Dave Rowntree, 62, is a musician best known as the drummer in Blur, which formed in 1988 with Damon Albarn, Alex James and Graham Coxon, and became one of the defining British bands of the 90s. Away from the band, he has worked as a criminal solicitor and qualified as a pilot. He has been with his partner, Michelle, for 22 years. His photography book No One You Know: Dave Rowntree’s Early Blur Photos was published last year, and he brings a spoken-word show based on it to the Edinburgh Fringe this month.
Here, he looks back at the moments that shaped him, from surviving an alcoholic and drug-addicted household to representing suspects in Essex police stations, and discovering the knickers stop arriving once a band leaves its twenties.
I grew up in a turbulent, dangerous household. I never knew what would happen next. One family member was an alcoholic, another a drug addict and dealer. The front door might be kicked in by rival dealers. It was chaos, and I got out of the house as often as possible. I don’t want to make my whole life about it, but it explains a lot about what came next.
Music, photography and astronomy saved my life. Music gave me focus, peace and somewhere else to be. Photography got me outside my own head by making me concentrate on the world beyond myself. Astronomy did something similar. When you realise we are specks of dust in an unremarkable corner of an average galaxy, your problems become easier to place. Alex and I nerded out about astronomy from the beginning of Blur. I am now halfway through an Open University astronomy degree. I have always needed to learn: I became a pilot, studied law, built radios and now photograph the night sky. Standing still has never suited me.
A daily pill to treat diabetes that helps with weight loss is on sale from today.
The UK is the first country in Europe to approve this medicine.
Who can get the pills?
- Pharmacies across the UK will stock Foundayo, made by Eli Lilly.
- It is only available privately, though it is being assessed for a potential NHS rollout.
- It is for type 2 diabetes patients and those with a BMI of above 30, or 27 with a weight-related condition.
- The pill is taken at various dosage levels once a day, at any time.
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Counterfeit warning
Pharmacists welcomed the launch as a step forward for people who are eligible but can’t use weight-loss injections.
They warned people against fake weight-loss pills and reminded them only to buy from licensed pharmacies.
The approval of Wegovy, the UK’s first weight-loss pill, sparked a spate of counterfeit pills.
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What to know about the head-on A66 crash that killed seven
Seven people died over the weekend after a police car crashed into another vehicle that was travelling the wrong way on a dual carriageway near Middlesbrough.
Families paid tribute to the victims, as police urged the public not to speculate on the crash. Here’s what we know.
No survivors
Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak, both 23, died when the Volkswagan Passat they were in collided with the police vehicle.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were also pronounced dead at the scene.
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Families pay tribute
The wife of PC Blades (R) said: “He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.”
The family of PC Clough (L) described him as “our hero” who was “always on public duty throughout his short life”.
On Monday morning, a fundraiser set up to support the two families had raised over £300,000.
How did the crash happen?
- Cleveland Police launched a chase after the Passat, believed to be using cloned plates, activated an ANPR camera.
- PC Blades and PC Clough were not involved in the chase but were called to the area.
- The pursuit took just under seven minutes and was called off seconds before the crash when the Passat began travelling the wrong way.
- Blades and Clough’s car was driving the right way.
Don’t speculate, police say
These were brave officers protecting our communities and serving our residents who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift.
Whilst this investigation is ongoing… I would strongly urge people to avoid speculation and respect the privacy of the families.”
Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller
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Burnham makes first overseas trip as PM to Ukraine – what to know
The Prime Minister arrived in Kyiv this morning to mark Ukraine’s independence day.
He is promising to share with Ukraine classified information to help build long-range missiles.
Burnham pledges support
- Burnham said UK support “will not waver” and Russia should be “in no doubt of our resolve”.
- He will chair his first meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, the group that would send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.
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What is Burnham giving Ukraine?
Burnham will allow defence firm MBDA to release classified information on UK components for the British-French SCALP long-range missile, also known as Storm Shadow.
