Newport Centre. 4/12/99
When Blur announced they weren’t going to tour their albums anymore, it was a dull day for music. So it came somewhat as a pleasant surprise when they announced an a-sides tour playing more smaller and intimate venues than their previous live outings.
Playing such a daunting set, their 22 singles in chronological order, would seem crazy to most bands – but not Blur. With songs ranging from Bang to Beetlebum, it was a set inbred with different styles. “I wish we’d been like some bands and just kept to one style over the years” Damon gasps, tongue in cheek “I’m all over the place with this”.
Kicking off with “I Know”, the little heard double a-side to “She’s So High” (‘bit like Oasis, that one’ Damon quips), Blur roll back the years. Songs off “Modern Life…” like “Chemical World” sound as good as ever, and Graham’s wincing to the brass section in “Sunday Sunday” while Damon jogs up and down on the spot like a loon is priceless. Even the dreaded Country House was enjoyable, the ban electing to play it straight rather than thrashing it up.
From the classic intro to “Girls and Boys” the set comes into its own. The Poignant “End of a Century” is sung better than ever before and Damon launches into crowd favourite “Parklife” from a handstand. A somewhat rushed “Great Escape” era is slightly embarresing, but still a good laugh, even the band manage to raise a smile, then the final seven songs from “Blur” and “13” remind you just how good this band is. Downbeat “Beetlebum” is lo-fi heaven, Tender is as beautiful as ever (though lacking a gospel choir on this occasion), and Graham raises a smile when he asks the crowd if he can “skip this one” as he takes over main vocal duties on “Coffee and TV”
Main highlights of the night were the wonderful “For Tomorrow” with full brass section at the climax, the squelching Coxon guitar on “On Your Own”, Damon singing his heart out on “To the End” and showstopper “No Distance Left to Run”. Even the band were enjoying their first proper tour since “Blur”. Dave played his heart out, Alex strolled round like he owned the place, Damon was a complete nutter and Graham, well, looked embarrassed.
The cosy surroundings of the Newport Centre played host to Blur at their best, such an idea could have gone so wrong, but it was one of the best gigs of my life. It was a fitting way to celebrate their 10th anniversary, and a great way to end the year for the band too, proving that you don’t have to play a stadium gig to win a special place in people’s hearts. Some bands should surely take not.
9½/10
Matt Caffyn
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