Blue sign off with pledge to return; Reunion run ends with charity gig but stars vow new material is on the way: Music.

Byline: Andy Coleman

BLUE'S run of reunion shows ends tomorrow with a charity gig in Tamworth - although the band insist they never actually split up.

Singer Simon Webbe, who grew up close to Birmingham City's football ground in Bordesely Green, says the foursome simply took a break in 2005.

''When Westlife don't make an album people don't say they've split up,'' claims the 31-year-old.

''But when we decided to take a break it was like 'Blue are never going to get back together again'.

''The fact is, we've always had a record deal but we just decided not to make another record for a while.'' He reveals that he, Lee Ryan, Duncan James and Antony Costa originally planned to regroup in 2010, the band's ten year anniversary.

''But this year we were asked to do a Help A London Child charity gig which we are all supporters of. "It was an opportunity for us to come back at a high level in front of 52,000 people at the Emirates Stadium - and it was also a good cause and it wasn't like we were coming back to do a tour for loads of money.'' Tomorrow's show, in the grounds of Tamworth Castle, is also a charity event, in aid of premature baby organisation Just 1 Life. Also on the bill are Sugababes, Lemar, The Automatic, X Factor's JLS, Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity and a host of other acts.

''Tamworth will be our last gig until next year,'' says Simon, adding that he's been thrilled by the reception the band has received from fans. "It feels like we've never been away and that's down to the crowd.

"We've got no new material and it's been a massive surprise to us that people still remember the hits and are still willing to have a laugh and a singalong with us.'' Simon says that there should be some new Blue material in time for any future tour but he also has plans for his own projects.

''I want to make my third solo album in conjunction with Blue's next album,'' he confirms. ''There's nothing to say we can't do solo records and have a Blue album out at the same time.

''It's very early to speak about a Blue tour. What we want to do is make the album first and make sure the fans like what they hear.

''As long as we get it right in the studio, get the sound right, and everyone's happy a tour is definitely inevitable.'' If it hadn't been for Simon, Blue may have lost one of their vocalists.

Last week, while dropping Lee Ryan at London's Paddington station, there was almost a serious accident. "My spider sense was tingling,'' he says, recalling how a bus hurtled towards his car. ''I was standing by my car door, which was open a little way, and something just told me to move.

"I just reacted and pushed Lee out of the way - and the next thing I know my door is torn off by the bus. We were very lucky.''

TicketInfo

MIDLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL Tomorrow: Tamworth Castle Grounds Tickets: 0844 581 0747 or www.ticketmaster.co.uk

CAPTION(S):

Champagne moment: Blue members, from left: Lee Ryan, Duncan James, Simon Webbe and Antony Costa are together again.