Blur announce new concerts - weeks after ‘final’ gig

The pop group Blur have signed up for a string of European dates next year, only weeks after predicting their Hyde Park concert would probably be their last.

The band, who headlined the 2012 Games closing event on 12 August, have announced performances in Belgium, Spain and Portugal.

Speaking before the Hyde Park gig, Albarn said he thought it would be the band’s “last hurrah”.

Asked if the Britpop quartet would play again, Albarn said: “Not really… I hope that’s the truth, that that’s how we end it.”

This is not the first time the band have had a change of heart. Many followers assumed they bowed out for good in 2003 but they reformed in 2009 for a series of festivals including Glastonbury.