During Rishi Sunak’s general election announcement, an unexpected tune blared near No. 10 Downing Street. While some viewers may have thought it was a part of the prime minister’s inspirational speech, the song, “Things Can Only Get Better” by D:Ream, actually served a different purpose. This 1997 anthem of Sir Tony Blair’s Labour victory saw a resurgence on music charts mere hours after being played during the announcement. The song, adopted by the Labour Party during Blair’s campaign in the ’90s, resurfaced in a similar fashion during Rishi Sunak’s recent speech.
Notably, it wasn’t the Labour Party playing the D:Ream hit this time. Instead, anti-Brexit campaigner Steve Bray seized the opportunity to broadcast his message across the nation using the song. Bray, despite distancing himself from Labour, chose “Things Can Only Get Better” as the ultimate trolling tune for the Conservatives. Referencing the 1997 election, Bray’s intention was to evoke a sense of nostalgia and relatability to the iconic track.
Decades after its inception, the D:Ream song still remains synonymous with the Labour Party. Even Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer made a subtle nod to the track in a previous conference speech, drawing a comparison between Labour’s previous rule and the current Conservative government. The song’s continuing relevance showcases the lasting impact of musical associations in political campaigns.
Although Wednesday’s incident was not the first, nor will it likely be the last interruption during a political speech, the commitment of campaigners like Steve Bray remains unwavering. Despite his amplifiers being damaged by the rain, Bray pledged to buy more equipment and continue his protests throughout the upcoming election campaign leading up to the pivotal 4th of July date. The perseverance of activists like Bray highlights the varied and creative methods used to convey political messages in the modern age.
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