Blur - Beetlebum

Blur were formed in London in 1989, while Damon Albarn (Born 23 March 1968, Whitechapel, London, England; vocals), Alex James (Born 21 November 1968, Bournemouth, Dorset, England; bass) and Graham Coxon (Born 12 March 1969, Rinteln, Hannover, Germany; guitar) were studying at Goldsmiths College.

Playing vibrant 90s-friendly pop with a sharp cutting edge incorporating the sounds of Madchester , the band helped to popularise the Britpop genre and achieved mass popularity in the UK, aided by a famous chart battle with rival band Oasis dubbed "The Battle of Britpop".

The band underwent several reinventions of their music style, showing a variety of influences.

The relations between Blur members had become very strained during the years, ending with Coxon’s departure from the band.

After a 2003 tour Blur did no studio work or touring as a band, as members engaged in other projects. In 2009 Blur reunited, with Coxon back in the fold, for a series of successful concerts.

They released seven albums between 1991 to 2003, winning many awards during these years.

"Beetlebum" was released as the lead single for the band's eponymous fifth album, Blur. The single became Blur's second to reach the number one spot in the UK Singles Chart (after "Country House").

The song is about heroin and the drug experiences that Damon Albarn had with his then girlfriend, Justine Frischmann of Elastica.

The song's title is a reference to the phrase "Chasing the beetle" (Chasing the dragon) which refers to inhaling the smoke from heated heroin, morphine, or opium that has been placed on a piece of tin-foil.