Manchester indie legends James have expressed profound disgust and outrage after their iconic 1991 anthem, 'Sit Down', was co-opted by a far-right march spearheaded by controversial figure Tommy Robinson.
The incident unfolded during a demonstration in Whitehall, central London, where participants were heard chanting the song's lyrics. The band, renowned for their left-leaning political views and anti-racist stance, were swift and unequivocal in their response.
A Firm Condemnation
In a strongly-worded statement released on their official social media channels, the band clarified they had no prior knowledge of the event and would never endorse such a group. "We are absolutely disgusted," the statement read, emphasising their music stands for unity and inclusivity, directly opposing the ideologies of the far-right.
The band's frontman, Tim Booth, has been a vocal supporter of progressive causes throughout his career, making the unauthorized use of their music particularly galling for the group and its fanbase.
The Power of a Protest Anthem
'Sit Down' has long been celebrated as an anthem for the marginalised and a song of solidarity. Its misappropriation highlights the ongoing battle artists face over the context in which their work is used. James's management confirmed they are exploring all available legal avenues to prevent such misuse of their copyright in the future.
This event echoes similar incidents where political groups have used popular music without permission, often leading to public disputes and artists taking a stand to protect their artistic legacy from unwanted associations.
