December 9, 2008 - NME.com:

Blur speak: 'We are reuniting for Hyde Park gig' – exclusive

Damon Albarn and co tell NME 'it just felt it was right again'

Blur are reforming to play live next year, NME can exclusively reveal.

The full line-up – Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree – will play their first gigs together since guitarist Coxon quit the band in 2002.

Speaking only to NME in a world exclusive joint interview, Albarn and Coxon explained that they had put their differences behind them and were looking forward to playing live in 2009.

"It just felt it was right again," declared Albarn of Blur's return. "It somehow feels like there's something for us to do again, we're not completely useless or pointless, we've got a reason to exist."

Coxon agreed, explaining the band were "making public what's been going on a little bit privately. For the benefit of the fans and those interested we can say that something's on the cards".

What is on the cards is a headlining show in Hyde Park, London on Friday, July 3.

Tickets will go on sale at 9am (GMT) this Friday (December 12). To check the availability of Blur tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/GIGS now, or call 0871 230 1094.

There are also rumours of further dates, including a possible appearance at the 2009 Glastonbury festival.

However, while the band refused to confirm any other shows, Albarn promised fans around the UK that the band would be announcing some more shows.

"We'll do something in London because that seems sensible," he said, "but we're also playing in other parts of the country working up to there."

You can watch a video of Blur talking about their reunion on NME.COM now.

For the full exclusive joint interview with Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon get this week's issue of NME, on newsstands in London this afternoon, and available across the UK tomorrow (December 10).

In it the duo discuss how they buried the hatchet, why they decided to reconvene Blur, what songs they expect to play next year, and reveal more of their future plans.

More live shows!

Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon announced today on Zane Lowe show that Blur will be doing some warm-up shows before the Hyde Park gig. One place they will play is Wolverhampton. To hear the interview in full, use BBC iPlayer.

Update added December 12, 2008 from vblurpage.com:

Blur add extra Hyde Park date

A second Hyde Park date has been added to meet the huge demand for tickets (the first announced show sold-out within a few minutes!). Blur will now play in Hyde Park also on Thursday 2nd July. Tickets are on sale now.