The Official Fit Les Olympics Anthem

Album: Single Release Only (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Fit Les are a novelty band fronted by comedian, actor and father of Lily Allen, Keith Allen. The group are best known for the unofficial 1998 World Cup single "Vindaloo," which they recorded under the moniker of Fat Les. Allen recruited former Happy Mondays backing vocalist and X Factor finalist Rowetta and Actress Hands guitarist Matt Eaton for this track, the latter replacing Blur's Alex James.
  • Lyrically, this is a protest song in which Allen rallies against the corporate sponsorship of the 2012 London Olympic Games and the building of the Westfield shopping center in close proximity to the Olympic stadium. He said: "Apparently during the build up to and during the Olympics we are not allowed to demonstrate nor are we allowed to have in our houses any politically inflammatory posters that could be used in a demonstration.

    Now I think people expressing themselves through sporting activity and healthy competition is wonderful but I don't believe sport should be used to prop up and endorse rampant capitalism and the idea that 70% of spectators will have to navigate their way through Westfield is sickening."
  • The song's music video was filmed using mobile phones and camcorders, helped by members of the public.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Classic Metal

Classic MetalFact or Fiction

Ozzy, Guns N' Roses, Judas Priest and even Michael Bolton show up in this Classic Metal quiz.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?

Emilio Castillo from Tower of Power

Emilio Castillo from Tower of PowerSongwriter Interviews

Emilio talks about what it's like to write and perform with the Tower of Power horns, and why every struggling band should have a friend like Huey Lewis.

Rufus Wainwright

Rufus WainwrightSongwriter Interviews

Rufus Wainwright on "Hallelujah," his album Unfollow The Rules, and getting into his "lyric trance" on 12-hour walks.