Blur still have the "same issues" as they did 20 years ago

Frontman Damon Albarn admits he now has less tension with guitarist Graham Coxon - who left in the band in 2002 after a dispute with other members before rejoining the group in 2007 - but thinks that is because the pair are no longer in each other`s pockets.

Damon said: "It doesn`t feel very different, really. We have the same issues that we`ve had for 20 years. No-one`s really changed that much.

"But me and Graham have less [issues] than we`ve ever had. We live very independent lives now, so we`re not on top of each other. It wouldn`t be working otherwise, and I don`t think either of us could be bothered with that."

Graham admits each member of Blur - who have been largely defunct since 2003, apart from a series of one-off shows in 2009 - have a "deep respect" for each other and they normally get on well.

The guitarist - who is joined in the band by Damon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree - added: "I think all of us have a deep respect and admiration for each other. That won`t ever change.

"We always check, `Oh what has Damon got on his feet today, oh right yeah, yeah`. That sort of thing.

"He`s going down that route today is he? Where are we in connection to each other? Are we on the same hymn sheet? Yes, we are, normally."

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