Anti-war song soars charts

British band Ugly Rumours (named after PM Tony Blair's college band) has released a cover of War (What is it Good For?) (originally made famous by Edwin Starr). The single, which is performed by "Tony Blair" in an accompanying video clip, reached number six in Britain's singles chart by March 1 and was expected to go all the way to the top. Profits go to help the Stop the War Coalition. The Respect coalition reported on its website on March 1 that the song had been banned by the BBC. "The BBC Radio One Newsbeat programme was due to record a package about the single today, but pulled out at the last minute, claiming that the record was 'not newsworthy'. However, sources at the highest level within the BBC have privately confirmed that a banning order has been instituted." The song is being distributed at <http://www.indiestore.com/uglyrumours/tracks?trackID=-12189>

From GLW issue 701