Band unhappiness

During the two-month American tour, the band became increasingly unhappy, often venting frustrations on each other, leading to several physical confrontations. The band members were homesick; Albarn said, “I just started to miss really simple things … I missed everything about England so I started writing songs which created an English atmosphere.” Upon the group’s return to Britain, Blur (Albarn in particular) were upset by the success rival group Suede had achieved while they were gone. After a poor performance at a 1992 gig that featured a well-received set by Suede on the same bill, Blur were in danger of being dropped by Food. By that time, Blur had undergone an ideological and image shift intended to celebrate their British heritage in contrast to the popularity of American grunge bands such as Nirvana . Although sceptical of Albarn’s new manifesto for Blur, Balfe gave assent for the band’s choice of Andy Partridge (of XTC ) to produce their follow-up to Leisure . The sessions with Partridge proved unsatisfactory, but a chance reunion with Stephen Street resulted in him returning to produce the group.