SEVEN YEARS, BLUE TALK ABOUT BACK &
BLUE’S 20th anniversary comeback is running a little late. Because of the pandemic, it has now been 22 years since the boyband formed in London. Thankfully, they don’t appear too bothered.
“Blue in 2022?” chuckles Simon Webbe. “It’s got a ring to it.”
Simon is huddled together with Antony Costa, Duncan James and Lee Ryan – all now in their late 30s or early 40s – on a sofa at the headquarters of their new record label. The group have just released Haven’t Found You Yet, their first new music in seven years, and have an album ready to go.
“In a way, it’s difficult for us because we’ve had such big hits with songs like One Love and All Rise,” says Duncan. “Those songs still get played all around the world today and trying to emulate something that you did all those years ago is really tough. But I think when Antony did this track, we all looked at each other and were like, ‘That fits perfectly’.”
Chasing the nostalgia train is the easy option for acts like Blue. But the group say their sixth album, Heart & Soul, aims to capture a modern sound. Haven’t Found You Yet, cowritten by Costa and producer Ronny Svendsen, has a soaring chorus to keep old fans happy whilst introducing shades of Purpose-era Justin Bieber and Coldplay.
“In 2020, we got invited to go to Sweden to do a songwriting camp,” recalls Duncan. “At the time we just thought it would be nice to do something for the 20th anniversary, maybe knock out a new song for the fans.
“We didn’t really think much more about it at that point and then
Antony ended up writing Haven’t Found You Yet and we all looked at each other like, ‘this is a great song’.”
It’s been 21 years since their debut single All Rise was released and became a worldwide hit. Since then, Blue have sold some 16 million records, scored three number one singles and three number one albums, won two Brits and represented the UK at Eurovision, coming a respectable 11th. There have also been challenges – bankruptcy and addiction among them.
“We have got stronger as a band,” says Antony. “We have grown together. Yes, we’ve done other things. We’ve done our own solo projects, whether it be acting, singing, etc. But the most important thing is love and respect - and that’s something that we’ve got and will always have.
Duncan gets emotional as he recalls their journey. “Honestly, I grew up as a little Devon kid with an aspiration to get to London. I got to
London, I got to meet these boys and I got to travel the world. And I probably never thought that would happen in my life.
“Getting to literally travel the world and go to some of the most amazing countries and perform on some incredible stages and stay in beautiful hotels... I’m so blessed to have had that opportunity and not just on my own but share it with three people that I call friends.”
The group are keen to put to bed reports Lee would not be taking part in the reunion. “I don’t know where that story came from,” says Duncan. “We were like, that is just another one of the crazy made-up stories we get to read about ourselves. But that was never a thing.”
The band feel proud to have survived 20 years together, while many of their contemporaries have imploded publicly. “It seems natural to us,” says Simon.
“We just don’t understand it, to be honest, and it’s none of our business what other bands go through. Our dynamic is something special that you can’t buy, you can’t fake.”
Duncan echoes the sentiment. “We’re still very emotional about it because it’s a big milestone for us. We’ve gone through so many ups and downs in our careers – and still to be here 22 years later, bringing out a new album signed to BMG. We are just very proud of what we’ve gone through and what we’ve achieved.”
The final song on the album is called Stop which Lee says has a “powerful message for what has gone on”. But do not fear. Blue have not become social activists.
“We are not in any way a political rock band or anything like that. But now and again, we do write a song that has a social element to its message.”
Blue are heading back on the road in December for a tour of UK stadiums. But things will be a little different this time around. No more late nights for the former hell-raisers.
“We’ve got the creche coming,” jokes Antony. “My seven and four-year-old have never seen their dad properly perform with their friends, as they always call them.
“So it will be really nice for them and emotional for myself being on stage with the boys and having our kids watching us do what we do best.
“It’s going to be a bit of an emotional one – especially at the O2.”
After a pause, he jokingly adds: “And if there are any creche companies out there that want to supply a bouncy castle...”
AS THEY RELEASE THEIR FIRST NEW MUSIC IN [To] still to be here 22 years later, bringing out a new album signed to BMG. We are just very proud of what we’ve gone through and what we’ve achieved... Ducan James on the band’s long career
Blue embark on their UK stadium tour in December and play Resorts World Arena, NEC, on December 9.