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.

Blur and Oasis- Revising the Britpop Feud That Rocked The Nation

Get ready to dive into one of the most sensational and electrifying rivalries in music history—the epic showdown between Blur and Oasis. Brace yourself for a wild ride as we delve into the exhilarating battle between these Britpop behemoths that captivated the world and shaped an era.

In the 1990s, the airwaves crackled with anticipation as Blur and Oasis emerged as the vanguard of the Britpop movement. Their rivalry became the stuff of legends, a clash of titans that captured the hearts and imaginations of music fans worldwide. It was a cultural phenomenon that transcended the boundaries of mere music and became a bona fide cultural war.

The rivalry between Blur and Oasis was fueled by their contrasting personas and musical styles. Blur, with their art-school charm and cheeky wit, epitomized the quintessential Englishness. Their album "Parklife" became a defining anthem for a generation, encapsulating the essence of life in 1990s Britain. Damon Albarn's wry lyrics and Graham Coxon's catchy guitar hooks created a distinctive sound that resonated with the masses.

Enter Oasis, the brash and unabashed champions of working-class rock 'n' roll. Led by the Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, Oasis unleashed a tidal wave of anthems that spoke to the disillusioned and disaffected youth. Their debut album "Definitely Maybe" ignited a revolution, with tracks like "Rock 'n' Roll Star" and "Live Forever" becoming the rallying cries of a generation.

The rivalry reached its zenith when Blur and Oasis released their respective singles, "Country House" and "Roll with It," on the same day in 1995. It was a battle for the top spot on the charts, and the stakes couldn't have been higher. The media frenzy that ensued was unprecedented, as fans and critics alike eagerly awaited the outcome of this clash of the Britpop titans.

The battle between Blur and Oasis was not just about the music—it became a larger-than-life spectacle, a war of words and personalities that played out in the press. The Gallagher brothers' snarky remarks, Albarn's intellectual musings, and their contrasting lifestyles all added fuel to the fire. The sensational headlines and the relentless hype elevated the rivalry to mythic proportions, capturing the attention of the world and turning the Britpop scene into a global phenomenon.

But amidst the hype and the media frenzy, it was the music that ultimately mattered. The rivalry pushed both bands to new creative heights, with each release vying for the title of the definitive Britpop masterpiece. Whether it was Blur's introspective masterpiece "The Great Escape" or Oasis's anthemic "What's the Story) Morning Glory?," their albums became the soundtracks to an entire generation.

While the rivalry between Blur and Oasis reached its peak in the 1990s, their impact continues to reverberate to this day. They redefined British music and inspired countless bands that followed in their wake. Their music transcended the rivalry, standing the test of time and solidifying their place in the pantheon of rock 'n' roll.

The rivalry that shook the music industry, sparked debates in every pub, and fueled the dreams of an entire generation. It was a time of wild excess, outrageous claims, and unforgettable music. This is the story of two giants, forever entwined in a rivalry that will forever captivate our imaginations.

Fast forward to 2023, and the world is abuzz with speculation about the future of the legendary Blur and Oasis rivalry. As fans eagerly await what's next, whispers of a possible reunion or collaboration between the two bands send shockwaves of excitement through the music industry. While the members of Blur and Oasis have embarked on their own successful solo ventures in recent years, the lure of a reunion has always loomed large.

As nostalgia grips the hearts of fans, the possibility of seeing Damon Albarn and the Gallagher brothers share the stage once again becomes tantalizingly real. In an era where reunions have become a recurring trend, the resurgence of the Blur and Oasis rivalry in 2023 could be the ultimate musical coup. Imagine the sheer spectacle of a joint performance, the clash of their iconic anthems, and the harmonious convergence of their distinct sounds. It would be a monumental event that transcends time and rejuvenates the rivalry, captivating fans old and new.