January 7, 2007 18:25

Blur reunion gets closer

Is Graham Coxon finally ready to return to the fold?

Photo Gallery: Blur

Rumours of a Blur reunion and new album with the original four-piece were further fuelled today (January 7) by bassist Alex James.

Speaking in the Sunday Times newspaper, James - who is currently focusing on cheese-making - said recent contact with estranged guitarist Graham Coxon led him to think "the time is right" [for Coxon to rejoin].

"I've been talking to Graham and there might be some good news," he said. "It's by no means in the bag, but it looks quite promising. Maybe the time is right. We've always left the door open for him, so that's what I'm hoping for."

The remarks build on those made by James in November when he said he'd like Blur "have a happy four-piece ending". At the time, it was also suggested that once frontman Damon Albarn finished live dates with current side project The Good, The Bad & The Queen in February, Blur would reconvene in a studio to begin work on what may be their final album.

James also said in December that he and Coxon had met up for the first time in a year and discussed reuniting.

Coxon was sacked in 2002 during sessions for the 'Think Tank' album. The other three members carried on and finished the album without him.