Blur's Alex James To Host Classic Fm
Blur bassist Alex James is set to host a three part series for Classic Fm 'When Classic Meets Pop' kicking off with the first instalment on August 4.
The show will see James take an informed look at how classical music has played a role in shaping pop music over the years.
James - who left Britpop stardom to live and work as an organic cheese farmer - follows previous hosts of the 'When Classic Meets.....' series which airs every Saturday at 6pm, including Rick Wakeman and Courtney Pine who discussed rock and jazz respectively.
James revealed his love for classical music, asking " Why would I want to listen to Hard-fi piffling around when there is Rossini? Bring me French horns, Bring me a choir. And some cannons, maybe for the end."
Classic FM managing director, Darren Henley, added "As a founder member of one of Britain's foremost pop groups, Alex is uniquely placed to chart the influence classical music has had on the genre."
James' shows kick off on August 4 at 6pm and will feature classically inspired pop songs including Barry Manilow's 'Could It Be Magic', Eric Carmen's 'All By Myself' and The Farm's 'Altogether Now'.
His former bandmate Damon Albarn - who is rumoured to be joining James for a Blur reunion later this year - has also tried his hand at being a radio DJ when he spent a month hosting Xfm's Sunday evening Residency slot.
Other Xfm guest 'Residents' have included Manic Street Preachers, Snow Patrol and Kaiser Chiefs and you can listen to and read about each of them now by clicking here.
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