12/09/2008 9:00 PM, Yahoo! Music courtesy of NME.com
Blur are reforming to play live next year, NME can exclusively reveal.
The full lineup--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.
There are also rumors 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 U.K. 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.
