James Tim Booth Far-Right Song Criticism
- James Booth, frontman of the band pulp, publicly criticized Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, for using the band's 1989 hit "Sit Down" in content related to...
- on Saturday, february 24, 2024, a rally called "Unite the Kingdom" took place in London, drawing protesters to areas around Whitehall and Trafalgar Square.
- booth, 65, expressed his "disgust" at the "cynical use" of "Sit Down" by Robinson (@TRobinsonNewEra on X).
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James Booth, frontman of the band pulp, publicly criticized Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, for using the band’s 1989 hit “Sit Down” in content related to a protest in London on February 24, 2024. The dispute centers on copyright and the perceived misalignment of the song’s message with the views of the protest organizers.
Protest Context and Robinson’s Use of the Song
on Saturday, february 24, 2024, a rally called “Unite the Kingdom” took place in London, drawing protesters to areas around Whitehall and Trafalgar Square. A counter-protest,”Stand Up to racism,” also occurred. Robinson, known for his far-right political activism, shared content on X (formerly Twitter) featuring “Sit Down,” seemingly to highlight the size of the presentation. Booth responded directly to Robinson on the platform.
Booth’s Response and Copyright concerns
booth, 65, expressed his “disgust” at the “cynical use” of “Sit Down” by Robinson (@TRobinsonNewEra on X). He stated that no permission had been granted for the song’s use and that the band was “looking into our options.” Booth emphasized that the lyrics of “Sit down,” and much of Pulp’s work, clearly articulate a stance that is “the antithesis of this association,” referring to the groups associated with the “Unite the Kingdom” rally.
UK Copyright Law and Potential Legal Action
According to the UK’s Institute of contemporary music Performance (ICMP), copyright holders have several legal avenues when their work is used unlawfully. Initially, a cease-and-desist
letter can be issued, formally requesting the infringing party to stop using the copyrighted material. If this request is ignored,a lawsuit for copyright infringement can be filed. Accomplished lawsuits can result in damages payments or a court order preventing future unauthorized use of the work. The ICMP details the process and potential consequences of copyright infringement.
The ICMP also notes that synchronisation licences
are required for using music in audio-visual projects, including online videos where music is paired with visual content.
Protest Timeline and Public Order Act
The “Unite the Kingdom” rally continued past the 6pm cut-off time imposed by British police under the Public Order Act. The “Stand Up to Racism” counter-protest was scheduled to conclude earlier, at 4pm. The Public Order Act 1986 provides police with powers to impose conditions on public processions and assemblies to prevent disorder.