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

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine Band

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine BandSongwriter Interviews

Harry Wayne Casey tells the stories behind KC and The Sunshine Band hits like "Get Down Tonight," "That's The Way (I Like It)," and "Give It Up."

Edwin McCain

Edwin McCainSongwriter Interviews

"I'll Be" was what Edwin called his "Hail Mary" song. He says it proves "intention of the songwriter is 180 degrees from potential interpretation by an audience."

American Hits With Foreign Titles

American Hits With Foreign TitlesSong Writing

What are the biggest US hits with French, Spanish (not "Rico Suave"), Italian, Scottish, Greek, and Japanese titles?

Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders

Chrissie Hynde of The PretendersSongwriter Interviews

The rock revolutionist on songwriting, quitting smoking, and what she thinks of Rush Limbaugh using her song.

Gary LeVox

Gary LeVoxSongwriter Interviews

On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.

Song Cities

Song CitiesMusic Quiz

Nirvana, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen are among those who wrote songs with cities that show up in this quiz.