Blur have announced a string of intimate shows before their concert closing the Olympics in Britain.

The 'Song 2' band are to play in British towns Margate, Wolverhampton and Plymouth, as well as appearing at festivals in Sweden and Denmark before their huge show at London's Hyde Park to mark the closing of the athletics event.

Bass player Alex James said: ''Every one of these shows will be very special and we can't wait to get cracking.''

Singer Damon Albarn - who completes the band with drummer Dave Rowntree and guitarist Graham Coxon - has hinted the Olympic show could be the band's last ever.

When asked if the show would be the end of the band, he said: ''I think so, yeah,'' before adding: ''And I hope that's the truth: That that's how we end it.''

Meanwhile, Dave is set to graduate from law school in September, and has been practising working in London law firm's dispute-resolution department in his time away from the band.

Damon has recently announced he is recording a solo album, while Graham recently released his eight solo album 'A+E'. Alex has partially retired from music, and is now a cheese farmer.

Blur European tour dates, August 2012:

Aug 01 Margate, England - Margate Winter Gardens

Aug 05 Wolverhampton, England - Wolverhampton Civic Hall

Aug 06 Wolverhampton, England - Wolverhampton Civic Hall

Aug 07 Plymouth, England - Plymouth Pavilions

Aug 08 Skanderborg, Denmark - Smukfest

Aug 09 Gothenberg, Sweden - Way Out West Festival

Aug 12 London, England - Hyde Park