The missile has already been supplied to Ukrainian forces, but releasing the secret technical information will allow Ukraine – with French support – to manufacture locally.
How has Russia responded?
Earlier this month, Russia’s Embassy in the UK warned of “consequences” following confirmation that British-made drones were used in Ukrainian strikes on Russia.
The embassy said the “deeper [the UK’s] involvement in the conflict… the higher price it will pay”.
President Vladimir Putin has also threatened Britain over seizing Russian “shadow fleet” tankers.
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How to be more grateful for daily life in five easy steps
The world feels like a difficult place at the moment, and it can feel very hard sometimes to find things to be thankful for; when we are overwhelmed, we have less capacity to notice and reflect on the good things. Yet, ironically, proactively cultivating gratitude is one of the things that can actually help us feel less stressed.
NHS GP dR RADHA
The science
Research has shown that feeling or expressing thanks can actually alter our brain.
- The balance of neurotransmitters change; more serotonin and dopamine (feel good chemicals) are produced.
- This can be long lasting if we make gratitude a regular habit.
- We also get a decrease in our cortisol (stress hormone) levels which helps lower anxiety.
- Being grateful can strengthen the nerve pathways which triggers positive emotion.
How can we build gratitude?
Change your words
Instead of seeing something as a problem, try to see the opportunities within it.
Our brains are very receptive and what we read or write can alter our emotional system.
Express it
This will not only make you feel good, but you will also get a positive response from others.
How can we build gratitude?
Notice more
Throughout your day, try to notice all the things that are going well; has someone opened a door for you, or smiled?
The basics
By being thankful for the small things every day, we are far more likely to be and stay healthy so that we can enjoy them.
What to do
Gratitude can lead to feelings of optimism, lower our blood pressure, and improve sleep quality.
- Write down what potential good aspects there are to the things you don’t feel like doing, or even what could be worse about it.
- Spend a few minutes writing down three things that you are looking forward to that day, or the good things that have happened to you that day.
- Say thank you to yourself for the things you have achieved, or managed to get through and changed that day.
Sales of battery
electric vehicles hit a record high last year.
Starts at £22,995 for the smaller battery
Available with either a 40kWh battery or a larger 52kWh pack, that offers almost 255 miles, the latest, retro-inspired Renault 5 is both a joy to behold and a hoot to drive.
The interior has been lavished with a level of detail that’s typically reserved for more expensive cars.
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A champion of EV efficiency
It offers a remarkable 491 mile range on a single charge from the 85kWh battery.
It is a technological masterclass inside with the ability to option screens that span the entire width of the dashboard, including an optional display for the front passenger.
Priced from £37,400
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It’s a lot of money to part with, but this is arguably all the car you will ever need.
The £89,000 Macan is a premium SUV that somehow manages to blend Porsche’s reputation for dynamics and sporty driving with everyday practicality.
The 95kWh batteries can go from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 21 minutes from the fastest public charging outlets.
With the business class-style six seat configuration costing a staggering £76,995, it is by far the most expensive Kia ever made, but it backs up its financial demands with a suite of genuinely useful and impressive onboard technology.
It’s fast, goes a long way between stops and charges relatively quickly but the interior is bland, the onboard technology is infuriating and the experience is devoid of emotion.
All of its gadgetry can’t disguise the fact that performance is weak, even for a typically zippy EV, the ride is fussy at slower speeds and it’s not in the least bit enjoyable to drive on a country road.
- While good value (prices start at £17,935) for the 200-mile max range, there are more interesting options from Hyundai, Citroen and Renault for similar money.
- It attempts to wow with tech, much of which hinders, rather than helps.
- There’s no tangible benefit over mounting your phone to the dash.
- Simply an average driving experience, adequate range and slow charging speeds.
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The kitchen gadgets under £25
Victorinox paring knife
It’s comfortable to hold, with a point sharp enough for scoring pastry.
ProCook cast iron pan
For unbeatable searing and heat-retention, cast iron is the top choice.
