Chirpy singers give pop a Geordie twist

Feb 26 2008 by Audrey Barton, The Journal

A FAMILY from the North East is taking the internet by storm with a peculiarly regional take on a Seventies pop classic.

Warning: Video contains bad language

The family gives a heartfelt performance of the number one song Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep – renamed Chorpy Chorpy Cheep Cheep to take account of their Geordie accents – complete with their own musical accompaniment.

The song by Scottish quartet Middle of the Road reached the top of the charts in 1971 and appears to have been recreated in celebration of two of the stars’ 50th birthdays.

In a video that has been attracting thousands of hits on the YouTube website, the family of nine – one of them was out of shot when the above still was taken from the website – is made up of two guitar players, a man playing double bass, a number of backing singers who also add percussion and a man in a bright red shirt.

They are believed to be from Newcastle, and make references during the video to Blucher and Walbottle on the western outskirts. The performance is peppered with impromptu bursts of dancing as they put their heart and soul into the three-and-a-half minute piece, which was posted online in October.

The video has since been championed by Metro Radio breakfast show presenter Tony Horne and the hits on the website have rocketed from 500 to 4,865.

A member of the family, contacted through YouTube, said the pop gem was shot in the early hours after a boozy evening while the family was staying at Monreith House in Dumfries and Galloway.

He said: “The occasion was me and my wife’s 50th party and we partied all week.

“Everyone in the family plays instruments and this is how we celebrate when the need arises.”

The video has triggered a flood of comments from viewers on the website, and some disagreement as to where the family is from. Someone identifying themselves as Zeroidking writes: “What a grand time was being had by all at Monreith House celebrating the ZeroidKing and Queen’s 50th birthdays.”

Another by the name of clooneyclub writes: “Absolutely amazing, not bothered if this lot come from Ashington, Newcastle, Sunderland or Middlesbrough.

“A bloody good laugh from a bunch of people prepared to have a laugh. I love it. Let’s have more!”

Syltess adds: “Great bit of fun – love the wellies and shirt, can’t wait to see another one soon.”

This is not the first time that amateur musicians from the region have found fame on YouTube.

Consett schoolgirl Chantelle Readman, 15, was catapulted into the spotlight after her father posted secret footage of her singing in her room on the social website.

After becoming one of the site’s hottest properties with more than one million hits, the talented pupil at Moorside Community College set up her own website.