David Balfe, a figure whose career spans from the psychedelic days of The Teardrop Explodes to nurturing the early career of Blur, is making a significant return to music. He’s known for his adventurous past, including LSD use on live television and his role as a music publisher and record label owner.
Balfe’s early days with The Teardrop Explodes were marked by unforgettable television appearances, including taking amyl nitrate on ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test’ and experiencing acid on ‘Top of the Pops’. His influence extended to the music industry as a publisher, working with diverse artists like The KLF and The Proclaimers. Crucially, his record label was instrumental in signing the band then known as Seymour, who would later achieve global fame as Blur.
However, it’s his personal life that provided the inspiration for Blur’s 1995 chart-topping hit, “Country House.” The song humorously depicts a “burned-out bigwig” who “lived in a house, a very big house in the country.” Balfe himself acknowledges this with a laugh, stating, “That’s going to be the first thing mentioned in my Guardian obituary.” While recognizing the song’s playful jab at his lifestyle, he expresses genuine pride in the track, noting its instant recognition and ability to spark conversations at social gatherings.
Balfe’s multifaceted career also includes being punched by Julian Cope and his current project, a Scott Walker-inspired trio, marks his first musical venture in decades.