Electric Stars re-release Belfast Boy - Exclusive Interview

Manchester-band the Electric Stars have re-released 'Belfast Boy', a track which pays homage to the skills of United legend George Best. ManUtdWeb caught up with lead singer Jason Edge, as the band target a place in the charts to coincide with the 68th anniversary of Bestie's birth in the Northern Irish capital.

Belfast Boy was originally released in the 1970s by Don Fardon, and Mancunian Rock ‘n’ Roll band Electric Stars are hoping to take the track back into the charts.

Their list of musical inspirations gives a hint as to the energetic rebirth of Fardon’s iconic original.

“Our influences are classic really – the Beatles, Stones, Faces, Kinks; mixed in with the likes of Primal, Roses and Kasabian,” says Edge, the band’s frontman.

“It’s a wonderful melting point of all the good stuff. The band has been together for about three years; and we’re signed to Detour Records. There’s a few singles kickin’ around, and our debut album’s called Sonic Candy Soul.”

The decision to re-release the song came following a chance meeting with a celebrity United fan - with all proceeds from the sale of ‘Belfast Boy’ to be split between the Manchester United Foundation and the George Best Foundation.

“Going to football matches, you bump into some random people – and I got to know Eamonn Holmes!”, adds Edge.

“He’s a mad Red and President of the George Best Foundation. We talked about music and George; and Eamonn mentioned the old hit from the 70s. It’s a song we know well and play sometimes – then we had this ‘Eureka’ moment, and the idea of re-releasing it for Georgie’s birthday was born!”. 

Edge hopes the track will appeal to football fans beyond Old Trafford and Windsor Park. He's clearly immensely proud to have had the opportunity to re-release a track which highlights the unique abilities of one of the greatest players ever to play the game.

“George was unique and this goes beyond football loyalty. I know it will be mostly United fans interested – but when you look at that list of all time greats, he is there sitting right next to Pele, Maradona, Cruyff, Ronaldo and Messi.

“As for picking out a favourite moment, ask any Red who watched him at Old Trafford for 11 years – its dripping in glorious moments!”

So – do we have a chart-topper on our hands? 

“I have no idea how far it can go. We want it to get to number one because that’s where George should be – but the original got to number 32, so to beat that would be a start!

“Of course, the higher we can all push it the better – but just being a part of this has been a great feeling. If it hits top spot, we’ll be in the promised land again!

The track is available to download on iTunes or Amazon – but Edge thinks fans may like the little bonus that comes with the limited edition CD edition of the single, which is available for any HMV or Fopp on Market Street.

“We want people to get the CD because there is a bonus track and a collectors booklet featuring tributes from Sir Alex, Sir Bobby, Ryan Giggs, Eamonn Holmes and Dennis Law. The CD is limited edition – when it’s gone, that’s it!”

Following the release of the single, United fan Edge is looking forward optimistically to the new season, as Reds anticipate some big announcements about the future of the club in the coming days and weeks. 

“It’s been a tough season – but it was always going to be hard work when the greatest Manager of all time goes upstairs.

“We all know what we need to do, where we need to strengthen. I’m a patient Red. No knee-jerk reactions from me, or screaming or booing. When we bounce back, it will be sweet!”

So when will we bounce back? Lead singer Edge is hoping we won’t have long to wait until the Red Devils are firing on all cylinders again!

“The press love to see a crisis at Old Trafford as it sells papers – but I can’t wait for next season and to feel the buzz on the terraces. People are writing us off – but that just winds us up even more! Bring it on!”

So, on that note - play the game and get a copy of ‘Belfast Boy’. You can also head over to TheElectricStars.com for more information about the Manchester band and this excellent re-release. Georgie! Georgie!