Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Camille Chorley

Alex James reveals why his Britpop Classical rehearsals left him in tears

Blur bassist Alex James has revealed the surprisingly emotional moment he realised his Britpop Classical concept was going to work — walking into rehearsals and bursting into tears.

"I opened the door, tripped over some tubular bells and fell into a harp. And there's a symphony orchestra there," he tells The Independent. "We started doing Creep by Radiohead — and about halfway through I noticed I was crying."

James brings Britpop Classical to Latitude Festival 2026, taking place 23–26 July at Henham Park, Suffolk. Tickets are available at latitudefestival.com.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.