Fatboy Slim Lashes Out At Labour

added 25 October 2004 at 11.02

Followed up comments about his dissatisfaction with the Labour party using his track ‘Right Here Right Now’ at their part conference, Fatboy Slim (a.k.a. Norman Cook) has published an official statement in The Sunday Times criticising Tony Blair.

Labour used the song at their conference as their campaign anthem earlier in the month. However it transpires Cook had not given his permission for the song to be used. In fact he claims the party had not even asked. At the weekend (October 24) Cook published a piece in The Sunday Times, distancing himself from the use of the song, and has made it very clear that he has had no contact with Tony Blair over the matter.

“It was a surreal experience. I felt upset and, unusually for me, almost angry.” He explains, “I hated the idea that my mates might think I had sanctioned Labour’s use of the song, that on the sly I had been using a private hotline to Blair to cook up this plan and make a bit of cash.

“The use of the song implies that I support Blair. Nothing could be further from the truth. The political voices I support are Tony Benn, Glenda Jackson and Ken Livingstone. People who are clearly left wing. I have a very specific opposition to the war in Iraq. It is an unnecessary conflict and Blair is primarily responsible for getting us into it.”

“I hope the public, and especially my mates, will realise that I have not sanctioned the use of 'Right Here' and that I do not sanction the war on terror. I do not secretly hang out at Downing Street of an evening with my mate Tony Blair.”

Cook minded less that his track ‘Praise You’ was previously used by US politician Al Gore for his campaign (Saying “At least Gore is a Democrat and someone I generally trust.” ) but goes on to say he hopes that Blair’s choice to use the song will be damaging to, rather than helping, his election chances.

“I am also hoping a spin doctor might register my annoyance and put a word in Blair’s ear.” He continues, “He should be told it is best not to choose an anthem written by someone who openly opposes you — it doesn’t look too good when you’re electioneering.

“Some people have suggested that my remix of Wildchild’s ‘Renegade Master’ might be a better anthem for Labour, but I would suggest ‘Give Peace A Chance’. Somehow I can’t see that happening.  When it comes to the next election I would like my song to be off the campaign turntables and back in the clubs, where it belongs.”

 

 

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