Blur's Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon played a surprise reunion gig at this year's NME Awards.
It was their first performance together since 2000, a sight many Blur fans thought they'd never see again after Coxon quit the band acrimoniously in 2002. It only lasted long enough for them to play one song, however: a stripped-back version of the Parklife track This is a Low. Those longing to hear more will have to wait for the band's reunion concert at London's Hyde Park in July. Blur's other members, Alex James and Dave Rowntree, were also at the ceremony, although they didn't play.
It was a big night for Britpop at this year's awards, with Oasis winning the best British band gong. This decision was not without some controversy, however, as large parts of the crowd erupted in boos when the winner was announced. Host Mark Watson appeared confused, saying: "I don't know why you're booing, you lot voted for them." Perhaps fortunately, the Gallagher brothers were absent from the ceremony.
The ceremony was more eventful than in previous years, with a series of pop duets laid on for attendees, which included a pit of NME readers in the front, rather than the normal industry-only affair. Franz Ferdinand teamed up with La Roux to cover Blondie's Call Me, and Florence and the Machine joined Glasvegas to tackle the Elvis Presley hit Suspicious Minds. Not wanting to be outdone, Friendly Fires brought out a troupe of Brazilian dancing girls and glitter cannon.
The likes of Alexa Chung, the Mighty Boosh and Kings of Leon were in attendance, while Tim Burton presented the Cure with their godlike genius award.
