76 Number 1 remix to aid F&M victims
76 Number 1 remix to aid F&M victims
SMASH hit Combine Harvester by The Wurzels, which reached Number One in 1976, is set for a return to the charts.
A remix of the million-selling song is due to be released at the end of July, with 50p from every copy sold going to a foot-and-mouth support fund.
The move follows the huge demand for the bands Finest Arvest compilation released last summer – which has sold tens of thousands of copies, even managing to outsell the Spice Girls Forever album in the south-west where the band is particularly popular.
"The remix version of the classic has all the hallmarks of a modern summer anthem, coming complete with massive beats, a rumble-tastic fuzz bass and The Wurzels trademark sense of humour," says an EMI spokesperson.
But could it go all the way to the top of the charts, repeating its success of 25 years ago?
"It would be wonderful if it could," says Tommy Banner, who has been with the band since 1967. "When we released the original, I never dreamed it would do so well," he says.
Tommy still remembers exactly how he felt when he heard the news the song had hit the top spot. "A mixture of sheer elation and disbelief – theres no other feeling like it."
The band, meanwhile, continues to play regularly to packed venues nationwide, including holiday camps, music festivals and Young Farmers events. "Were a working band," says Tommy.
As for the prospect of appearing again on Top of the Pops alongside singers less than half their age, well, Tommy and the rest of the band cant wait.
"As long as theyll take us with our walking sticks!"