Albarn, Coxon, James & Rowntree

Blur formed here in 1988 as Seymour and the legend was born

Location: Lewisham Way, New Cross, SE14 6NW

Description: 'Blur' are now a English musical institution...but how did they come to be?

Well at college of course!

Childhood friends 'Damon Albarn' and 'Graham Coxon' met 'Alex James' when they began studying at London's 'Goldsmiths College' in 1988. Albarn was in a group named Circus, who were joined by fellow Goldsmith's student, drummer Dave Rowntree that October.

'Circus' requested the services of Coxon after the departure of their guitarist. That December Circus fired two members and James joined as the group's bassist. This new group named themselves Seymour in December 1988, inspired by J.D. Salinger's Seymour: An Introduction. Seymour performed live for the first time in summer 1989 and in November, Food Records' A+R man Andy Ross attended a Seymour performance that convinced him to court the group for his label.

The only concern held by Ross and Food was that they disliked the band's name. Food drew up a list of alternative names, from which the band decided on 'Blur'. Food Records finally signed the newly christened Blur in March 1990.

Tours: Blur around London

Themes: Music Music Theme