Lead singer of rock band ‘appalled’ by song being used in protest led by Tommy Robinson
Rock band frontman Tim Booth, who leads the band James, expressed his dismay at the unauthorized use of his song, Sit Down, during the Tommy Robinson protest in London. The controversial rally, organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, drew over 100,000 participants. In footage shared on X, previously known as Twitter, a James song was heard playing in the background.
Upon viewing the video, Tim Booth took to social media to voice his displeasure, stating that no permission had been granted for the song’s use in that context. Emphasizing that the band’s music and lyrics advocate views opposite of the organizing group, Tim made it clear that they did not support the cause. This incident has led Tim to explore his legal options in response to the situation.
Tim Booth is no stranger to speaking his mind online, as evidenced by his past criticisms of fellow musician Morrissey in 2018. Describing Morrissey as having changed from a kind and shy individual into someone acting in a negative manner, Tim shared his disappointment at the shift in his friend’s behavior. Despite the positive history they shared, including praise and support from Morrissey during their early career, Tim did not shy away from calling out what he perceived as unacceptable conduct from the former Smiths frontman.
The protest also included a virtual appearance by Elon Musk, during which he made controversial statements about the state of the UK. Expressing concerns about what he sees as the erosion of British identity due to uncontrolled migration and governmental failures in protecting citizens, Elon Musk painted a grim picture of the current situation. These sentiments align with the broader themes of the rally, which aimed to address issues related to immigration and safety.
Weyman Bennett, co-convenor of Stand Up to Racism, condemned the violent intentions of the far-right groups attending the protest. Labeling them as thugs seeking to incite chaos and disorder, he called for a unified opposition to combat the growing threat of extremism. Highlighting the importance of standing up against such movements, Weyman emphasized the need for collective action to counter the spread of harmful ideologies.
In conclusion, the clash of ideologies exhibited during the Tommy Robinson protest serves as a reminder of the ongoing social and political tensions in society. Tim Booth’s firm stance against the unauthorized use of his band’s music underscores the importance of supporting causes aligned with one’s values. As various voices continue to speak out on these issues, it is essential to promote dialogue and understanding to navigate the complexities of contemporary challenges.