the great motty rip-off

A few months back a talented band of musicians out of Romford Essex reformed to make an England World Cup Anthem with all proceeds going to a Cancer Charity close to their hearts. They took the name Mottys Sheepkin and recorded HURRY UP ENGLAND – an explosive, revamped version of Sham 69’s original ‘Hurry up Harry.’

The band then approached Sham’s Jimmy Purcey and asked permission to put the song out officially. Jimmy agreed.

Motty, thrilled that they could push ahead with their charity song, were totally unprepared for what happened next. Several days later, on his Virgin Radio Breakfast Show Christian O’Connell played a version of Hurry Up England by … wait for it … Jimmy Purcey of Sham 69.

Motty were gutted by this unexpected turn of events. They might have quit right there but for one overriding factor … Motty were never in this for themselves. At no point were they looking for Kudos or money or a record deal. They were doing this for the people they loved and in support of a very worthy cause. Quitting was never an option.

After their initial disappointment Motty picked themselves up and decided to hell with it – they’d put their version out anyway. What they needed was a label willing to risk going up against Virgin Radio. What followed was a chaotic, oddball fortnight of ups and downs, frustrating meetings, phone calls, emails and text-mails etc until eventually Motty finally got their break.

It came via a journalist friend of the band who had been supporting them since day one. He introduced the band to Cadiz, an Independent record label, who agreed to release Motty’s version of Hurry up England.

And so there will be 2 versions of Hurry Up England. Their will be the Virgin Radio/Jimmy Purcey Version. And their will be Motty’s version that we have believe to be the Real Unofficial Anthem.

Motty are under no illusions they have a fight on our hands going up against a huge radio station like Virgin Radio, especially with Jimmy Purcey on board. This is going to be a real David and Goliath battle. Bottom line is Motty want to make as much money as possible for their charity.

Do listen to both songs and decide for yourself which is best. We urge you to do that.

I for one know which version I’ll be buying.