collaborative track by Icelandic musician Kaktus Einarsson and British artist Damon Albarn, released in September 2024.

The song serves as the lead single from Einarsson's second album, Lobster Coda, which was released on October 25, 2024. 

The collaboration between Einarsson and Albarn is rooted in a longstanding professional relationship. At 15, Einarsson played the trumpet on Gorillaz's track "Stop The Dams," and later contributed to Albarn's solo debut, Everyday Robots. 

"Gumbri" marks their first joint effort as solo artists. Musically, "Gumbri" blends introspective lyrics with a groovy instrumental backdrop. The accompanying music video features both artists in a natural setting, engaging in activities like lounging among trees and feeding chickens, complementing the song's reflective tone. 

The track is available on various streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.

About Kaktus Einarsson

Kaktus Einarsson, a visionary musician and artist from Iceland, has carved out a distinct place in the music world with his bold fusion of genres. Growing up in Reykjavík, he started his musical path remarkably early, joining the experimental electronic group Ghostigital at just 10 years old. Later, he became the frontman of the post-punk band Fufanu, a role that earned him opportunities to share the stage with major acts like Radiohead and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

In 2021, Kaktus embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album, Kick the Ladder, which showcased his innovative blend of electronic, classical, and pop influences. This was followed by Lobster Coda in 2024, an album enriched with collaborations from notable artists, including Damon Albarn, Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir from Of Monsters and Men, and School of X’s Rasmus Littauer. 

Kaktus's artistic journey is marked by unique partnerships and memorable contributions. He played trumpet on Gorillaz's track "Stop The Dams" at just 15 and contributed to Damon Albarn's solo album, Everyday Robots. His music is a testament to his fearless exploration and dedication to pushing creative boundaries.

Listen to 'Gumbri' below 

Gumbri lyrics

[Verse 1: Kaktus Einarsson] 

Wake up every morning without an alarm that I can snooze 

Try to maintain tempo with a one plus three we've managed to defuse 

A life of surprises in a bevel full of joy 

There are different rooms with different roads 

Amongst the tourists I hide, grab a fresh bread bun to go 

Try to write some happy songs, but it makes me feel so wrong 

I am privileged, I've known for long 

But there are different roads to different moods

[Chorus: Damon Albarn & Kaktus Einarsson] 

Living on the edge embrace a unique self 

You saw in my palm with every sun that sets I drift and roam a subtle flow 

As the world reveals its truths one by one I start to feel where my life needs to go 

[Verse 2: Kaktus Einarsson] 

Dance in the club as daybreak claims the sky again 

A labyrinth of chambers it’s pounding the kick drum though my head 

A real time spectrum every door a check 

There are different rooms with different roads 

Dreams of the cruise ship life sailing into old its old 

Alive and anchored in a bubble that simply stays afloat 

Is that something for me, I cannot know 

There are different rooms with different moods

[Chorus: Damon Albarn & Kaktus Einarsson] 

Living on the edge embrace a unique self 

You saw in my palm with every sun that sets I drift and roam a subtle flow 

As the world reveals its truths one by one I start to feel where my life needs to go 

Living on the edge embrace a unique self 

You saw in my palm with every sun that sets 

I drift and roam a subtle flow

As the world reveals its truths one by one 

I start to feel where my life needs to go 

As the world reveals its truth one by one 

I start to feel where my life needs to go

Best Damon Albarn Quotes About Work

Dive into the mind of Damon Albarn, the visionary behind Blur and Gorillaz, through his own words. These 20 quotes offer a glimpse into his unique perspective on music, life, and art, revealing the depth and ingenuity of a true musical maverick.

21. "I used to go to work and take heroin in the studio and then stop when I came home."
22. 
    
23. "Well, as resources inevitably disappear [in Africa], people have to make do with a lot less. You have to be much more ingenious with a lot less, and accept that you can't get your perfect tuna sandwich on a street corner."
24. 
    
25. "I was going through a breakup. I was depressed... I really did need to do something. Recording an album was a great escape. I don't know what would have happened if I wouldn't have started to work."
26. 
    
27. "I'm an English songwriter/composer, working in Mandarin and trying to find something about Chinese culture that I really relate to and respect and feel some genuine emotions for - and it's quite hard, the pentatonic scale, and that, in a way, is why I think it works."
28. 
    
29. "I used to be younger than my producers but now I'm older than my producers and I think that works for me, that works better cause you get a good kick up the ... everyday."
30. 
    

21. "I'm slightly ambivalent to the whole relationship between the whole advertising world and music. I think sometimes it works and sometimes it's a really bad mismatch."
22. 
    
23. "I'm not really one of those people who believes that if you're a musician you can just leave that behind and start getting into politics."
24. 
    
25. "The cartoon is a metaphor really for the fact that it's almost impossible in our celebrity-obsessed culture to move around genres and sort of change your ideas, change your face, you know?"
26. 
    
27. "When you're doing a deal with someone in the southern Sahara, it's a very different way of doing business than in London. You can't sign them in the usual way because they'd end up getting ripped off, which would defeat the object of setting up a label like this."
28. 
    
29. "Being in Blur has allowed me to travel and hear the music that’s being made all over the world."
30. 
    
31. "As soon as it sounds fine, I’m on to the next thing, man."
32. 
    
33. "It’s not like my old self – I’m not in character anymore, I’m me. I’m not hiding behind that anymore."
34. 
    
35. "I was approached by Oxfam to go to Mali as their ambassador and get involved in their various initiatives out there."
36. 
    
37. "Music is something that should speak for itself, straight from the heart."
38. 
    
39. "I don’t need to be a frontman all the time, and in fact, the older I get, the less of an urge it is inside me to play that role."
40. 
    
41. "Whenever you’re writing something that’s reflective, you have to put yourself through some sort of ordeal just to understand the way you’re feeling."
42. 
    
43. "I spent two years figuring out how I could turn it into something that would satisfy me as a musician but also make some kind of cross-cultural link."
44. 
    
45. "More and more, cultural groups are cross-pollinating, and we’re getting much more interesting art as a result."
46. 
    
47. "The whole period has taught me that I enjoy being part of an ensemble rather than just a front man."
48. 
    
49. "I like to go to Africa purely with something to do. I’m not very comfortable getting into an armor-plated Land Rover and going to see things, with my hand gel, you know, it’s not me at all."