Hit is no mean feat for family
Feb 29 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal
THEY’RE at it again!
The family behind the YouTube video sensation Chorpy Chorpy Cheep Cheep have recorded another hit, this time exclusively for The Journal.
The Emerson family, from Walbottle, Newcastle, got together at grandmother Sheila’s house on George Street, Crawcrook, Gateshead, to record a version of Joe Wilson’s North East folk song Keep Your Feet Still Geordie Hinny especially for Journal readers. Mike Emerson, lead singer of the group, also known as Sheila and the Wailers, said: “This is another family favourite from old Tyneside music halls. We just got together and played it, it’s a proper North East song.”
The song tells the story of two brothers who have to sleep together in the same bed. They keep waking each other up by moving their feet in the middle of the night.
The Emerson family found fame locally with their version of the 1971 hit Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep, by Middle of the Road, which they renamed to fit their Geordie accents. It was picked up by Metro Radio, then the television news, and the hits have been piling up on YouTube.
The band includes Mike’s best friend Keith, Keith’s wife Anne, Mike’s brother Hunt, wife Carol, sister-in-law Jill, his daughter Jade and mother Sheila, 79.
Mr Emerson said: “It’s amazing what has happened over the last week. We were on the radio and then Tyne Tees news and people are still watching our video.
“There are links to it from all over the world, it’s unbelievable really how things have developed. Our family is just like a juke box. We just get together and see what comes out.
“Our next performance will probably be at Sheila’s 80th birthday. I don’t know what we will be singing then but there are loads more family favourites still to come.”
The original YouTube video has now been viewed more than 12,000 times and has been linked to websites as far afield as Texas and Canada. And a version recorded for The Journal has been viewed over 1,390 times in just 24 hours.
Some of the comments from people who have watched the Journal version on YouTube include; dizzydiane99: “Fantastic. Geordies know how to have a good time.”
fatchebs said: “Looks like a typical Geordie family gathering! love it a think it’s lush, belta!”
