Profile: Alex James
Biography
Writer, farmer and rockstar, Alex was born in Bournemouth on 21 November 1968. After meeting Graham Coxon at Goldsmiths College, Alex became the bass player in Blur with Dave Rowntree and Damon Albarn when the band formed in 1989.
Blur became one of the most successful and influential bands of the 90s. The band’s seven studio albums to date have spawned hits throughout the world and garnered numerous international awards.
A prolific writer, Alex has regular columns in The Independent, The Observer and The Spectator and has also contributed to a number of daily papers and magazines. Alex’s first book, Bit of a Blur, was published in 2007.
Alex is married with three children and lives on an organic farm in Oxfordshire, where he produces cheese.
Related Videos
- Behind the scenes: Lullaby baby
Brad and Alex on Gershwin’s Summertime
- Behind the scenes: How did they really do?
Charles Mutter assesses Bradley and Alex
- The crucial vote – four out of five face the cut
Who can breathe again…
- Alex and Rebecca Evans perform a lullaby...
It’s definitely Summertime for Alex…
- Alex's Episode 4 diary
Alex has more than one production in hand
- Behind the scenes: Alex takes instruction
Peter Stark on the nuances of dynamics…
- Behind the scenes: Alex squares up to Verdi
Dies Irae on a wing and a prayer…
- Alex's Episode 3 diary
Will Verdi’s Day of Judgement be Alex’s?
- Alex conducts Verdi's Requiem
“I thought my rock-and-roll days were over!”
- Alex's second attempt at conducting
Alex conducts the music from The Onedin Line
- Alex's Episode 2 diary
Alex applies the Alexander technique to his posture
- Alex James in concert
Alex James performs music by Bizet at the final Baton Camp concert
- Alex with mentor
Alex James with mentor Brad Cohen
- Alex's first attempt
Alex James conducts the BBC Concert Orchestra for the first time.
- Alex James at home
Will Alex’s experiences with Blur help him out?
- Alex's video diary
Alex James talks about conducting
Memorable Quotes
If you’re not scared of looking an idiot then you can do anything you want.
It’s just like bungee jumping: it’s absolutely terrifying, then as soon as it’s over you go, I want to do that again. I was so lucky to get that piece of music, ‘cos I love it.
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