Blur

Blur, an English band from London, formed in 1988 with the lineup of singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Cox, bassist Alex James, and drummer Dave Rowntree. Their debut album, Leisure, was released in 1991, and incorporated styles like Madchester and shoegaze. However, their next several albums marked a change in sonic direction heavily influenced by British invasion bands and English new wave acts. These albums, especially Parklife (1994), helped to fuel the popularity of the Britpop genre, aided in part by a publicized chart battle with Oasis.

Following this Britpop trilogy, the band shifted musically again, this time influenced by American indie rock. The band's self-titled album's single "Song 2" saw them reach mainstream success in the US. The album that followed this, titled 13, saw heavy experimentation musically and lyrically, with a very personal style. This experimentation continued as Albarn's curiosity about hip-hop and world music progressed, leading to their next album, Think Tank. Coxon left the band amidst this album's sessions, and the band disbanded for several years following completion of the tour.

In 2009, Blur and Coxon embarked on a reunion tour and eventually came to release several singles. They released an album in 2015, and then went on hiatus again. However, the band returned again for a ninth album in 2023, The Ballad of Darren.