Tony Blair (song)
"Tony Blair" | ||||
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Single by Chumbawamba | ||||
Released | December 1999 | |||
Recorded | 1999 Woodlands Studio, Castleford, United Kingdom | |||
Genre | Doo-wop | |||
Length | 3:05 | |||
Songwriter(s) | Chumbawamba | |||
Producer(s) | Chumbawamba & Neil Ferguson | |||
Chumbawamba singles chronology | ||||
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"Tony Blair" is a single by Chumbawamba which was made available exclusively to the United Kingdom mailing list as a Christmas present in December 1999.[1]
Composition and lyrics[]
The song is an attack on then British Prime Minister Tony Blair, performed in a 1950s doo-wop style. The lyrics read like a heartbroken letter to an ex lover, who had broken all his promises.
Single art[]
The cover art pays tribute to the iconic artwork of Elvis Presley's debut album, which was also referenced by The Clash's London Calling album cover.
Backlash[]
Rupert Perry, the head of EMI Records UK at the time, was reportedly very displeased with the band for issuing the single, and sent them a letter which included the statement "I actually think Tony is really fab".[2] All copies of the CD in EMI offices were later confiscated.[3] The song can be downloaded in mp3 format from the band's website.[3]
Track listing[]
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "Tony Blair" | 3:05 |
References[]
- ^ "Back Catalogue". Chumba.com. Retrieved 2012-01-04.
- ^ "Chumbawamba Interview". Atomicduster. Retrieved 2012-01-04.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "Chumbawamba". Chumba.com. Retrieved 2012-01-04.
External links[]
- Chumbawamba songs
- 1999 singles
- Cultural depictions of Tony Blair
- 1999 songs
- Songs against capitalism
- Songs about politicians
- Protest songs
- Doo-wop songs