Caitlin Moran Meets Alex James - Cocaine, Crash Diets and the Return of Blur
Jan 21, 2025
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Alex James, bassist for the iconic band Blur, shares his colorful life as a farmer, author, and music maven. He recounts the emotional return of the band, including their monumental Wembley Stadium gig after years of silence. Alex candidly discusses his crash diet to fit into his ‘Britpop Trousers’ and the hilarity of managing a growing family alongside a chaotic music career. Tales from their South American tour bring nostalgic laughter, highlighting the unpredictable yet vibrant world of touring musicians and the joys of live performance.
Alex James recounts the unexpected reunion of Blur, blending nostalgia with the pressures of balancing personal and professional life.
His transition from music to farming showcases how creativity can manifest in diverse fields, reflecting a new chapter in his life.
Humorous anecdotes about parenting amid a rock star lifestyle reveal the complexities of juggling family responsibilities with a hectic touring schedule.
Deep dives
Protecting Personal Information Online
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The Journey of Alex James
Alex James, known as the bass player of Blur, shared insights from his life, notably his transition into farming and writing. He humorously depicted the ups and downs of farm life while reflecting on his unexpected journey from music to agriculture. The farm, purchased during Blur’s initial hiatus, became a sanctuary and a new venture where he invested considerable efforts into rebuilding and revitalizing a derelict property. His experiences illustrate how creativity can evolve and manifest in diverse fields, emphasizing a blend of passion for music and farming.
Blur's Reunion and the Return to Performance
The unexpected reunion of Blur has captivated both fans and the band members themselves, showcasing a blending of nostalgia and excitement for their music. Following years apart, the initial reunion performance led to a whirlwind of bookings for major festivals, creating an exhilarating and hectic summer. The magic of once again sharing the stage fueled a mix of jubilance and underlying pressures, showcasing the joys of returning to music alongside the challenges of balancing personal life. This reveals how the dynamics of band life persist over time, influencing both personal and professional spheres.
Balancing Fame and Family Life
Navigating the twin challenges of celebrity and family life has proven complex for James, especially with a growing family at home. He illustrated the chaos of performing on an international scale while managing the realities of parenting, which often meant returning home to normal responsibilities after high-energy gigs. The humorous anecdotes about juggling family commitments and the wild festival scene showcase the contrast between rock star life and domestic duties. Alex's reflections highlight the real-life struggles faced by many parents trying to balance work and family amidst the glitz and glamor of the music industry.
The Evolution of Alex James' Interests
Throughout the podcast, Alex James also discussed various interests that have evolved alongside his music career, including his ventures into food and cheese making. His journey illustrates the intertwining of music and culinary delights, as well as the joy derived from exploring new passions. James’s wit and humor brought insights into his projects like food festivals and experimenting with cheese production, showing how personal and professional interests can blend to create fulfilling experiences. His journey serves as a reminder of the endless possibilities that arise when one chooses to embrace change and pursue multiple passions.
One winter’s night, Alex James received an unexpected call. Blur had been invited to play their biggest gig ever: Wembley Stadium. The only trouble was, he and his bandmates hadn’t spoken to – or even shouted at – each other for years. And he now had five children, an out-of-control menagerie of cats, and a sprawling farm to run. This is the story of what happened next.
Taking us behind the scenes of a raucous, rollercoaster year, Alex tells Times journalist and bestselling author Caitlin Moran how the band made a surprise – and emotional – return, recording an acclaimed album and playing sold-out shows around the world, from Colchester to Colombia and beyond.
Plus: how he went on a crash diet to fit back into his ‘Britpop Trousers,’ a chastening encounter with the President of Columbia, and the magical story behind She's So High.