November 8th 2024.
Bobby Gillespie, the lead singer of Primal Scream, has recently called out Alex James, the bassist of Blur, for what he sees as "social climbing". This accusation stems from James' interactions with celebrities and politicians, particularly his friendship with former Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron and Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson. Gillespie, who hails from a working-class background in Glasgow and holds socialist beliefs, has been vocal about the class divide and how it affects his experience as a successful musician.
In an essay announcing their 12th album, Come Ahead, Gillespie delved into the complexities of navigating different social circles while staying true to his roots. He explained that being in a successful band often means being invited to events and knowing people from different backgrounds, which can be a difficult balance to maintain. When asked about this in an interview, Gillespie clarified that he was not trying to judge James or accuse him of anything, but rather acknowledging the reality of the situation.
Gillespie's comments were in response to a photo of James with Cameron and Clarkson at a food festival in 2011, which James later described as a "weird" situation. He admitted that he should have been more careful about who he was photographed with and joked that he should have moved to Wales instead. Gillespie, on the other hand, expressed a sense of gratitude for his success and the opportunities it has brought him, without feeling guilty about his elevated status.
The band, formed in 1982, is known for their ever-evolving sound and genre-defying music, with their iconic album Screamadelica being a defining moment in psychedelic rock. Their other hits include Movin' on Up, Loaded, Rocks, Country Girl, Jailbird, and Come Together. The current lineup consists of Gillespie, Jim Beattie, Andrew Innes, Simone Butler, and Darrin Mooney. After an eight-year hiatus, Primal Scream has just released their new album, Come Ahead, which tackles topics such as religion, inequality, and climate change.
In interviews, Gillespie has also expressed his disappointment with the state of rock music in recent years, calling it a "business" and lacking in rebellion. He believes it has become just another part of the entertainment industry, but acknowledges that there are still artists pushing against the mainstream.
As Primal Scream sets out on tour to promote their new album, Gillespie remains critical of the societal issues and political climate that he believes are important to address through music. And despite his criticisms, he still has hope for the future and continues to use his platform to speak out about the things that matter to him. If you have a story to share or any tips for the entertainment team, please reach out to us – we would love to hear from you.
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