The new feature-length documentary on Blur will hit cinemas across the UK and Ireland on July 19.
‘Blur: To The End’ depicts the most recent chapter in the band’s story, captured during the period in which they made a surprise return with their first record in eight years, ‘The Ballad Of Darren’.
It follows the unique relationship of four friends – Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree – as they came together in early 2023 to record new songs ahead of their sold-out, first ever shows at London’s Wembley Stadium last summer.
Featuring performances of their most iconic songs, along with footage of the band in the studio and on the road, it portrays an intimate moment in time in the career of a band that’s been at the heart of British cultural life for over three decades.
Speaking in the film, Alex James says: “We’ve barely communicated for the last 10 years… I mean even when we really split up, it didn’t take this long to make a record, but what’s wonderful is as soon as the four of us get in a room together, it’s just exactly the same as it was when we were all 19….”
Graham Coxon adds: “With each other… In the nineties, it was a very intense time. On the same sort of level as a relationship, or marriages and things like that. I think it’s okay to say that time apart was taken up with other friendships and just sort of recuperating or doing other things.”
“The fact that we haven’t always got on, that is one of the chemistry points that has led to us being able to make the music we do,” continues Dave Rowntree. “I’m absolutely convinced of it.”
Damon Albarn – who recently admitted Blur’s latest run could be their last – concludes: “I don’t think any of us thought we’d make another record, especially not a record like this. I suppose that’s why I wanted to try and make it as good as possible.”
“We all have hugely involving and complicated lives and we’re so lucky that we get to spend this time together, just the four of us. And that’s the beauty of it…”
‘Blur: To The End’ is directed by Toby L and produced by Josh Connolly, via production house Up The Game.
Toby says: “To The End is an intimate glimpse into relationships, motivation and mortality, the sights and sounds of longterm friendship unearthing a fresh new conquest to overcome together.
“On the subject of capturing a band that has been so well documented, we sat down at the start of the project and agreed that the film had to tell a new story, be shot entirely on location, and crucially, 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 honour of a lifetime. They were the first band I ever saw – when I was 10 – at Wembley Arena. To consider that a little over 25 years later, I’d be making a film with the band that changed my entire world view on art, culture and music, remains utterly surreal.
“I hope that through watching it people feel a little closer to this incredible group of artists and friends, and have a richer insight for a life spent being in a band.”
