Released December 1999 Length 3:05 | ||
Recorded 1999 at Woodlands Studio, Castleford, UK Producer(s) Chumbawamba & Neil Ferguson | ||
"Tony Blair" is a single by Chumbawamba which was made available exclusively to the UK mailing list as a Christmas present in 1999.
Contents
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". All copies of the CD in EMI offices were later confiscated. The song can be downloaded in mp3 format from the band's website.