Blur Talk Glastonbury Return

Reformed Britpop giants Blur have spoken about their forthcoming performance at Glastonbury, claiming it is "right" they play as part of their comeback.

Formed in Colchester in the late 80s, Blur began life as Seymour - a scratchy indie quartet. After switching names finding fame as part of the baggy movement, the band soon became disillusioned.

Songwriter Damon Albarn looked to typically British groups such as The Kinks, The Jam and XTC for inspiration, with the band visually recalling the Mod and Skinhead movements. 1993's 'Modern Life Is Rubbish' crafted the template for Britpop, and went on to become one of the most influential albums of the decade.

Becoming one of Britain's most popular groups, Blur collapsed in 2003 after guitarist Graham Coxon walked out. However the group defied expectations and announced their re-union last year.

Blur have only played small intimate dates since their return. The group played the East Anglian Railway Museum - bizarrely the scene of their first ever show - before rocking Rough Trade East in London at the launch of their new 'best of'.

However the band are set to be rocketed back to the big time, after confirming a headline performance at this year's Glastonbury festival. Within a week of this, Blur are due to play Manchester's MEN Arena before two enormous shows at London's Hyde Park.

Speaking to the NME, singer Damon Albarn revealed that he was eager to be a part of the band's first Glastonbury performance since 1998. "Were we surprised to be asked to do Glastonbury?" questioned Damon Albarn. "I think it's only right that we play it! It's a great honour to play Glastonbury and we're going to rise to occasion hopefully."

"Everyone is tired on Sunday night so it needs something special, we'll try to give them that."

Blur are joined as headliners by the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young. Guitarist Graham Coxon is clearly relishing the prospect of competing with two of the most renowned songwriters on the planet.

"It's a well good weekend, so to finish it off is ace," declared Coxon. "We'll bring it back down to England with a bump after Neil (Young) and The Boss."

Blur are set to play Glastonbury on June 28th.