Since Alex James' sideproject Wigwam crashed and burned, and Damon Albarn announced the end of Gorillaz, we've been feeling slightly more confident in claims that we'll be seeing a new Blur album by the end of the year. Now it seems there are not one but two new projects that may sadly be getting in the way.
With Gorillaz on the backburner, Damon announced several weeks ago that he was a member of a new supergroup with Clash bassist Paul Simoneon, afrobeat drummer Tony Allen and Verve guitarist Simon Tong. Now more details about the project are emerging with details of an album entitled The Good, The Bad and The Queen due for release in January 2007. The album is said to be a wry look at life in London and may feature Gnarls Barkley producer Danger Mouse on production duties. With a single out in October, the, as yet unnamed, group are set to make their live debut as part of the BBC Electric Proms season at The Roundhouse later in the year.
Meanwhile perhaps the most unlikeliest member of Blur to have a side project, Dave Rowntree, is hitting London this week with his new band The Ailerons. While Rowntree obviously plays drums and contributes backing vocals, the band is fronted by American songstress, the brilliantly named Charity Hair. The Ailerons play 93 Feet East on Wednesday and Barfly, Camden on Thursday.
