Blur, New Order stars form supergroup

Blur's Alex James and three members of New Order have formed a supergroup called Bad Lieutenant.

New Order's Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris and Phil Cunningham will unite with James to release an album in October.

"I'm very proud of it, it's a very good album," Sumner told the BBC. "It's pretty guitary too because we've got three guitarists in the band."

The frontman confirmed that the group will be playing live dates later this year and festivals in 2010. Live footage of their track 'Sink Or Swim' is already available to watch online.

New Order split in 2007, following a public row between bassist Peter Hook and the rest of the band.

"We split into two factions, there's me, Steve and Phil. The other is Peter Hook," said the singer. "Basically he left the band, that's all I want to say about it."

James is currently rehearsing with Blur ahead of their summer reunion tour, which includes shows at Hyde Park and Glastonbury.