Would Blur Exist Without The Beatles?

Would Blur Exist Without The Beatles?

“No Beatles means no Britpop, which means no Blur, which means no Song 2, which causes air guitar to disappear as an art form.” This was the answer of The Ringer’s Michael Baumann when he was asked what sounds at first like a simple question: “What is the farthest-reaching consequence of the erasure of the Beatles?” Go ahead and give that question a couple seconds to sink in. And if you’re like us, prepare to basically see your own brain’s gears going into overdrive.

Even those who are even just a little bit familiar with music history will know just how influential The Beatles were in shaping modern rock. And if you’re wondering what spurred this discussion to make the rounds online, look no further than the trailer for the upcoming Yesterday, a film that postulates a world in which the entire planet forgets about The Beatles overnight. According to the trailer, only one man remembers the greatest British pop-rock band in the world, and he uses it to get famous as hell. The man’s rise to stardom replicates Beatlemania in the modern era – a strange combination of pandemonium and mass amnesia, and an unexpected twist on the typical Beatles-inspired movie musical. Again, it makes perfect sense, until you think about the ramifications of The Beatles having never existed at all.

CREDIT: By Roy Kerwood - Photo by Roy Kerwood. Previously uploaded to en: with same image name May 11 2006., CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44119817



For starters, Baumann was right when he said that Blur wouldn’t exist – as confirmed by Damon Albarn. According to Albarn, John Lennon’s Imagine was what inspired him to take up songwriting in the first place, adding that he would’ve loved to work with Lennon, if only he wasn’t shot when Albarn was still stuck in school. Meanwhile, Lottoland’s list of the top influential rock songs, point out how the classic I Wanna Hold Your Hand was essential to sparking the musical revolution of the 60s. Without The Beatles, a decidedly different sound would have come out of that revolution, creating further waves in the evolution of British rock. Another instant casualty would be Graham Coxon’s work on the re-recording of the Beatles’ debut album, Please Please Me. These are just some of the more horrific possibilities posed by the upcoming Yesterday.



While early criticism of the movie points out how the trailer doesn’t seem to address these historical implications, we have to admit that the very concept has spurred a renewed interest in The Beatles and just how far their influence extends, The idea of Yesterday happening would definitely mean no Britpop as we know it. If Blur did still exist, they would definitely sport a different sound, which is a concept we’d rather not get further into. In short, The Beatles defined what rock was, is, and will be. Not bad for a couple of lads from Liverpool.

Blur just played their first surprise gig in 2019!

Head's up! Blur played a surprise gig on March 30th 2019 in an unexpected turn of events at the frontman's Africa Express gig. The band assembled on stage during Albarn's performance and performed 3 songs: 1) Song 2, 2) Clover over Dover and 3) Tender.

This marks the first time that the band has played together in 2019, and also the first time that the song Clover Over Dover has been played live in the history of the band's performances. The songs were greatly enjoyed by the audience, who had no idea what they were in stall for.

However, for those of you who know, Damon's gigs have always been full of surprises. Previous performers at the show include Paul McCartney, Paul Weller and Johnny Marr alongside famed African musicians including Baaba Maal, Oumou Sangaré and Fatoumata Diawara. It is definitely another pleasant surprise that we get to see the great band in action.

Take a look at some of the videos of the band playing these songs below.

Happy Birthday to Damon Albarn!

Another day, another year! The Blur frontman turns 51 today on March 23 2019. To celebrate, we've compiled a series of photos featuring Albarn throughout the years. Enjoy!

Watch the Best Live Damon Albarn Performance of 2018

It's that time of the year again where we re-live all that Damon Albarn has done. Whether it be Gorillaz or Blur, he has sure achieved a lot. Now, we recently stumbled across some live footage of Gorillaz's acoustic performance at KROQ, and we were extremely impressed with Damon Albarn's upbeat mood and amazing singing. He was, to put it simply, outstanding in his vocals, pitch, tone and energy.

Take a look below and let us know what you think!

Blur- the 20-year challenge

Here's the 20-year challenge for Blur- the band that will forever live on in fans' hearts as the 90s, youthful Britpop wonder that changed British music for a whole generation. Note- we couldn't do the 10-year challenge as Blur was not active in 2019 and we could not find any group photos!

Did they change at all?

3 times Gorillaz foreshadowed Brexit, and all it's consequences

Let's face it- Gorillaz is a political band. They've always sung about society- from guns, drugs to presidential elections. Damon Albarn's a man who loves social commentary, and he feels strongly for the recent turn of events in the world, including the US elections and of course, the infamous Brexit incident that everyone in the UK is anxious to talk about.

Here's a roundup of the 3 best Gorillaz songs that talk about all things Brexit, even if it isn't immediately obvious.

1) Humility

Given the references to loneliness and isolation in the lyrics ("Calling the world from isolation 'Cause right now, that's the ball where we be chained And if you're coming back to find me You'd better have good aim Shoot it true I need you in the picture") it's not surprising that many fans have inferred that Gorillaz has spoken to us about Brexit. The UK leaving the EU invokes fears of isolation, nationalism and extremist attitudes, not to mention that the UK will well and truly be lonely- in every sense of the word.



2) Clint Eastwood

Gorillaz's biggest hit may uncover more than you think- the lyrics are apt, chilling and telling ("My future is coming on It's coming on It's coming on It's coming on It's coming on") and invokes feelings of uncertainty, confusion and...chaos amidst the tripping, happy tune. It may not be obvious, but this Gorillaz tune may be darker than you think.



3) Hallelujah Money

This is the most politically-drive, statement-making song from The Now Now, Gorillaz's latest spine-chilling album. This song features singer Benjamin Clementine and explores the themes of power, big business and humanity. Legend has it that it was inspired by Donald Trump and most definitely Brexit- it's a true foreshadowing of the future, and all of it's negative effects on humanity.

Damon Albarn does the 20-year challenge - has he changed?

We all know that Blur frontmen don't age- or do they? Here's Damon Albarn doing the 20-year challenge (if he had Facebook, he'd be proud) as we see him in 2019 and 1999. 

What do you think of the change?

Damon Albarn- the 10 Year Challenge

Since everyone's into the 10-year challenge (if you're living under a rock- check out these funny memes that everyone's been posting), we thought it'd be fun to do one on behalf of Damon Albarn himself. Here is his 10-year challenge!

Has he aged at all?

Damon Albarn working with EDM master Flume on new material

Breaking news- Flume, an EDM producer and DJ has been reported to be working with Damon Albarn for the last 18 months on new material. According to NME, Flume – AKA EDM DJ and producer Harley Streten – is currently working on the follow-up to his second album ‘Skin’, which was released in 2016. He told his audience on a social media post late last year that in 2019 “I’ll be back in your life, I promise,” ending a long hiatus.

According to an old Damon Albarn interview, Albarn has been in the studio with Flume before. Albarn mentioned in passing that he and Flume had worked on something in the studio together. He did give any information on what the tracks were called, when they would be released or specify whether their project would constitute a Gorillaz collaboration or a side project. Speculations have emerged about what exactly the frontman was working on with Flume back then, but new Gorillaz or one-off tracks cannot be struck out.

Anyhow, it's all good news for Damon Albarn fans as it means that something, just maybe, could be coming up.

Stay tuned for more!