Newcastle United Fans
Newcastle United has decided to alter its matchday anthem, replacing Mark Knopfler’s iconic “Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero” as the walkout song with another beloved tune, “The Blaydon Races.” The change, requested by the players and coaching staff, aims to enhance the atmosphere at St. James’ Park by encouraging fans to sing along as the team steps onto the pitch. The club has assured fans that “Local Hero” will still be played during the build-up to kick-off, maintaining its presence on matchdays.
Wor Flags said: “The club have told us the decision to swap Local Hero with the Blaydon Races before kick-off was done primarily at the request of the players and coaching staff, who want to hear the fans singing right at kick-off, which is not possible with Local Hero but is with The Blaydon Races! So whilst honouring the tradition of those two songs, the club have swapped them round so that Local Hero plays before the team emerge and The Blaydon Races before kick-off. It’s up to us to live up to that request and belt out the Blaydon Races and also carry it into the game. Massive game tomorrow night. Bring your scarf, get it twirling, get behind the lads. Howay Newcastle!”
Snowbear1 said: “Long before piped music came into St James’, The Blaydon Races rang out loud and clear at most every home match, and was quite audible at away matches. Both songs are iconic to the North East. In my opinion if I had a choice of tunes to walk out onto the pitch, then it would have to be The Blaydon Races. Forest fans always get animated with a pop song for whatever reason but it does create an atmosphere.”
Axepete wrote: “Breaks my heart this one. Me Fatha (R.I.P) LOVED this walk-on music. We were up there loads of times with him and me two brothers. When me Dad passed away 10 years ago, we carried him into and out of the church to Local Hero. ‘It fetches the hairs up on the back of me neck every time’, was what he used to say.”
Ann Stainthorpe commented: “It’s our tune, it’s THE TOON TUNE, please don’t replace it.”
Darren Harris stated: “They should keep Local Hero as the walk out song. It wouldn’t be the same. It’s like telling Liverpool to change their walk out song, You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
John Shelley added: “I much prefer Local Hero… never fails to bring a tear to my old eyes. But if the team want Blaydon Races, so be it.”
The decision to change the walkout song has elicited a range of reactions from the Newcastle United fanbase. While some supporters are enthusiastic about the change, citing the historical significance and atmosphere created by “The Blaydon Races,” others are nostalgic for the emotional connection they have with “Local Hero.” This iconic tune has been a staple at St. James’ Park, evoking cherished memories for many fans.
The club’s decision underscores the importance of fan engagement and atmosphere in modern football, reflecting a desire to create an electric environment that can inspire the team. The move also highlights the balance clubs must strike between tradition and innovation to meet the evolving expectations of players and supporters alike.
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