Nick Heyward, songwriter and vocalist of Haircut 100, recalls writing their enduring hit 'Fantastic Day' in 1978 while standing in front of a chocolate-brown wall in the basement of the Ski Club of Great Britain, where his family lived. The song, which he initially thought might already exist, emerged from an unconscious, magical realm as he strummed the only chords he knew: D, C, and G.
From Punk Roots to Pop Classic
Heyward was inspired by guitarists who sang, like Andy Partridge of XTC and David Byrne of Talking Heads. The original version, when the band was called Moving England, was more urgent and Talking Heads-influenced, but evolved into the polished pop song known today. The opening line, 'Well there's a great amount of strain about getting on that train,' came later after Heyward saw Sheena Easton perform '9 to 5' on TV. The bittersweet quality of the song reflects his frustration working in commercial art with no natural light, a sentiment captured in the spoken word line: 'I tried to shave myself / Be a happier guy.'
Production and Musical Details
Producer Bob Sargeant added a trumpet fanfare, a nod to the Beatles' 'She Loves You,' using a jazzy G sixth chord. Heyward notes that the song encapsulates his vision of a music career, a 'mayfly moment' he has taken worldwide. He never gets bored of singing it, feeling fresh every time.
Les Nemes's Candid Take
Bassist Les Nemes admits he hated 'Fantastic Day,' despite it being the song that got them signed. During a showcase for Arista, after two songs failed to impress, Nemes suggested playing the song he hated, and the label responded enthusiastically. He prefers other tracks on the 'Pelican West' album, like 'Snow Girl' and 'Milk Film,' which he finds more interesting. The verses' chord progression of C to G made it hard for him to deviate, leading to a straightforward bassline.
Evolution and Fan Impact
In the early days, the band experimented with punk, ska, and mod styles, always including 'Fantastic Day' in different arrangements. Nemes preferred the raw, Talking Heads-style original. Despite his reservations, the song led to memorable moments, such as when saxophonist Raf Ravenscroft (of 'Baker Street' fame) jammed with them at a US show. Decades later, fans have shared emotional stories, including one woman who said the song helped her through cancer at 16. Nemes recalls a woman crying during the intro, moving the band to tears as well. While he would choose to remove it from the set if possible, he acknowledges its profound meaning to listeners.
Legacy and New Music
Haircut 100's new album 'Boxing the Compass' is out now, and their 2026 tour continues at Hampton Pool on 17 July. The song remains a testament to Heyward's youthful exuberance and the band's enduring appeal.
