Blur today announced details of Blur: To The End, a new feature-length documentary that will be released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from 19 July 2024.
Blur: To The End depicts the most recent chapter in the band's history, captured during the period in which they made a surprise (and emotional) return with their first record in 8 years, the critically acclaimed #1 album 'The Ballad of Darren'. .
The documentary follows the unique relationship of four friends (and bandmates for three decades) Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree as they came together in early 2023 to record new songs ahead of their first sold-out shows at the London. Wembley Stadium in July last summer. Featuring performances of their most iconic and beloved songs, footage of the band in the studio and life on the road, Blur: To The End is an intimate moment in time with the longest-running English band ever at your heart's content. of British life and cultural influence for more than three decades.
Speaking in the film, Alex James said: “We've barely communicated for the last 10 years… I mean, even when we really broke up, it didn't take that long to make a record, but the wonderful thing is that as soon as the four of us are in a room together, it's exactly the same as when we had 19 years…”.
With Graham Coxon adding: “With each other… In the nineties it was a very intense time. On the same level as a relationship, or marriages and things like that. “I think it's okay to say that we dedicate the time apart to other friendships and just recovering or doing other things.”
Dave Rowntree said – “The fact that we haven't always gotten along, that's one of the chemistry points that has led us to be able to make the music we make. I am absolutely convinced of it.”
And Damon Albarn said: “I don't think any of us thought we'd make another record, especially a record like this. I guess that's why I wanted to try to do my best.” Speaking later in the film, he added: “We all have very complicated and complicated lives and we are very lucky to be able to spend this time together, just the four of us. And that's the beauty of it…”
Blur: To The End will hit theaters starting July 19, 2024, almost a year after the release of 'The Ballad of Darren'. Tickets are on sale now and more theaters will be added until launch. For a list of UK and Ireland cinemas and to book tickets, visit blur.co.uk. Details of the premiere in international cinemas coming soon.
Blur: To The End is directed by Toby L and produced by Josh Connolly, through production company Up The Game.
Toby L said – “To The End is an intimate look at relationships, motivation and mortality, the sights and sounds of a lasting friendship that discovers a new conquest to overcome together. On the topic of capturing a band that has been so well documented, we sat down at the beginning of the project and agreed that the film had to tell a new story, be filmed entirely on location, and, most importantly, be honest. In To The End, that's what I hope people can see and, most importantly, feel.
Working with Blur on this documentary over the past year has been the honor of my life. They were the first band I saw (when I was 10) at Wembley Arena. To consider that, just over 25 years later, I would be making a film with the band that completely changed my worldview on art, culture and music, is still absolutely surreal. I hope that by watching it people will feel a little closer to this incredible group of artists and friends, and have a richer vision of a life in a band.”
Watch the trailer for 'blur: To The End' – BELOW
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