Blur are a defining British band whose sharp songwriting, stylistic evolution, and role in shaping Britpop made them one of the UK’s most influential groups.

Blur formed in 1988 in London, featuring Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree. Their early work, including Leisure (1991), drew on Madchester and shoegaze influences. They became central to the Britpop movement with Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993), Parklife (1994), and The Great Escape (1995), helping popularize the genre and engaging in the famous “Battle of Britpop” with Oasis.