I thought feud was hilarious ... the world would be duller without Oasis

Blur's Alex on rivalry as he tunes up for his Britpop Classical tour

- BY SHELLEY SPADONI

AT the height of Britpop in the 1990s, Blur and Oasis were bitter rivals both in the charts and in the press, where they delighted in hurling insults at each other.

But 30 years on, Blur bassist Alex James says he could not be happier that his former sparring partners have made one of the most sensational comebacks in rock history.

And he even thinks the world would be a boring place without the Gallagher brothers in it.

Speaking to the Mirror from a huge barn that serves as an office and studio on his Cotswolds farm, Alex, 56, says: "I'm absolutely delighted for them. So many bands end up totally hating each other or dying or hating what they do. It's really great to see Noel and Liam finally reconciled - and bloody smashing it."

Looking back at their rivalry, Alex says: "I just thought it was funny, at the time. I found the whole thing hilarious. I have nothing but respect for Oasis. The world would be a duller place without them, wouldn't it?"

"But, look, Radiohead are back on the road now... it feels like all these bands have suddenly come of age.