Blur went on hiatus in 2003 but reformed for some concerts in 2008. In 2012 the band headlined a show for the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony. The band received a Brit Award in 2012 for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Rowntree directed two series of the animated show Empire Square. When Blur went on hiatus he became a solicitor. He has presented and hosts a radio show on XFM. He is a member of the Advisor Council of the Open Rights Group and has campaigned against the prosecution of internet music file sharers. He is also a founding director of the Featured Artists Coalition.