In a stark display of artistic integrity, the British pop group Chumbawamba has issued a firm demand to Spain’s far-right Vox party, calling for an immediate cessation of their use of the band’s iconic track, “Tubthumping.” This request follows Vox’s recent social media post, which misappropriated the 1997 anthem to further its anti-immigration stance ahead of regional elections in Aragón.
A Misguided Anthem
Santiago Abascal, the leader of Vox, visited the town of Caspe last week, where he shared images of his campaign efforts on Facebook, accompanied by the song’s well-known refrain: “I get knocked down, but I get up again.” This choice of soundtrack for his post, which lamented what he described as a “migratory invasion,” has sparked outrage from Chumbawamba, who assert that their music represents resilience against oppression, not support for divisive political agendas.
In a statement, the band articulated their dismay, saying, “It sickens us that Spain’s far-right Vox party would use the song to promote their small-minded, hate-fuelled agenda. When we wrote ‘Tubthumping,’ it was an anthem for the underdog, for those fighting power.” They have formally requested that Facebook remove the video in question and have urged Vox to refrain from using their song in any future political context.
Voices of Dissent
Alice Nutter, a former member of Chumbawamba, echoed the band’s sentiments, labelling Abascal’s actions as “vile and racist.” She pointed out the stark contrast between Vox’s rhetoric and the more inclusive policies recently championed by the Spanish government, which includes the regularisation of half a million undocumented migrants and asylum seekers. Nutter’s remarks highlight a growing divide between progressive and far-right political ideologies in Europe.
This incident marks yet another instance of Chumbawamba defending their legacy. Boff Whalley, another founding member, previously addressed the misuse of “Tubthumping” in a Guardian article, specifically targeting New Zealand politician Winston Peters. Whalley made it clear that the song was meant to celebrate the resilience of working-class individuals, not to serve the interests of wealthy politicians with extremist views. He recounted how the band had to issue a cease and desist order when Donald Trump attempted to employ their anthem at his rallies, a situation that many musicians have encountered as their work is co-opted for political purposes.
A Pattern of Misappropriation
Chumbawamba is not alone in facing the appropriation of their music for controversial political messages. Various artists, including Beyoncé, Neil Young, and the estates of Leonard Cohen and Tom Petty, have actively spoken out against the use of their songs at political rallies. Similarly, the Welsh band Manic Street Preachers found their anti-fascist anthem, “If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next,” misused by the British National Party, prompting a public outcry.
The trend of artists confronting misappropriations highlights a significant concern about the integrity of music and its intended message. It raises questions about the responsibilities of artists in protecting their works from exploitation by groups whose values starkly contrast with their own.
Why it Matters
The incident surrounding Chumbawamba and Vox underscores the ongoing struggle between artistic expression and political exploitation. It serves as a reminder of the vital role that music plays in social movements and the importance of safeguarding its integrity against agendas that seek to distort its message. As artists continue to assert their rights over their creations, the dialogue surrounding cultural ownership and responsibility in the political sphere will undoubtedly intensify, shaping the future landscape of both music and activism.