Tesco chopping board
Priced at just £22, I’ve yet to find another board that matches it for sheer value and quality.
The kitchen gadgets under £25
Pyrex jug
It is the perfect vessel for blending smooth sauces, melting butter, or warming stock. It won’t stain like plastic and the red measurements never fade.
Salter scales
“I’ve had my slim little set of Salter Disc Scales for over a decade, and I’m delighted to see they are still made to exactly the same reliable design today.”
Microplane grater
It uses photo-etched stainless steel teeth that stay razor-sharp for a decade, something the lookalike copycats simply can’t match.
Braun hand-held blender
It’s an essential for everything from making velvety soup to getting the lumps out of white sauce.
Bodum cafetiere
As well as delivering great results, cafetieres are easy to clean and there’s no ongoing filter paper costs or pod recycling to deal with.
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The kitchen gadgets under £25
Oxo peeler
What truly sets it apart is the chunky, rubberised handle that absorbs pressure and stays completely non-slip, even if your hands are wet. It is inexpensive and incredibly durable.
Falcon pie dish
Made by fusing porcelain onto heavy-gauge steel for smooth durability, it is dishwasher, freezer, hob, air-fryer and oven-safe.
The golden rules for a happy, secure relationship
Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr Amir Levine, author of bestselling book , explains why we behave the way we do in love.
Golden rules for happy relationships
Start with your own behaviours
The foundation of a secure, connected life is being what I call CARRP: that means being consistent, available, responsive, reliable and predictable. All of these qualities can be enacted in small gestures every day.
Express your needs
People need consistency and connection to feel safe. This is not, ‘You hurt my feelings by never replying to me’, it’s more ‘this is the kind of contact that helps me feel secure’.
Golden rules for happy relationships
The appendix ‘inflammation’ rule
If a relationship repeatedly inflames your nervous system, you need to disengage and deprioritise it.
Lean on community
You don’t need hundreds of friends. You need people and places that regularly remind you that you belong.
Stop blaming childhood
Humans are much more complicated than: ‘this happened to you, therefore you are doomed to be anxious’.
Reach for a
secure script
When something unsettles you in a relationship, your first reaction is not always the most accurate one.
If you’re anxious, your brain may jump very quickly to: ‘this is the beginning of the end’. If you’re avoidant, your brain may say: ‘this person wants too much from me, I need to get away’. So one very practical thing you can always do is pause and ask: ‘What would a secure person do here?’
Loneliness elsewhere
When people talk about loneliness, they often assume it means you don’t have enough people in your life. But you can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely if those relationships leave you feeling excluded, ignored or disconnected.
What to do
- Build a community that works for your temperament and gives you regular, reliable moments of connection.
- You can still be kind to people while not treating them as someone who belongs in your inner circle.
- Explain what you need. Sometimes people simply don’t realise how you are experiencing them.
- Check in with people: does this person actually feel that I’m reliable? Do they experience me as predictable? That’s the only way that you can start to become more secure.
Do some foods leave
you feeling hungry rather than satiated? Experts say there are…
Foods that leave you hungrier
A bowl of cereal and glass of orange juice
More refined cereals are digested quickly, and fruit juice, whilst one of your five-a-day, contains less fibre than whole fruit. This might mean you find yourself hungry again within 1-2 hours of eating this breakfast.
Swap the orange juice for a whole orange, the cereal for oats and milk or serve it with Greek yoghurt or a boiled egg. This would increase the fibre and protein content; two nutrients strongly linked with fullness.
Foods that leave you hungrier
These pastries are made primarily from refined flour and butter, and are relatively low in protein and fibre.
Toast and jam
Shop-bought packs can contain a lot of white rice, which is digested quickly, and the protein content is often modest.
Foods that leave you hungrier
Vegetable soup
On its own, it is often very low in protein and calories, so hunger can return quickly.
Unless it’s loaded with veggies, it’s probably pretty low in fibre.
