Alex James, the bassist for Blur, fields a familiar question: “Cheese, music… isn’t that a bit weird?” He laughs, acknowledging the unusual pairing, but for him, it’s a natural extension of a life lived creatively and close to the land.
After decades fronting one of Britain’s most iconic bands, James now balances fatherhood to five teenagers with running a 200-acre farm and a burgeoning career as a cheesemaker – and a festival promoter. He’s still, at his core, a musician, a spirit that refuses to be contained.
Speaking from his Cotswolds farm, James reflects on the recent reunion of Oasis, a band Blur often found themselves measured against during the 1990s “Battle of Britpop.” He expresses genuine delight at seeing Liam and Noel Gallagher share the stage again, acknowledging the enduring power of their music and brotherhood.
“The tour was huge. Isn’t it brilliant?” he says with enthusiasm. “So many artists end up hating each other, or won’t play their hits. But I’m so delighted they’re back. They’re brothers, and Liam’s such a good singer. Those are just good f*g songs.”
James’ own musical venture, Alex James’ Britpop Classical, is set to embark on its first UK tour in March 2026. It’s a bold reimagining of the era’s biggest hits, brought to life with a full orchestra, chorus, and special guests.
The idea, he explains, stemmed from a surprising realization: festivals have roots in religious celebrations. “I’ve started making booze now as well, another pastime of mine,” he adds with a wry smile. “I’ve realised that festivals were all originally religious festivals. So basically, I’m a monk.”
Looking back on Blur’s rise to fame, James marvels at how much the music industry has changed. He fondly remembers a time when musical instruments were accessible, allowing anyone with a passion to pick up an instrument and create.
“There’s a real charm about a bunch of boozy, cheeky kids with guitars, just making a racket and singing from the heart,” he recalls with a laugh. “Playing the bass is probably the one thing I’ve ever done with any real proficiency. Everything else I’m blagging it a little bit.”
He emphasizes the importance of live performance, of the visceral connection between musicians and their audience. “We spent hours every day playing,” he says. “Making music live in the moment really connects with a crowd. Nowadays, you don’t really need a bass player – you can just ask Chat GPT!”
The Britpop Classical project premiered at his own Big Feastival, a celebration of food and music held annually on his farm. The response was overwhelming, a sea of emotion that confirmed James’ instincts were right.
“We did a quick blast of The Beatles, David Bowie, T. Rex… By the time we got to The Verve’s ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ and Radiohead’s ‘Creep,’ I noticed I was crying,” he confesses. “It was absolutely terrifying stepping up there, but it totally landed. I could see people crying, and that was so f*g great.”
The tour begins at London’s Royal Albert Hall on March 11th, promising a 90-minute journey through the sounds of a golden age of British music, reimagined for a new generation. It’s a testament to the enduring power of these songs, and the creative spirit of the man who helped define an era.
James believes these songs resonate even more deeply now than they did upon their initial release, offering a powerful reminder of a time when music truly mattered.
