Rugby song sounds like beer ad from the 1990s

“I would like to nominate Gary McCormick for New Zealand’s poet laureate because of his determination to campaign against the Rugby World Cup’s choice of theme song – an English song that sounds like an old beer ad from the 1990s,” says Jim Anderton.

“Prime Minister, John Key said that he did not think it was ‘a missed opportunity to have a home grown song ring around the world’. So are we to understand that he approves of the use of an old English song, decades old?

“Of course it is a missed opportunity. Every other country would have picked a song which represented their own identity. It’s a chance to showcase our best musicians and our unique culture.

“We can’t blame Australia for promoting our musicians like Crowded House as their own, when we don’t even promote our own talent.”

The Rugby World Cup has chosen ‘Right Here, Right Now’ as the official theme song. It is a 1990 song originally recorded by UK band, Jesus Jones. The latest version has been covered by the Kiwi band, The Feelers.

“This is classic culture-cringe. We look like a country of covers bands. The truth is we have some wonderful home-grown artists and songs that have made it to the top of the charts internationally. Why not draw on this talent?

“Surely we could do better? It is not too late. I’d like to see another song. Why not a competition? That’s what we did when we hosted the commonwealth Games in 1974.

“In the meantime, I’ll be joining Gary McCormick and calling for a Kiwi song,” says Jim Anderton.

ENDS

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