They get knocked down and they get up again...
THIS is what happens when you mix a group of determined cancer patients with an iconic 90s track.
Before now, only Homer Simpson had been allowed to change the lyrics to Chumbawamba’s hit song Tubthumping, for a 2002 episode of The Simpsons.
Chumbawamba were so protective of their music, they even turned down £100,000 from ‘Dustin the Turkey’ – an Irish children’s TV legend – to rewrite it. That was until they heard about Maggie’s Manchester from their friend and long-term fan Bern Corri.
Bern, 58, was originally diagnosed with ethmoid cancer in 2015 and lost his left eye. Last year, further complications led to him being registered blind, and recently he discovered that the disease has returned in his neck and vertebrae.
Despite everything, Bern, from Salford, has remained positive. He decided to use his creativity and love of poetry to create a ‘ChemoThumping’ finale for this year’s Maggie’s on the Runway charity fashion show, which raised more than £200,000 for Maggie’s Centre.
Together with producer Margo Cornish, Bern – with Chumbawamba’s blessing – re-wrote the words of Tubthumping to reflect the journey of someone diagnosed with cancer, keeping the song’s powerful chorus which they felt resonated solidarity and strength.
‘ChemoThumping’ was performed on stage at the event in June by more than 50 models, all of whom have been affected by cancer. After the event, they decided to film their own music video, complete with comedy skits and brightcoloured wigs.
Alice Nutter, who was in Chumbawamba for 24 years, said the Maggie’s rendition moved her to tears. The 57-year-old, who has undergone treatment for cancer herself, said the band, who formed in Burnley back in 1982, jumped at the chance to help.
“Before now we only ever let Homer Simpson change the lyrics, and that was only because we were all massive fans,” Alice, who has a cameo in the music video for the Maggie’s version, recalled. “But when Bern asked us we said yes straight away.
“We’ve known him for years, he used to come to our gigs, he’s a really good guy and we trust him.
“I love the spirit of the Maggie’s version, that’s what counts. People feel good doing it, they have fun doing it and enjoy it. Watching them performing it, I was really moved.”
Bern has been following the anarcho-pop band for more than 25 years. “The band constantly inspire and drive me on creatively both with my video creations, and with my forays into poetry”, he said.
“That the band have all agreed to support Maggie’s and even allowed us to tamper with their work is no great surprise to me, but rest assured it is a welcome and complete honour.”
Margo Cornish added: “We hope that our words will give a voice and some cheer to people going through the gruelling treatment associated with a cancer diagnosis.
“It’s also a great opportunity to showcase our wonderful Maggie’s centre in Manchester and how it supports people and their loved ones through this challenging time.
“The chorus reminds me of Bern, no matter how tough things get, he just gets back on his feet and continues the fight.”
View the Maggie’s video at manchesterevening news.co.uk.