Blur’s Dave Rowntree launches solo career with new track 'London Bridge'

Blur drummer Dave Rowntree has released the first track from his upcoming album with indie label Cooking Vinyl last night.

‘London Bridge’ marks a new era for the English musician and former Labour Party councillor, some 32 years after Blur came together in 1989.

"La la la la London Bridge, far far far far from the edge,” he sings on the solo track, which was co-written by Gary Go and produced by Leo Abrahams. The English producer has previously teamed up with the likes of Brian Eno, Imogen Heap and Jon Hopkins.

London Bridge is described as a "shining star" in the song, which reflects on decisions that many of us face in life.

Rowntree explained the inspiration behind the lyrics: “When I was in my early 20s, in Colchester, I would start to see the number 126 everywhere. I lived at a house that was 126, I’d get a bus that was 126. It felt to me that the universe was trying to alert my attention to 126 for some reason, even though the rational part of me knew that that was bollocks.

“So, ‘London Bridge’ was one of those. Things just started happening when I was near London Bridge, or going past on the bus, or on the tube going underneath London Bridge. I would just notice events occurring, and it was slightly unsettling.

“I had to confront my London Bridge demons and that’s what the song is about."

What results is an emotive synth-led track. An album is expected to follow later this year, with the release date yet to be confirmed. “I’m really excited to release my first single as a solo artist. It’s from a body of work that I’ve been putting together over the last couple of years, and I’m humbled to be releasing it on the legendary Cooking Vinyl label,” Rowntree said in a statement.

Cooking Vinyl is an independent record label based in North London, which was established in 1986. It is home to an eclectic mix of artists across different genres including Nina Nesbitt, Passenger and The Prodigy.

Listen below.