Alex James: From Britpop Bass to Boutique Cheese

Alex James, formerly the bassist for the iconic band Blur, is embarking on a new musical endeavor, Britpop Classical. This project sees him bringing the music of the 1990s Britpop era to a grand stage at the Royal Albert Hall, scheduled to run from March 11 to July 26. The performances will feature symphonic arrangements of classic Britpop hits, enhanced by an orchestra and a selection of special guest musicians.

James expressed enthusiasm for revisiting the "goldmine" of his youth, noting how songs from the Britpop era have gained deeper meaning for audiences over time. He mentioned that the setlist was carefully curated to include four and a half hours of essential tracks. This initiative was partly motivated by the buzz from Blur's reunion three years ago and the positive reception from his five children, who are themselves musicians and supported his return to the stage.