The English Premier League is one of the most-watched football leagues worldwide. More than football, the EPL provides top-notch entertainment, including parties, cricket events, and live concerts. The league’s popularity is gaining ground even in countries with little tradition in the sport, like the United States, where the EPL audience has been breaking one record after another.
While the EPL has some of the best footballers worldwide, this article will focus on the tournament’s entertainment side and, more importantly, its music.
Kicking Tunes
Entrance songs are traditional of several sports, just like the good sport bet. The main purpose of an entrance song is to get the players and the crowd in a bold, competitive mood, vibing together for their team. Indeed, it is possible that you can create a great playlist with just EPL walkout songs from some of the best pop artists.
Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular EPL walkout songs.
West Ham United – I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles
West Ham United has arguably one of the most traditional EPL walkout songs. The song by the American composer Ben Selvin was released in 1919 and became the fan’s anthem in 1920. Even today, bubbles fly around at the London Stadium when the Hammers walk into the field.
Nottingham Forest – Mull of Kintyre
One of Paul McCartney’s greatest hits with his band Wings has been Nottingham’s anthem since the Tricky Trees scored the title in the 1977-78 English First Division league. However, fans have changed and adapted the lyrics to praise “the boys in the red from the City Ground.” The song also energized the crowd in its decisive match against Yeovil Town in 2008, when the club secured its return to the Premier League.
Chelsea – Liquidator
Several English clubs used the instrumental tune by the Jamaican band Harry J Allstars. Still, the Blues claim to be the first club to use it as a walkout song, back in 1969. The tune became so popular that even WBA matches would play it. It’s also a controversial choice, as it has been occasionally stopped by the police, who claimed it was promoting hooliganism.
Liverpool – You’ll Never Walk Alone
The cover version by Gerry and the Peacemakers has been lighting up the crowds at Anfield since the 1960s. The song became such an important part of Liverpool’s culture that the title was included in the coat of arms in 1992 and also became the club’s official motto. Originally written for the musical “Carousel,” the composition by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II was released in 1945, while Gerry and the Peacemakers’ cover version came out in 1963.
Manchester City – Blue Moon
The doo-woop version of the 1961 hit has been the Citizens’ anthem since the late 1980s when the club was still housed at Maine Road. Today, fans sing at the Etihad Stadium when the Citizens walk into the field. According to one legend, the nontraditional song was picked after a long winning streak that would happen “only once in a blue moon.” Another account tells that a few fans started singing a somewhat sad version of the tune while the crowd was leaving the stadium mid-game after being kept behind in the opening match of the 1989-90 season.
Conclusion
The EPL walkout songs playlist is eclectic but it is not random. Each tune on the list has a story and also a special meaning for players and supporters alike, getting everyone in the right mood for the challenge ahead. Make sure you’ll have your favorite club’s anthem at the tip of your tongue the next time it gets on the grass.
