Blur’s “Song 2” Is Sweet 16 Today – Images from 1997 – NYC

Wow! How time flies! Seems like yesterday that I was just hearing Song 2 by Blur for the first time. Released on 7 April 1997, Song 2 is a 2 minute impromptu creation that created a sensation worldwide for it’s speed, energy, and catchiness. You may not know the title, but you’ll know the song when you hear it.

On the evening of 10 March 1997, Blur played at Tower Records in New York City. It was to promote their fifth album, Blur, and I waited for 9 hours in the 20 degree weather to be front and center for this performance. I don’t remember much from that night, it was 16 years ago after all. I do remember that I did enjoy the camaraderie and conversation with the people I met in line. We all waited, for hours, just for a chance to see one of our favorite bands. When it was time to go into Tower, we all treated each other like family, making sure nobody new cut in line.

And yes, I was front and center. Looking at the photos, I can only recall what I see on the film…like Alex and his many coy expressions, or Damon…with a guitar?! Graham was so far back, my 50mm lens wasn’t long enough to get a decent shot of him, or Dave, who was just as hard to shoot with a huge speaker in my way.

After the show, we all got in line again to purchase the album and have it signed. I can’t find my copy, it’s probably back home in Los Angeles, but I do remember somebody writing ‘You are lovely’ on it. It must’ve been because of the candy-filled plastic Easter eggs I gave them.

Blur played the next night at the Supper Club and once again I was there super early, 2 pm-ish, greeted by a few of the familiar friendly faces from the night before. Adventure ensued that night – my first (and only time) palming a security guy, hiding in the kitchen, looking for disguises like a chef’s hat and apron, pretending to be workers so we could stay in the venue, and finally getting a VIP pass from an uber hot roadie after we almost gave up. Ahhh…memories.

But I digress.

Anyways, I was feeling extremely nostalgic, so I dug into my archive of film (yes…film) and started scanning a few images from the Tower Instore with the band performing and signing autographs afterward. The images aren’t very sharp, there’s dust from the scan, etc…but really, it’s just a chance for me to share with you a moment in time that meant a lot to me and hopefully a few other people. Enjoy!