Blur bassist Alex James is bringing his Britpop Classical tour to Australia, following a run of sold out performances in the UK. In Melbourne, you can see it at The Palais on 6 November.
The concert reworks some of the most recognisable tracks of the 1990s, pairing a live band and guest vocalists with a full orchestra. Built around the Britpop era, the show draws from bands including Blur, Oasis, Pulp, Supergrass and The Verve, reinterpreting their catalogue through large scale arrangements.
Led by James, the production blends indie rock with orchestral performance, shifting familiar songs into a different setting without losing their original energy. The format has already found an audience overseas, where the combination of nostalgia and scale has driven strong demand.
“Somehow all of these songs mean more to people now than they did when they were first released,” says Alex.
“Bringing them back to life with a symphony orchestra, a kick-ass band, some old friends and very special guests have been brilliant – and I absolutely cannot wait to get this show to Australian audiences.”
For fans of the era, the appeal is straightforward. Britpop Classical leans into well known material but reframes it, offering a different way to experience songs that helped define a generation.
Tickets go on general sale from 11am on Friday 24 April, following a series of pre-sales earlier in the week.
