As we have seen from some of the above examples, when a band loses on of its key members, the end is almost certainly nigh. When Graham Coxon parted ways with Blur in 2002, the outcome was equally inevitable. Having been with the band since its inception in 1989, Coxon’s lone guitar-playing had become one of the most recognisable features behind Blur’s music. From the opening chords of ‘Parklife’ and ‘There’s No Other Way’ to the heavy rock riffage of ‘Song 2’, there was never any doubt that he was one of the most important members of the group. After he was asked to leave the band during the recording of their seventh album ‘Think Tank’, it was clear from the result that Blur would never be the same again. Their recent reunion shows may have brought back some fantastic memories to fans and band members alike, but it also acted as a sad reminder of what we’d lost. °