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The Hillsborough Justice Band and a cause worth fighting for
The Hillsborough Justice Band has been raising awareness into the disaster and the families fight for justice through various gigs, events and recordings. After last week's Independent Panel released their findings Getintothis' Jamie Bowman caught up with singer Peter Hooton to reflect on the band's continued fight for justice.
'Music, beer and football - the very stuff of life itself' was how the late, great John Peel summed up the content of Liverpool football fanzine The End.
Peel's ringing endorsement crossed my mind last week when Getintothis sat down for an emotional interview with the magazine's former editor, Peter Hooton to discuss the momentous publication of the Hillsborough report.
Peter, the lead singer of The Farm, has worked tirelessly over the last 20 years to expose the lies perpetrated by the police about the Hillsborough disaster.
As a successful musician, Peter realised he was in a unique position to help the campaign by raising awareness through various gigs, events and recordings.
It's rare these days that music concerns itself with matters and issues that could be deemed 'local'. Ever since Band Aid, our biggest bands have constantly strived to align themselves with whatever cause is currently flavour of the month.
Whether its Sting hanging out in the Amazon, Bono clicking his fingers at Live 8 or Chris Martin writing things on his hand, so many of these gestures seem to tell us more about the people doing them then the actual charity or issue they are supporting.
The Hillsborough justice campaign was different and the work of Hooton and countless other members of Liverpool's rock community deserve a mention for showing just what can be achieved when musicians pay more than just lip service to a cause they feel passionately about.
John Power at Mountford Hall on the Justice Tour
Peter credits much of the reinvigoration of the campaign to the events that surrounded the twentieth anniversary of that awful day in 1989.
Rather than trotting out the usual celebrities, Peter recruited the cream of Merseyside talent, including the likes of Shack's John Head and Cast's John Power, to record that rare item - a charity single that was actually credible, moving and rather good.
After the success of the Fields of Anfield Road single came the Don't Buy The Sun concert, which seemed to further galvanise the campaign to expose the newspaper and the lies it told.
Pete Wylie during the Justice Tonight gig at The Picket
The general mood and public perception about the disaster seemed to be shifting and Getintothis is certain the efforts of Peter, his fellow band members, Pete Wylie and former Clash singer and guitarist Mick Jones played a crucial role in this.
Mick's presence and undeniable enthusiasm opened some incredible doors for the project which came to be known as the Hillsborough Justice Band.
Mick Jones the Justice Tonight gig at The Picket
Soon there was a tour of the UK and Ireland and there quickly followed an even greater triumph as the band supported the newly-reformed Stone Roses around Europe.
If there was one moment which summed up the power of this wonderful union between music and the beautiful game it was Manchester United legend Eric Cantona appearing with the HJB in Lyon, singing The Clash's Rock The Casbah.
Here was one of United's greatest icons, appearing as support for one of Manchester's greatest bands, raising awareness of a campaign which was seen as an anathema for many United supporters.
Peter sent me a photograph to go with the interview, of him lined up with John Power, Mick Jones, John Bishop and MP Andy Burnham.
It made me think of all those sycophantic images of pop stars hanging out with MPs and how little they meant compared to this.
Football, music and beer? Well now you can add justice to the fine list of essentials. Mr Peel would be very proud.
Getintohis on Stone Roses' Ian Brown and John Squire reunite for Hillsborough Justice Tour.
Getintothis on the Don't Buy The Sun Concert in memory of James McVey: Olympia Theatre, Liverpool
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Getintothis Blogger
Peter Guy
is at the forefront of Liverpool's independent music scene reporting
& reviewing on the latest sounds in Merseyside and beyond.
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1989, just another game, was it just a football match, and did I die for blame? April was the month, 15th was the date, time was on my side you know, cos I was never late. Butties for my journey, money off my dad, scarf around my little neck, I am my Mothers lad. Oh the mighty reds, semi final day, couldn’t wait to see my team, I wasn’t drunk okay? Singing on the coach, waving mum goodbye, blow a kiss and see her smile, I didn’t mean to die? Got my ticket here, in my tracksuit top, it was red and white of course, like my old famous Kop. What an atmosphere, walking to the ground, thousands of supporters sing, I’m feeling safe and sound. Turn-style over there, feel a little push, what’s the need to swear at me, this copper in a rush? Something isn’t right, feeling threatened now, hoarded like an animal, but I’ll get in somehow? I can see gate C, there is something wrong, men on horses lose control, I still hear that song. This anthem was my last, frightened on my own, I lost my dad along the way, my need to walk alone. The gate was opened wide, they let us in as one, released my fear and said a prayer, where has my daddy gone? Carried by a wave, women kids and men, there was no escape for me, inside this little pen. Nowhere left to go, crying for my dad, Mum I need a little help, cos this is really bad. Coming up for air, there was not enough, taking breath that wasn’t there, already out of puff. Falling to the floor, someone help me please, lift me up and carry me, just get me off my knees. What is going on? Why am I in here? I have come to watch my team, instead I shed a tear. Why is that man still? Horror on his face, get me out before I die, my only saving grace. The song I love has gone, replaced with cries and screams, this is not what I came for, so distant from my dreams? Lost within a wall, of dying souls like me, my eyes they close as I give up, I’m drowning in this sea. I gasp again for air, but it is way too late, my fight has gone with my last breath, resigned I am to fate. Oh my Mammies tears, the Mersey they will fill, the sorrow of this Saturday, will have to wait until. Justice being served, I’m angry that I’m dead, amongst the 96 that day, I was to blame they said? The sun they printed truth, of lie’s upon their lie’s, with politicians who were bent, the men I now despise. The police who got it wrong, the carers I don’t trust, the paramedics lied to me, to cover up a must? Say a prayer for me, for I have sorely gone, and long before my time I add, this justice for no one. I am a lonely soul, who longs to be at peace, my mum and dad need peace as well, their pain will never cease. But on this special day, the truth is plain to see, that I was not to blame that day, this truth is sent by me. My spirit lingers on, cos we shall not be moved, a son who went so far away, a sin that will be proved. I stand in silent awe, beside my loyal friends, the 96 including me, our resting now depends. On evidence so clear, the public my domain, I’ll rise above deceitful men, to be with you again. The light that shines for me, exonerates the blame, the truth is out and I will live, as your eternal flame. I Love you mum and dad, I love you Merseyside, I love you all across the park, together we have pride. The time has come to rest, so please don’t be too sad, I’ll get the truth to you somehow, so trust in me your lad. bobby.parry@live.co.uk