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Forward

by The Destroyers

/

about

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Birmingham was at the centre of the Industrial Revolution, with heavy industries dominating the Black Country landscape. This area was known as such for the black smoke emitted by its factories in the day, while at night the furnaces glowed red.



The original Bullring Market was established in the 12th century and was used for bull-baiting, as well as the sale of goods. By 1832 it had become the traditional meeting place for speakers. Even today, the Bullring remains a popular meeting place, most notably for its 6.5-tonne bronze bull by British sculptor Laurence Broderick that welcomes you to the space.

Forward was written especially for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony by The Destroyers, and was performed in part of the segment entitled ‘Carnival of Firsts’ celebrating the many industrious innovations the city has gifted the world.


The Destroyers are:



Sarah Farmer - Violin

Seth Bye - Violin 

Max Gittings - Flutes, Whistles & Bagpipes

Katie Stevens - Clarinet

Rob Spalton - Trumpet
Sam Wooster - Trumpet
Pete Churchill - Accordion & Vocals
Jamie Fekete - Guitar
Dan Wilkins - Guitar
Aaron Diaz - Sousaphone
Nick Jurd - Bass Guitar
Tim Bowes - Drums

lyrics

Time, Ticking!

Steel for nails and iron for chains
Slaves of furnace fire and flames

Press, Onwards!

People parched and sweating steam
Cogs in a bespoke machine

Toil, Longer!

Faith in forge and factory
Trust in trade and industry

Push, Forward!

Quarry stone and dig for coal
Mechanise and fire the soul


People parched and sweating steam
Cogs in a bespoke machine
Chase a u-to-pi-an dream


People parched and sweating steam
Cogs in a bespoke machine
Chase a u-to-pi-an dream


Quarry stone and dig for coal
Cast the bell and strike the toll
Mechanise and fire the soul


HA!

credits

released August 5, 2022
composed, arranged by The Destroyers
lyrics by Pete Churchill
performed by the Destroyers
engineered by Luke Morrish-Thomas
choir recorded by Dan Jones
produced by Luke Morrish-Thomas, Dan Jones & The Destroyers

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all rights reserved

tags

about

The Destroyers Birmingham, UK

Unapologetically complex and joyful, The Destroyers have been colliding world musics for nearly twenty years.

Faustian fiddles, whirlwinds of woodwinds, baying brass, raucousness from the rhythm section and salvos from the sousaphone destroy inhibitions and leave audiences bewildered, transported, beguiled and wild.
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