Cardiff City are set to be immortalised in song as part of a new project uniting members of Super Furry Animals, Catatonia and more.
The current economic climate has affected all areas of British life. The latest budget from the Con-Lib coalition promises to cut the nation’s costs, but this will come at a price with thousands of public sector jobs to go.
Many find solace in football, but even this has come under threat. A decline in attendance numbers caused by rising unemployment has hit clubs hard, with some facing spiralling debts and possible liquidation.
Cardiff City FC are among them. However as part of a new project members of Super Furry Animals, Catatonia and Funeral For A Friend are set to raise spirits with a new single.
Named The Stand, the new group have recorded a version of ‘I’ll Be There’. A football chant sung by fans of Cardiff City, the track was originally recorded by Welsh miners during the General Strike in 1926.
A historic moment in Welsh culture, the General Strike saw millions come out in support of striking miners. ‘I’ll Be There’ soundtracked the moment, with Cardiff City going on to claim the FA Cup the following year.
Remaining the only team outwith England to claim the trophy, the event remains the club’s finest achievement. The Stand are set to record a version of ‘I’ll Be There’ with all proceeds going towards building a statue of former City captain Fred Keenor – who lifted the cup that fateful day in 1927.
Super Furry Animals’ Guto Pryce, Funeral For A Friend’s Ryan Richards, Catatonia’s Owen Powell and actor Jonathan Owen are amongst those taking part. One time Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable was one of the instigators of the project, before his untimely death earlier this summer.
Jonathan Owen outlined his reasons for getting involved. “In these days of ‘bling’ and ‘roasting’ being the way of some modern footballers, here was a man who lived out his life in modest means and was dearly loved by the people.”
The Stand are set to release ‘I’ll Be There’ on November 1st.
