This week a video went viral of an Irish gentleman singing his heart out at his friend’s wake at a pub.
The subject of the video, Brian O’Sullivan, told the crowd his friend was: “The salt of the earth, he will never be replaced and we will remember him forever in our lives. I think that the most appropriate song that you can get for this man is Mr Brightside.” Then the whole pub sang 'Mr Brightside’ by The Killers and everyone went totally bonkers. Seriously, you should watch it.
Even The Killers themselves loved the video, tweeting “Brian O’Sullivan, if Brandon ever needs a fill-in, we’re calling you! May we all have friends like this #farmersrule”.
It reminded us that there are times in life, often unexpected, when there is nothing more cathartic than giving it everything, breaking into unbridled song and totally immersing yourself in that single perfect musical moment. Not just singing, but yelling at the top of your lungs. It’s wonderful, it’s powerful, and quite often it’s boozy.
So this week we’re after songs that people can’t resist chanting, tracks that are belted out by the masses, and the tunes designed for audience participation. You know the ones, Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’, Tom Jones ‘Delilah’, The Beatles ‘Hey Jude’, Kaiser Chiefs ‘Everyday I Love You Less and Less’, White Stripes ‘Seven Nation Army’, Bon Jovi ‘Living On A Prayer’, Journey ‘Don’t Stop Believing’, Fugees ‘Killing Me Softly’ (just for Wyclef’s “One time, two time” bit).
Ever been at a football match and The Fratellis’ ‘Chelsea Dagger’ rings out on the house PA after a goal is scored and most of the crowd shouts along to “da, da-da-da, da-da-da, dadadadaaaa”? That’s the ticket.
The potential is huge for great stories associated with your track suggestions too. I remember being at a mate’s wedding and their first dance was U2’s ‘Where The Streets Have No Name’. Not a conventional first dance tune per se, but then it got going and everyone went bloody nuts. It was a moment of joyous abandon.
You pick the music, so get your great big tune-inspired suggestions – plus your reasons for suggesting - to Tom via the hashtag #Anthems6Music to help create a playlist. Comment on the Now Playing Facebook page, here on the blog, email nowplaying@bbc.co.uk or drag tracks onto our Spotify playlist.
