This week Blur debuted their first new material since 2010, live via their Twitter channel (@blurofficial) when they performed two new songs (Under The Westway and The Puritan) on a worldwide live video stream on Monday 2nd July.
Filmed and streamed completely live from a secret UK location (or at least as secret as you can get stood on top of a tall building in the middle of West London), the two new songs – which the band have never publicly performed – are both written for the upcoming sold-out Hyde Park concert. Damon Albarn commented,
"I wrote these songs for Hyde Park and I’m really excited about getting out there and playing them for people."
Between the songs, the band undertook a Twitter question and answer session with fans, during which they confirmed that the new tracks would be included in their set for next month's Olympic closing ceremony where the band are to play billed alongside New Order and The Specials.
It is unclear whether the band are to record a new album, or continue beyond the Olympic gig. Alex James told BBC 6 Music:
"I've got no idea what happens next, or if it ever happens again."
Since the live rooftop stream on Monday, the band have in addition released promo videos for the two tracks .... That for Under The Westway featuring studio session footage plus a simpler, neon, lyrics-only version for The Puritan.
Although available to download digitally now, a limited edition double-A 7-inch single of the two will also be released by Parlophone on 6th August.