Full Breakdown
Blur Bassist Alex James Says Band Must Wait for Oasis Reunion Before Considering New Reunion
6/23/2026, 9:43:32 PM
Alex James Says Blur Will Wait for Oasis’s Comeback
During an interview on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X, Blur bassist Alex James said the group will not pursue another reunion while Oasis completes its Live ’25 comeback. He said, “I think we need to let Oasis get their stuff out of the way before we even sort of countenance…,” indicating a deliberate pause.
Recent Blur Reunion Activity
Blur’s most recent public shows were two concerts at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2023, followed by two festival slots at Coachella 2024. James said the 2023 performances were “a good place to leave it” and that the band would consider further shows “as long as we like doing it and we don’t overcook it,” leaving the possibility open after the current hiatus.
Oasis Live ’25 Tour Timeline
Oasis’s Live ’25 tour, headlined by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, was ongoing in 2025 and concluded with a final concert in Brazil. At a Wembley show in September 2025, Liam told the audience “See you next year,” then clarified the band would not tour again until at least 2027. Damon Albarn praised the tour, saying Oasis “did a very good job of making Britpop feel like it’s the biggest thing on Earth” and that “Oasis won the battle, the war, the campaign, everything.”
Band Members’ Views
Graham Coxon, Blur’s guitarist, said the group “can’t leave it too long” before returning but emphasized the need to “live life for a bit” to avoid creative fatigue. Damon Albarn’s comments on Oasis’s success underscore the lingering rivalry that shapes decisions within both bands. Liam Gallagher’s remarks at the Brazil finale thanked fans and hinted at a future return, while noting the 2027 timeline.
Why Timing Matters for Britpop
The coordinated scheduling reflects the historic competition between Blur and Oasis that defined 1990s Britpop. By allowing Oasis to finish its comeback first, Blur aims to avoid “poking that hornet’s nest” and to preserve fan goodwill, positioning any future reunion as a distinct event rather than a direct rivalry clash.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think we need to let Oasis get their stuff out of the way before we even sort of countenance…” — Alex James, bassist, Blur
- “No, no. Honestly, honestly, I don’t want to poke that hornet’s nest again, trust me!” — Alex James
- “We love you, thanks for all your energy. Take care of yourselves, and we’ll see you again sometime.” — Liam Gallagher, Oasis frontman
- “I think we can officially say that Oasis won the battle, the war, the campaign, everything,” — Damon Albarn, Blur frontman
What’s Next
James left the door open for future Blur shows, mentioning possible European dates, a Knebworth return, or a residency at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium once Oasis’s Live ’25 cycle concludes. Oasis is expected to remain inactive until at least 2027, when new tour dates may be announced.
