I found the Oasis rivalry hilarious'

Blur's Alex James reflects on the biggest feud of the Britpop era, his upcoming tour and why Damon Albarn makes him feel lazy

- WORDS: 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 couldn't be happier that his former sparring partners have made one of the most sensational comebacks in rock history. He even thinks the world would be a boring place without the Gallagher brothers in it. Speaking from the huge barn that serves as an office and a 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. And people at the gigs know every single word of every song.”