Blur's first Australia/New Zeland tour in 1997

Despite the group played several gigs in Japan, their first tour Down Under happened in late 1997. They had just released their stunning album Blur that year, which includes the top singles Song 2 and Beetlebum. The album charted in Australia on No.22 and in NZ on No.3. Blur had a big fanbase in this area, as it can be seen as all gigs were sold out within days. They also played a few gigs in Asia, like Bangkok, where the royal family was in the audience. They had support from several local bands like the New Zeland singer-songwriter Darcy Clay or The Earthmen.Blur also presented their single M.O.R. on Nine Network's show Hey Hey It's Saturday and filmed the video clip for the tune in Sydney.

Tour dates:

• Munwha Gym, Seoul, KOR, 21.10.
• North Shore Events Centre, Auckland, NZ, 24.10.
• Festival Hall, Brisbane, AU, 26.10.
• Metro, Sydney, AU, 28.10.
• Metro, Sydney, AU, 29.10.
• Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, 30.10.
• Monash University, Melbourne, AU, 1.11.
• Metro, Melbourne, AU, 2.11.
• Thebarton, Adelaine, AU, 4.11.
• Metropolis, Fremantle, AU, 6.11.
• MBK Hall, Bangkok, THA, 8.11.
• Harbour Pavilion, Singapore, SGP, 11.11.

Stuff:

Cover of a special version of the Blur album

in Australia and New Zealand

                                                                                                     Pics from the Hey Hey It's Saturday appearance 

Live recordings:

It exist some live material of this tour, but just a little was ever relased official. A live version of Beetlebum from the gig at Monash University was published on the Lust For Live - Live at the Wireless Four compilation which was release by Triple J radio in 1998. The Monash gig is very poular in fan circles (The version of Chinese Bombs is stated as one of the best versions ever). There are just bootleg recordings, which are not athorized by the band and so ilegal.