BLUR music legends Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon visited their old secondary school as part of a new documentary.
It has been revealed in the documentary film, Blur: To The End, which released on Friday, that Damon and Graham visited Stanway School, in Winstree Road.
The film chronicles the band’s most recent chapter – the recording of their first record in eight years, The Ballad of Darren, their unique friendship, rehearsals for the comeback shows, and headlining Wembley Stadium in July last year.
On May 19 last year, the band headlined Colchester Arts Centre for an explosive show.
Film premiere - Blur members Alex James, Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, and Dave Rowntree arrive for the London premiere of Blur: To The End at Picturehouse Central in London. Picture date: Tuesday July 16, 2024 (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)
Friends and bandmates - Blur (Image: Reuben Bastienne Lewis)
During a section of the film, it cuts to Colchester, and shows the pair being greeted by Jonathan Bland, the executive headteacher of The Stanway School.
Damon asks Mr Bland if the portacabin they used to play music in is still here, which the headteacher confirms it is sadly no longer is.
Damon said in the film: “I really wanted to see the portacabin.
“I have sort of mythologised it in my own memory, that place, we were given a key to it, weren't we.
School - The Stanway School
“There were a few nice things, it had synthesiser, we used to go in there on our breaks.
“Also, it was quite dangerous for me to go out at lunchtimes as I would always get beaten up.”
Mr Bland replied: “We don’t have much more of that here anymore.”
The music icons then visit the school's Albarn & Coxon music room, to which Damon says: “it looks like a serious school now”.
The rockstars were then asked to reminisce about the energy of Colchester when growing up and school life by the documentary maker.
Damon said: “It was scary, a lot of squaddies, a lot of people who were you know somewhat more Anglo-Saxon than myself.
“But the music department was amazing and that's where we met, we did all these amazing school productions.
“I loved it, I absolutely loved it.”
Headteacher - Jonathan Bland
Damon also said he wanted to give the school "more stuff as it's quite dry, a music room should have posters".
Speaking to The Gazette, Mr Bland has looked back on the experience of showing the two rockers around the school.
Jonathan said: “We were delighted to welcome Damon and Graham back to our school, as indeed we are with any former pupils.
“The school has changed a lot since they were here, but it was great to talk to them about our focus on music education and show the music rooms that are named after them.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel