Coxon: "I was an a***hole"

The long-rumoured departure of enigmatic guitarist Graham Coxon from Blur has been confirmed in an interview with Q Magazine.

Coxon admits that he was asked to leave the band due to what could be described as a mental breakdown, having spent time in psychiatric hospitals battling drink and depression.

He claims that he officially parted ways with Blur last month when he was phoned by the band's manager and asked to leave.

"It was something to do with my attitude," he told the magazine.

"Although I felt I was going about my work honestly, perhaps they mistook honesty for attitude."

Meanwhile, Coxon has told the Scotsman newspaper: "I realise that I've been an arsehole for a long, long time.

"For maybe a quarter of an hour each day I was probably quite nice, probably after three or four drinks. And after that, I was a snarly, nasty, bitter piece of work. Or hung over and snappy and irritable."

This story finally emerges after weeks of speculation kick started by comments made by Norman Cook who is working with the band, producing tracks on their new album.

Coxon had earlier said in an interview that the dance producer didn't know what he was talking about, referring to him as "Fat Mouth Slim."

No other members of the band, however, have confirmed the split and official word early last month simply stated that Coxon's position within the band was under review.

A statement read: "Blur and Graham are currently contemplating and deciding among themselves what the future arrangements will be."

Coxon and Blur frontman Damon Albarn have frequently been at odds over the band's musical direction and it was thought that an argument between the two over Fatboy Slim's involvement in the new record might have been the final straw.

Coxon, however, denies having any disputes with other members of Blur: "No row. No clash," he said.

"They think I'm an utter loony, no doubt," he told the Scotsman.

"I think a lot of people thought I was easier to deal with when I was drunk, because I would do as I was told. I was quiet, I was in the corner, just doing my thing. I would just acquiesce.

"I am on the Blur record," he added. "I was in the studio with Blur. I'm just not in there now."

"Maybe I could've carried on being really unhappy for the rest of my bloody life. But something had to give."

"I'm quite a lot happier," he explained. "I can give whatever I want my fullest attention, whether it's my music or my daughter.

"Instead of being full of grudges and self-obsessed nonsense, I actually just walk down the street and think, 'Wow, what a nice day'."

A spokeswoman for Blur has told dotmusic that currently, no statement from the band is expected.

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