Newcastle United have released a new recording of The Blaydon Races, which will debut at St. James' Park before the Premier League fixture against Aston Villa on Saturday 17 October. The refreshed anthem features vocals from North Shields band Hector Gannet and was produced with input from supporters.
Pre-match performance planned
Hector Gannet will perform the song live before the Villa match, as part of the club's efforts to enhance the matchday atmosphere. The move follows observations of pre-match rituals at rival clubs, including the playing of The Enemy's 2007 hit We'll Live and Die in These Towns before Monday night's game against newly promoted Coventry, which had the ground at boiling point.
Fan Advisory Board spokesman Michael McCarthy said the song gives him "goosebumps" after members were given a hearing of the song behind the scenes.
Club officials on the anthem's significance
Steven Taylor, chief marketing officer at Newcastle United, said: "The crest and The Blaydon Races are two of the most powerful expressions of what Newcastle United means to our fans. They carry our history, our culture and the emotions that connect generations of supporters to this club and this city."
He added: "Following this month’s crest launch, this is another opportunity to celebrate the heritage and traditions that make Newcastle United unique. Our ambition is to bring these stories to life in ways that feel authentic, deepen the connection with those who have supported the club for generations, and introduce the spirit and culture of Newcastle United to new audiences at home and around the world."
Collaborative production details
The recording was developed in partnership with Generator, the North's leading music development organisation, and Interval Records. It was produced and engineered by Alex Blamire, featuring the organ of St Nicholas Cathedral and Northumbrian piper Chris Ormston, returning the song to its folk roots.
Supporters played a central role in guiding the project. Representatives from the Fan Advisory Board, Newcastle United Supporters Trust, United With Pride, Newcastle United Supporters Club, Newcastle United Disabled Supporters Association and Wor Flags took part in workshops and listening sessions. Their feedback influenced elements such as tempo, singalong feel and overall sound within St. James' Park, while preserving the song's heritage passed down for over 160 years.
Three versions and music video released
The club has released three versions of the anthem: a Stadium Track, Radio Edit, and an Extended Version featuring all original verses. An accompanying music video captures everyday life in the North East, including highs and lows, people and places, and a sense of belonging inspired by the anthem.
Natalie Raine, Director of Growth Marketing at Newcastle United, said: "The Blaydon Races is far more than a song; it is part of the fabric of Newcastle and a shared ritual passed between generations of supporters. From the outset, this has been about protecting that tradition while creating a recording worthy of its place at the club."
Hector Gannet frontman Aaron Duff added: "Blaydon Races belongs to the region, to every person that has sung it with passion and love for their home, their team, their family. It’s part of our identity; our past, present and future."
The track is available across all major streaming platforms and on the club's official YouTube channel.
