THEY were among the Britpop pioneers of the nineties, but Blur lost none of their spark when they made their live comeback last night.

The four-piece were in Colchester, where singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon and drummer Dave Rowntree were born and raised.

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And it’s clear the excitement hasn’t left them.

Speaking inside the city’s historic castle before their performance at the arts center there, bassist Alex James exclaimed: “F***, it’s good to be back.”

As well as performing their first live performance in eight years last night, the band are also releasing their ninth studio album, The Ballad Of Darren, on 21st July.

Speaking at an exclusive press conference about the recording process before they took to the stage, Alex said: “There were moments of utter joy.

“We’re playing two new songs tonight and the one we’re opening with was the moment I felt, ‘Oh my God, we pulled it back.

“I had a moment. I spent most of the bass laying on a comfortable couch and it made me stand up, jump up and down. I lost it. It was great.”

The song, called St Charles’ Square, is truly excellent and proves that despite their long hiatus from music, Blur are back – and they’re better than ever.

After their warm-up gigs, including in Eastbourne on Sunday night, Wolverhampton next Friday and Newcastle on May 28, they head to Wembley Stadium for two huge shows on July 8 and 9.

Alex said of the live shows: “We stripped it back to basics. It’s just the four of us.”

Damon continued: “That’s how we wanted to play live too.

“We envision Wembley as us at our purest and most uncomplicated.

“The original intention, not the one you get carried away with once you become a big band.

“How we play tonight [in Colchester] is how we will play at Wembley but hopefully we assume it will be better there

“But the intent, the reason we do it, is the same whether it’s here or there.”

Blur had a string of No1 albums in the nineties and noughties and hit singles including Tender and Country House. And last night’s concert was full of nostalgia.

If you’re lucky enough to have a ticket to any of their upcoming shows, I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Beckhams hedge bets for privacy

DAVID and Victoria Beckham have come up with a novel way to prevent nosy Soho Farmhouse members from peeking into their Cotswolds home.

The couple are shelling out thousands of pounds to improve security at their country mansion and add “instant fencing” after complaining about prying eyes from the trendy members’ retreat at the end of their lane, I can reveal.

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It follows reports that the issue has become so vexing that Posh and Becks have even considered upping the ante and selling the place entirely.

Work has already started on the multi-million pound road, with a 3m-high barrier created from individually installed hedge plants around the back of the estate that backs onto the farmhouse.

The couple’s home was previously in full view of the grounds of the VIP members’ club, which is popular with the likes of Harry Styles and Dua Lipa.

But thanks to their custom topiary, it will now be almost impossible for fans to catch a glimpse through the new fences.

A source said: “The Beckhams were planning to sell in January but it seems they have found a solution to their problems.

“Large fences will help protect them from prying eyes and keep out any excess noise.”

How does the other half live indeed.

Robbie on the mothership

ROBBIE WILLIAMS says his obsession with UFOs and aliens was fueled by his mother, Janet.

The Angels singer says when he was younger, his mother “considered herself a white witch”.

Robbie said: “When I was growing up there was a shelf of books outside my mother’s bedroom and in those books were folk tales and fairy tales. I think my mother considered herself somewhat of a white witch.

“So there were all these interesting mind-expanding books. At my grandmother’s there were books like ‘UFOs Over London’.”

He added some of his own beliefs about the unexplained and supernatural: “I check in with UFO Twitter.

“From 2005 and 2006, when it was the wild, wild west of the Internet, it was a great place to go.

“Where I stand on all of this is that my mind is open and everything is on the table. I don’t believe in anything, but if people want to come and say that things have happened to them then I’ll say: ‘Well, that’s interesting.’

“But it’s not a hill I’m going to die on – ‘Well, I think so, and it’s definitely happening’ – because nobody knows.”

It’s too hot furry Rita

RITA ORA can’t decide if she’s Hot Right Now in the latest video for new single Praising You.

Rita, who dresses for all weather conditions, mixes a cut-off band top and mini skirt with a floor-length faux fur coat.

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The track, shot by director Joseph Kahn, is the second video for the Fatboy Slim collaboration, which samples his hit Praise You.

The song is the second single from Rita’s forthcoming third album You & I – which she loved to an open diary about finding The One in director Taika Waititi.

The couple secretly tied the knot last summer in London.

Rita says she hopes to have a bash to celebrate the nuptials in the near future.

I can only assume her outfit for the event will be as crazy as this one.

Jessie J’s big news

CONGRATULATIONS to Jessie J, who gave birth to a son.

The Do It Like A Dude singer took to Instagram last night to announce the happy news.

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Jessie said: “A week ago my whole life changed. My son entered the world and my heart grew twice as big.

“The feeling is indescribable. I fly in love. He is magical. He is all my dreams come true. He is my world.

“He and I are both doing great. I’m soaking up every second and still can’t believe he’s real, here and mine.”

Brit School graduate Jessie added: “I am so grateful to all of you who have followed my journey.

Thank you for your continued love and support.

Becoming a parent is amazing and I’m sure Jessie will be a great mom.

Winner Loreen in Tatt-two

LOREEN hit number 2 in the singles charts with her Eurovision winner Tattoo as Ellie Goulding and Calvin Harris held on to number 1 with Miracle.

The Swedish singer said in an exclusive chat: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed by all the love and support I’m receiving right now – especially from my British friends who have been with me since day one.”

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Loreen, who will play Brixton’s Mighty Hoopla festival on June 4, isn’t the only Eurovision star to make a top ten hit on the UK singles chart this week.

Finland’s Kaarija is at number 6 with Cha Cha Cha, British contestant Mae Muller reached number 9 with I Wrote A Song, while Italian singer Alesandra’s Queen Of Kings is listed at number 10.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Netta recorded her version of Dead Or Alive’s 1985 classic You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) which she performed during the show’s break last week.

Eurovision fever is still very much alive.

Out of quite a Lott

PIXIE LOTT is still top of the crop with her new short haircut.

The Mama Do singer wore a bright red dress as she partied at a BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund gala at event center 180 The Strand.

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Pixie and model Oliver Cheshire finally got married last year after having to change their wedding date three times due to the pandemic.

She clearly still has that married glow as the pair prepare to celebrate their first anniversary on June 6.

early look

ANNE-MARIE has dropped the title track from her upcoming album Unhealthy.

The Essex gal teamed up with American country legend Shania Twain for the new single.

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Anne-Marie’s accompanying album is out on July 28 and will see her embark on a massive arena tour of the UK, including a huge date at London’s O2 in November.

Also on my new music radar is LF System’s Dance Shoes (Take Me Higher).

The Scottish duo have a massive summer lined up, with slots at Glastonbury, TRNSMT, Parklife and Reading & Leeds festivals, to name but a few.