Blur have announced details of a new documentary, To The End, which chronicles their recent reunion. The new film, directed by Toby L, will hit cinemas in the UK and Ireland from 19 July and will tell the story of the Britpop icons getting back together for 2023 album The Ballad of Darren.
Discussing what to expect from the film, the director said: To The End it's an intimate look at relationships, motivation and mortality, of a long-term friendship that brings to light a new achievement to overcome together. As for the idea of bringing an already so well-documented band to the screen, we sat down at the beginning of the project and agreed that the film had to tell a new story, be shot entirely on location and, above all, be honest.”
Speaking in the film, Alex James said: “We've barely communicated for the last 10 years… I mean, even when we actually split up, it didn't take that long to make a record, but the wonderful thing is that as soon as the four of us enter a room together, it's exactly the same as when we were all 19…”
Damon Albarn added: “I don't think any of us thought we'd make another record, especially not a record like this. I guess that's why I wanted to try to make it as good as possible.” The frontman added: “We all have extremely involved and complicated lives and we are so lucky that we get to spend this time together, just the four of us. And that's the beauty of it…”
Watch the trailer for To The End below:
In the film, Graham Coxon said of the band's history and comeback: «The nineties were a very intense time. On the same level as a relationship and a marriage and things like that. I think it's fair to say that the time away was spent on other friendships and simply recovering or doing other things.”
Drummer Dave Rowntree added: “The fact that we haven't always gotten along, that's one of the chemistry points that has led to us being able to make the music we do. I am absolutely convinced of it.”
