‘Boss’ song now about city during lockdown
UNCLE FRANK PENNED IT FOR SPRINGSTEEN, NOW REVISITED
LEICESTER band Uncle Frank is to release a lost ballad written 12 years ago for rockstar Bruce Springsteen, which now captures the mood in the city during lockdown.
Desperate Town was found languishing in the vaults of Leicester musicians Frank Benbini and Naim Cortazzi more than a decade after it was first recorded.
The song was originally meant for “The Boss” but never made it on to his Working On A Dream album, which was released in 2009.
Frank, who was raised in Enderby, Narborough and New Parks, said: “The song is about hope and that’s what we want to give to everyone who listens to it.
“It’s bizarre how the song captures the mood of life in Leicester after this year even though it was written more than 10 years ago.
“We wrote it for Springsteen, a true legend and songwriting tour de force. It never made it on to his album but our friendship has remained strong over the years. He came to watch the Fun Lovin’ Criminals show in New York in May 2018, along with rock photographer Bob Gruen.
“When I listened to it again, the song had a new meaning and we hope it resonates with the great people of Leicester and in towns and cities all over the world.”
Leicester has been forced to endure strict restrictions since the national lockdown began in March.
Frank has been unable to perform live and a busy schedule full of tour dates at festivals around the UK, including Glastonbury, and gigs in Europe was cancelled.
To pass the time, Frank revisited some old songs and felt Desperate Town “had a new meaning”.
The track was remastered and a new video, made by Indigo Blue, has been given to the Mercury for an exclusive first look before its release in January.
Desperate Town features special guest performances from BBC Radio and Fun Lovin’ Criminals frontman Huey Morgan on lead guitar.
Frontman Frank, who is the drummer for the Fun Lovin’ Criminals, sings emotionally-charged vocals about struggling with relationships and feeling isolated in his home city.
Guitarist and songwriting partner Naim Cortazzi strums a soothing acoustic guitar before one of Morgan’s signature guitar solos and sweeping orchestral strings.
“Covid-19 has killed tens of thousands of people in the UK, millions more are unemployed and life feels like it has changed forever,” said Frank.
“But life goes on, the music will play on and it’s important to be there for each other over Christmas and in the new year, which will hopefully be a better year than this one.”