Ep. 247: Danbert Nobacon discusses Chumbawamba’s “Tubthumping”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 3 March 2025

⏱️ 69 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

This week, Danbert Nobacon of Chumbawamba sits in to break down the writing and recording of the band's massive 1997 hit, "Tubthumping." He and Chris explore the song’s punk-influenced origins, its anthemic structure, and how its themes of resilience and working-class pub culture resonated worldwide. Danbert shares insights into the band's approach to songwriting, the unexpected mainstream success of the track, and how Chumbawamba balanced their political ethos with commercial visibility. The conversation also touches on the lasting impact of "Tubthumping" and Nobacon's latest musical projects, offering a fascinating look at a song that continues to take on new life decades after its release. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Distro Kid.
0:15.3	Hey everybody. Today's guest is Dan Burt No Bacon, multi-instrumentalist and lead vocalist
0:20.7	for the Burnley
0:21.5	England punk band Chumbawamba.
0:24.5	Together we tackle the writing, recording, and inspiration behind the smash hit single,
0:29.6	Tub-thumping, taken from their 1997 album, Tub Thumper.
0:34.5	I say it at the top of the episode, this band has history, So much, in fact, that I could have devoted a whole episode to just that.
0:42.9	Formed in 1982, Chumbawamba released a whopping seven full-length albums before exploding into the stratosphere with tub-thumping.
0:50.5	This song is a pop masterpiece. Repetitive, sing-songy, catchy, and an out-of-this-world lyric make this one of the catchiest hooks of all time.
1:00.0	We're all trying to figure out a new and unique way to emphasize something.
1:03.0	From We Will Rock You to We're Not Gonna Take it, to we are the champions.
1:07.0	We all know those words and melodies that have a singing along right from the moment
1:11.3	we hear them. And tub thumping can be added to that list. I get knocked down, but I get up again.
1:17.7	You're never going to keep me down. Indeed. So for all this and a next door neighbor who can't
1:23.4	seem to figure out how to get into his house. Don't touch that dial.
1:32.9	Hey, hey, have you heard, Christa makes a podcast?
1:38.2	Hey, hey, have you heard, Christa makes a podcast?
1:43.3	Hey, hey, have you heard, Christa makes a podcast?
1:46.3	Hey, hey, have you heard, Christista makes a podcast. Hey, hey, have you heard?
1:48.6	Krista makes a podcast.
1:52.0	Dan Bird, how are we doing today?
1:53.6	I'm good, thanks, yes.
	...

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