Imagine a band, a 40-strong group, that records a cover of a song by The Who and it launches on the UK official singles chart at number 26. Doesn’t sound that odd until one realises that the average age of the group is 78 years ‘old’. The lead singer is 90 year old Alf Carretta.
Generally a new artist and song will receive a fair amount of radio play time in order to achieve such a jump into the charts. However, this group received no assistance whatsoever from radio. When they tried to market the single to a young DJ he responded by saying that his station would not play the song because old people smelt of wee and were rubbish.
Undaunted the group, called The Zimmers, posted their video on YouTube and the hits began to flow. The video has been viwed more than 2.59 million times and about 100 million people in 50 countries have seen clips of the band on television. The recording of The Who son ‘My Generation’ was part of a documentary commissioned by the BBC about the UK’s approach to old people.
According to the Independent, Tim Samuels, a BBC journalist wanted to highlight the plight of millions of pensioners in the UK. At the end of his filming he came to the conclusion that old people were getting a raw deal. As part of his tour talking to people he asked whether any of them wanted to make the single. Although skeptical as to its success, he felt that at least the group of volunteers would have a great outing to London. The recording was made at the famous Abbey Road studios.
The group are hopeful that they will eventually break into the top 10 in the hope that the exposure will provide impetus for the sale of the single. The profits of the sale of this recording will be given to Age Concern, a charity that works with and for older people.
For some fun, view the video on YouTube. You will be amazed at the energy and fun these folk are having at such an elevated average age. The oldest is 100 years old and still has a touch of rebellion. See him ‘wave’ good-bye.
» left by Steve Radford(806) Steve Radford (1 year 183 days ago.)
Anja,
I went straight to youtube and I love the video, including the guitar smashing and "wave" at the end. I think The Who must be in that same age range by now aren't they? Thanks for the tip. Respond to this comment
» left by Anja Merret from Brighton, UK (1 year 183 days ago.)
The two remaining ones are about 63. They are still playing, and are actually playing at Glastonbury this year. So good on them. Respond to this comment
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