EXCLUSIVE: Electric Stars Catch-Up: 'Belfast Boy' look back
'Belfast Boy'
By Chris O'Brien
April 15 2015
Last year, ManUtdWeb chatted to the Electric Stars ahead of the release of their 'Belfast Boy' cover, a track which pays tribute to the great George Best. Some 11 months on, we checked in again with the Manchester band.
Electric Stars’ re-release was an energetic, sing-out-loud, Rock ‘n’ Roll rebirth of Don Fardon’s 1970s original; brought out to coincide with the 68th anniversary of Bestie's birth.
The launch of the song had some impressive media coverage. Manchester United also allowed the band onto the Old Trafford pitch at half-time of a game to record the crowd singing about Best. Edge talks excitedly about the band's experiences of honouring a footballing legend.
“It is hard to describe how we all felt being part of such an amazing experience.
“When you work hard in a band and don't really have anything like the success of those big acts, then something like that happens, it really blows your mind and makes all the hard work worthwhile.
“Because the song was about Georgie - who to me was not just a gifted footballer, but a Pop Icon of the 60s – it made it even more sweet!”
The song was released after Edge had a random encounter with celebrity fan Eamonn Holmes at a United game, and the Ulsterman helped the track win exposure.
“Eamonn is a great guy and a massive Red!
“He was so good with us, putting us in touch with people in the business and promoting as much as he could. He did mention it on TV and tweeted about us all the time”.
Though it missed out on a place in the Top 40, the song secured 15th spot in the Official Indie Chart, and number 7 in the Euro Rock chart. It was also the second top selling UK CD single, including a spell as Amazon's number 1.
When ManUtdWeb first caught up with the Stars, their debut album Sonic Candy Soul was on the way. A follow-up album is now nearing completion, plus another chance to own Belfast Boy.
“The second album is written and being recorded right now.
“There will be a single out soon and also a special Limited Edition Vinyl gatefold single featuring 'Belfast Boy' so any collectors out there can now get a vinyl version. There will only be a small amount pressed so I guess it could become quite a collectable!”
Fans of the Manchester music scene wanting to keep their eyes on the Electric Stars can check out their website, or follow them on Facebook or Twitter. In addition to their new album, the band has a host of gigs in the pipeline, including summer festivals, where they will perform on the same bill as Paul Weller, Razorlight, Space and the Christians.
The original single can be purchased on Amazon and iTunes, with proceeds split between the George Best Foundation & Manchester United Foundation.