World Cup song man hoping for a winner
WORLD Cup fever has hit Stockport with a big screen showing the match and the release of an England song ahead of the crunch game.
Chris Hunt, 36, from Davenport, has recorded a remix of the 1970 classic song Back Home that was originally released when the tournament was in Mexico.
At the time England were world champions having won in 1966 and the 2018 team could be on the verge of something similar.
Gareth Southgate’s boys kick off their semifinal with Croatia tonight at 7pm and it will be broadcast on an 11-metre screen in St Peter’s Square, Stockport centre.
Chris said: “It is an iconic song, the first England tournament song recorded.
“I fell in love with football due to England reaching the semi-finals in Italia 90 and Euro 96 and have always wanted to do a small bit to help England. Our men are flying this week.
“I’m sure they are making people all over the country fall in love with football again. I wanted to do my bit and bring that feel-good factor and nostalgia into the current day through this song.”
Chris has permission from Sony and Sanctuary Records, who own the publishing and recording copyright respectively, to sample Back Home.
It is available to stream on all streaming sites including Spotify and iTunes.
The video paints a nostalgic picture of life in England’s towns and cities in the late 1960s and early 70s and is on YouTube with 7,000 views.
Chris has tried his hand releasing England songs before, with the Accumulator in 2010.
And England, Back Home (Remix) was also released for Euro 2016 but suffered due to England’s disappointing showing.
He will be among millions watching tonight’s big game, which will also include those at the free event in St Peter’s Square.
No alcohol will be sold and there will be tight security in a bid to create a family-friendly atmosphere.
Council leader Alex Ganotis said: “We’ve all been thrilled to see England’s progress in the competition so far and now we’re in with a shot of bringing the World Cup home once again.
“Stockport is backing the team and wants to give families the chance to come together in our town and cheer the lads on.”