Blur's longtime plans thrown into doubt

Blur's much-heralded comeback looks set to be shortlived - drummer Dave Rowntree wants to quit music completely to concentrate on his new career as a barrister.

After announcing plans for a reunion earlier this year, Blur burst back onto the scene with a secret performance at the NME Awards last month, a taster for a string of UK gigs this summer.

But the band will have to find a new percussionist if they want to prolong the comeback - Rowntree has embraced an internship at a London law firm, and wants to make it his full time job.

He revealed: "I only went along for a day but then they said I could go in once a week as work experience. Now I go in three times a week. Hopefully I can go and work there when I'm finished with the Blur tour."

Rowntree is also due to revive his political ambitions after being selected to represent Britain's Labour Party as a local councillor.