Albarn: Blur members haven't changed much

Blur still have the "same issues" as they did 20 years ago.

Frontman Damon Albarn admits he now has less tension with guitarist Graham Coxon – who left in the band in 2002 after a dispute with other members before rejoining the group in 2007 – but thinks that is because the pair are no longer in each other's pockets.

Albarn said: "It doesn’t feel very different, really. We have the same issues that we've had for 20 years. No-one's really changed that much.

"But me and Graham have less [issues] than we've ever had. We live very independent lives now, so we're not on top of each other. It wouldn't be working otherwise, and I don't think either of us could be bothered with that."

Albarn admits each member of Blur - who have been largely defunct since 2003, apart from a series of one-off shows – have a "deep respect" for each other and they normally get on well.

The guitarist – who is joined in the band by Albarn, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree - added: "I think all of us have a deep respect and admiration for each other. That won't ever change.

"We always check: 'Oh what has Damon got on his feet today, oh right yeah, yeah'. That sort of thing.

"He's going down that route today is he? Where are we in connection to each other? Are we on the same hymn sheet? Yes, we are, normally."