Alex James, the bassist of the iconic band Blur, expressed his excitement over the reunion of fellow Britpop legends Oasis, over three decades after their famously competitive rivalry. The announcement comes as James prepares for his own venture, the inaugural tour of his project, Alex James’ Britpop Classical, which is set to kick off on March 11, 2026, at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London.
In a recent conversation from his farm in the Cotswolds, James reflected on the significance of Oasis’ reunion tour, Live ’25, which showcases brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher performing together once again. The rivalry between Blur and Oasis during the 1990s defined the Britpop era, and James is now pleased to see the two bands reconnect.
“The tour was huge. Isn’t it brilliant? So many artists and bands end up hating each other, or they won’t play their hits anymore. But I’m so delighted they’re back,” James remarked. He recalls fond memories of watching Oasis perform, noting their powerful songs and the energy they brought to the stage. “I didn’t go to the reunion tour, but I remember seeing them in San Francisco in about 1993. We were both on tour in America at the same time, so our paths kept crossing.”
As a veteran of the music industry, James acknowledges the vast changes it has undergone since the height of Blur’s fame. He reminisces about the simplicity of the past when musical instruments were affordable and accessible, allowing aspiring musicians to experiment and hone their craft. “Playing the bass is probably the one thing I’ve ever done with any real proficiency in my life,” he said, emphasizing the importance of live music and genuine connection with audiences.
James’ upcoming tour will feature a unique blend of Britpop hits performed alongside a full orchestra, promising a fresh take on beloved classics. “It’s bringing life to tunes from what feels like a golden age of British music. It’s incredible how a lot of the bands and songs from that time mean more to people now than they did when they were first released,” he noted.
The tour will include several major cities across the UK, with stops in Birmingham, Manchester, Brighton, and more. The full list of dates reveals a busy schedule, culminating in outdoor performances during the summer of 2026. “It’s 90 minutes of tunes going live and going large, as we used to say in the 90s,” James added, encapsulating the energy he hopes to bring to the stage.
In addition to his music career, Alex James has embraced diverse interests, including cheesemaking and hosting the annual food and music festival, The Big Feastival, at his farm since 2011. He humorously reflected on the connection between music and food, stating, “I’ve realised that festivals were all originally religious festivals. So basically, I’m a monk.”
As excitement builds for both the Oasis reunion and James’ forthcoming tour, fans of Britpop can look forward to a celebration of a genre that continues to resonate. For those interested in attending Alex James’ Britpop Classical tour, tickets are available through the official website.
With both the past and present of Britpop colliding, the upcoming months promise a vibrant revival of the sounds that captured the hearts of many. As James succinctly put it, “It was absolutely terrifying stepping up there at Feastival…but it totally landed.”