Liquids are generally less filling as they require little chewing which may not trigger satiety signals.
Foods that leave you hungrier
Snack bars
They are ideal for a quick pick-me-up, but if reducing hunger is what you’re after, it’d be better to swap it out.
Low-fat yoghurt
A full-fat plain Greek yoghurt with berries and seeds tends to be much more filling due to the protein, fat and fibre.
On an empty stomach, it can actually increase your appetite.
What to eat instead
Instead of thinking about avoiding foods, think about what you can add to them.
- Add beans, lentils or shredded chicken to your vegetable soup and pasta.
- Thicken your smoothies with Greek yoghurt, chia seeds and oats.
- Apple slices with peanut butter, yogurt with berries and hummus with oat biscuits are better snack options than a pre-made snack bar.
- Have alcohol alongside a balanced meal containing protein and fibre.
I thought Blur would get 15 minutes of fame. I wanted to remember every second. The idea that our deeply unfashionable band would amount to anything was a running joke. I knew I would remember the gigs; what I might forget was how it felt in dressing rooms, travelling and doing the ordinary work of being in a band. So I took hundreds of photographs. Then the musical landscape shifted and the outliers became the mainstream. That happens once in a generation, and it happened to us.
I get recognised once or twice a day, but I can use the Blur card to get an interesting meeting without having people outside my front door. Damon has had people camping outside his house since 1990. Thank God he likes it. Being the drummer means I have always had the best version of fame. Outside a music-related context, I can walk around relatively unmolested.
I have always been shockingly healthy physically and shockingly unhealthy mentally. Bands are refuges for people who struggle to fit into ordinary society, but also the least healthy places they could end up. In 1990, struggling with your mental health was not something you brought up at a band meeting. When everything came on top of me, I had no idea where to turn.
Stopping drinking was the beginning of me turning a corner. The lifestyle was taking a huge toll on my mental health and I could not carry on. Things are better now: back then, you were surrounded by excess and expected to treat it as normal.
I had a midlife crisis in my forties and decided I had wasted my life hitting things. Graham had left Blur [in 2002] and the band had fizzled out. Over lunch, I told a solicitor friend that his work must be more worthwhile because he looked people in the eye and solved their problems. It was ridiculous, especially when music had saved my life, but midlife crises happen to everyone.
Most solicitors want to become rock stars; I did it the other way round. My friend told me to spend two weeks at the Old Bailey. I found myself inside extraordinary dramas with real consequences and loved it. Then I spent a week at an East End criminal firm, visiting courts, prisons and police stations. Somebody had just left, so I sat at their desk and never went away. Once Blur became full-time again, I had to choose. It was not really a decision.
The knickers stopped arriving once we left our twenties. There was a depressing phase when young people said: “My dad likes you.” Now they are discovering Blur for themselves, which is much more acceptable.
I have only had two girlfriends in my life. Both relationships lasted decades. That is about as lucky as you can be. I have never had to go on Tinder, which looks like my worst nightmare: examining someone on a screen and sending messages. Michelle and I have been together for 22 years.
Being the drummer in Blur is the secret to a happy relationship. I recommend it to everyone. Michelle and I met at the Music Managers Forum Awards, which was then the most boring ceremony in an industry full of boring ceremonies. The managers got drunk and used their speeches to slag off one another. Across the room was a blonde woman with extraordinarily long legs. I asked a friend for an introduction, and we are still together. I now help with the awards and try to make them less dreadful.
I am terrified of taking my show to the Edinburgh Fringe. The book has become a one-man show about the early days of Blur, and hearing what those photographs mean to people has been unexpected. Edinburgh is another new exam to sit. I have spent my life learning new jobs, then returning to the one I began with: sitting behind Damon, Graham and Alex and hitting things. Perhaps it was not such a wasted life after all.
is at La Belle Angele, Edinburgh, on 25 , 27-28 August. His photography exhibition is at Indelible Fine Art, Brighton, from 7 August to 16 September