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