BRITPOP fans have called for Colchester schoolboy Damon Albarn to perform in his hometown before Blur makes its comeback appearance.
The iconic band has announced a rare live show at Wembley Stadium in July next year, marking its first performance together since 2015.
Blur’s history is deeply rooted in Colchester, with frontman Albarn having met guitarist Graham Coxon during his days at The Stanway School.
READ MORE >> Blur drummer drops Colchester gig hint as fans plead for homecoming show
Albarn, 54, who grew up in Aldham, said his days spent as an outsider as a child and teenager spurred him on to success.
Colchester Council’s culture boss Pam Cox told the Gazette she will be doing all she can to convince Blur to perform a warm-up gig in the city.
She said: “I’m a massive Blur fan. I saw Albarn at Latitude festival a few years ago and it was amazing.
“It would be great for us if they performed here before next year’s gig.”
Ms Cox, a professor at the University of Essex, added she has begun asking questions to get the plan in motion and will continue to pursue inquiries.
Following the announcement of the performance, Albarn said in a statement: “We really love playing these songs and thought it’s about time we did it again.”
Fellow ex-Stanway pupil and guitarist Graham Coxon added: “I’m really looking forward to playing with my Blur brothers again and revisiting all those great songs.
Blur, Wembley Stadium 🏟
— blur (@blurofficial) November 14, 2022
8th July 2023
Tickets on sale 10am (GMT) Friday 18th Novemberhttps://t.co/pVoIxia1PP pic.twitter.com/xVomuUnQtt
“Blur live shows are always amazing for me. A nice guitar and an amp turned right up and loads of smiling faces."
Rural North councillor Darius Laws, a self-confessed Blur fan, said Colchester would welcome the band home “with open arms”.
“I would be one of the first people to buy a ticket,” said Mr Laws.
“The stadium would be a good option or if they wanted to treat fans to an intimate gig, why not come back to the East Anglian Railway Museum, in Chappel?
“I’m in no doubt they would be welcomed with open arms if they wanted to come home.”
“I am really hopeful the council and all of Colchester find a way to make this happen.”
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