The Blur lead guitarist Graham Coxon celebrates 56
In 1988, he co-founded Blur alongside Damon Albarn, bassist Alex James, and drummer Dave Rowntree
The Blur lead guitarist Graham Coxon celebrates 56
Best known as the lead guitarist and founding member of the rock band Blur, Graham Leslie Coxon was born on March 12, 1969, in Rinteln, West German. His father, Bob Coxon, was an army bandsman, leading the family to move frequently during Graham’s early years. They eventually settled in Colchester, Essex, where he met future bandmate Damon Albarn during their school years.
Coxon studied fine art at Goldsmiths College in London but left after two years to focus on music. In 1988, he co-founded Blur alongside Albarn, bassist Alex James, and drummer Dave Rowntree. As the group’s lead guitarist and secondary vocalist, Coxon’s distinctive playing style was integral to Blur’s sound across their albums, from their 1991 debut “Leisure” to “The Magic Whip” in 2015. Notably, during the recording of “Think Tank” in 2003, Coxon departed the band due to personal and creative differences but rejoined in 2008 for subsequent projects.
Parallel to his work with Blur, Coxon has pursued a solo career, releasing eight albums that showcase his versatility across genres. His solo debut, “The Sky Is Too High” (1998), was followed by works like “Happiness in Magazines” (2004) and “Love Travels at Illegal Speeds” (2006). Beyond his solo endeavors, Coxon has collaborated with various artists and contributed to soundtracks, including composing music for the Netflix series “The End of the F***ing World.”
In recent years, Coxon formed The WAEVE with musician Rose Elinor Dougall, blending their musical styles into a unique collaboration. The duo released their self-titled debut album in February 2023, exploring new sonic landscapes and reflecting their shared experiences.
Beyond music, Coxon is an accomplished visual artist, having designed album covers for his solo projects and other artists.
Watch the 1997 music video “Beetlebum” by Blur
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