Blur reveal details of new album The Ballad of Darren

The Britpop icons, whose members Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon met at the Stanway School, will release The Ballad of Darren on July 21.

The ten-track record, Blur’s first since The Magic Whip in 2015, was produced by James Ford and recorded at Studio 13 in London and Devon.

Frontman Damon, whose band mate Dave Rowntree is also from Colchester, has described the LP as an “aftershock record”.

Artwork - Blur's The Ballad of Darren will be released in July Photography: Martin Parr (Image: Blur)

Guitarist Graham, meanwhile, said: “The older and madder we get, it becomes more essential that what we play is loaded with the right emotion and intention.

“Sometimes just a riff doesn’t do the job.”

The surprise announcement comes just over 24-hours before the band take to the stage at Colchester Arts Centre, in Church Street, for the very first time.

Kicking-off a short run of warm-up gigs ahead of the quartet’s huge shows at Wembley Stadium in July, the special performance will be experienced by just 400 fans.

The homecoming concert was announced last month with tickets selling out in seconds as eager gig-goers scrambled to secure their place at the once-in-a-lifetime show.

READ MORE: Here's what you need to know if you're heading to Blur's Colchester Arts Centre show

Speaking previously Colchester Arts Centre’s director Anthony Roberts said he and his team were “thrilled to be putting on one of the biggest bands in the world”.

Roots - Three members of Blur grew up in Colchester Image: Kevin Westenberg (Image: Kevin Westenberg)

He added: “This is a massive band and it’s the biggest gig in our 43 year history.

“The fact there’s a Colchester connection is really special to us as a community venue.

“When Blur come into our venue, they will recognise it from when they hung out as teenagers which makes it even more special.

“Individual members of the band have played here, Coldplay have played here, so we aren’t strangers to quality. But the element of celebrity makes it even more exciting.”

The Ballad of Darren’s lead single The Narcissist is out now.

The album will be available in digital download, standard or deluxe CD, and standard or deluxe vinyl formats. It will also be accessible on all good streaming sites. 

To find out more visit blur.co.uk.

Ticketholders for Blur's show at Colchester Arts Centre will be permitted to enter the venue from 7.30pm.

To find out more information head to colchesterartscentre.com.