March 4, 2009 10:13

Blur drummer could quit gigging after summer dates

Dave Rowntree wants to concentrate on a law career

Photo Gallery: Blur

Blur drummer Dave Rowntree has said that he hopes to concentrate on his law career after his band play their summer 2009 dates – meaning it is unlikely he would be able to commit to further touring plans.

Rowntree told the Independent that he has been undertaking work experience three days a week at a London legal firm while training as a barrister - and hopes to land a full-time job there as soon as his Blur commitments are over.

"I only went along for a day but then they said I could go in once a week as work experience," he said. "Now I go in three times a week. Hopefully I can go and work there when I'm finished with the Blur tour."

As well as pursuing a legal career, Rowntree is the Labour candidate for the Cities of London and Westminster seat in the House Of Commons.

Blur are set to play two huge gigs in London's Hyde Park on July 2 and 3, and frontman Damon Albarn has said that they will headline Glastonbury in June.

Other dates confirmed include a show at Manchester MEN Arena on June 26, as well as festival headline slots at Ireland's Oxegen (July 11) and Scotland's T In The Park (July 12).

To check the availability of Blur tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/GIGS now, or call 0871 230 1094.