July
24
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blur: To The End (15)
blur: To The End (15)
Runtime: 2h 5m
Documentary
very strong language
DIRECTOR Toby L.
CAST: Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, Dave Rowntree
Synopsis: A new feature-length documentary depicting the extraordinary and emotional return of blur, captured during the year in which they made a surprise return with their first record in 8 years, the critically acclaimed #1 album ‘The Ballad of Darren’.
URL: https://youtu.be/0DjHKqb365A?si=LnynqO8UZ-heX4t2
blur: To The End follows the unique relationship of four friends – and band mates of three decades – Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree as they come together to record new songs ahead of their sold-out, first ever shows at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2023. Featuring performances of their most iconic, much-loved songs, footage of the band in the studio and life on the road, the film is an intimate moment in time with this most enduring of English bands, who have been at the heart of British cultural life and influence for over three decades.
Exclusive to cinemas, blur: To The End will be followed by footage from blur’s very special, one-off performance of their critically acclaimed #1 album ‘The Ballad of Darren’ at London’s Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith last summer.
This second film, blur: Live at Wembley Stadium, is a cinematic two-hour concert film immortalising last summer’s historic show which saw blur perform their iconic and much-loved songs for 150,000 fans in a transcendent, once-in-a-generation performance that delivered a sweep of ecstatic 5* reviews.
The documentary directed by Director Toby L. ( Liam Gallagher: Knebworth 22 (2022) and (Rip Up the Road (2019) follows the unique relationship of four friends – and bandmates of three decades – Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree as they came together in early 2023 to record new songs ahead of their sold-out, first ever shows at London’s Wembley Stadium in July last summer. Featuring performances of their most iconic, much-loved songs, footage of the band in the studio and touring life on the road, blur: To The End is an intimate moment in time with this most enduring of English bands, who have been at the heart of British cultural life and influence for over three decades.
After a prolonged estrangement, the band are back together with two nights at Wembley stadium ahead and a combined crowd of 180,000 fans.
“The less we do, the bigger we get,” observes drummer and Mid Sussex Labour candidate Dave Rowntree.
But the film is not without suspense. Will the gigs go ahead now that three of the four band members have dodgy knees? Will the prolific Damon find himself sufficiently stimulated? “If you don’t keep him focused on the job in hand, he’ll literally write another opera,” marvels chain-smoking bassist and cheese-maker Alex James.
Through the band remain affable company – a brotherhood that has been sustained by a musical relationship.
Unlike these four wealthy white men Pauline Black, singer with 2 Tone stalwarts the Selecter who has a support slot at Wembley reflects on why she’s still plugging away after all these years. She says that the racism, sexism and various other isms that seemed to have been vanquished are now back again and as noxious as ever. A reminder that not everyone has had it as easy as the blur quartet.
The following blur songs all appear in To The End
‘To The End’
‘Come Together’
‘Sticks And Stones’
‘The Narcissist’
‘The Everglades (For Leonard)’
‘Country House’
‘The Ballad’
‘The Universal’
‘Popscene’
‘Intermission (Commercial Break)’
‘Coping’
‘Fool’s Day’
‘Parklife’
‘Get Out Of Cities’
‘Luminous’
‘Advert’
‘St Charles Square’
‘Peach’
‘Russian Strings’
‘Lot 105’
‘She’s So High’
‘Song 2’
‘Girls And Boys’
‘Music Is My Radar’
‘The Debt Collector’
‘Tender’
‘The Heights’
The film also includes an original score provided by Mike Smith, and a number of songs by other artists:
The Tony Hatch Orchestra – ‘Theme From Crossroads’
Jockstrap – ’50/50′
The Selecter – ‘Frontline’
Paul Weller – ‘That’s Entertainment’
Self Esteem – ‘How Can I Help You’
Sleaford Mods – ‘Force 10 From Navarone’
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – ‘The Night’
blur: To the End screened at Sheffield DocFest, and is in UK and Irish cinemas from 19 July.
Images courtesy of: Altitude
