Auf Wiedersehen Pet stars sing Blaydon Races for Sir Bobby Robson

Nov 4 2009 by Sam Wonfor, The Journal

AUF Wiedersehen, Pet stars Tim Healy, Kevin Whately and Jimmy Nail have been tunefully reunited in a very special tribute to Sir Bobby Robson.

The popular North East acting trio got together in a recording studio to put down their own version of Geordie anthem, The Blaydon Races, complete with a specially-commissioned verse, dedicated to the late Newcastle and England manager.

“It was lovely to see Kevin and Jimmy again, as always,” said Tim. “And we had a great time recording the song for a brilliant man.

“We all loved Sir Bobby and it was really lovely to have the chance to do something in tribute to him.”

The recording of the song makes up part of an upcoming DVD release, A Knight To Remember, which looks back on Sir Bobby’s life and achievements, and includes his last ever interviews, as well as contributions from family, friends and the great and good of football.

Tim, Kevin and Jimmy are joined by a stellar cast who all share stories and memories of the much-loved and missed statesman of the beautiful game.

Seventy five percent of proceeds from the DVD, which is to be launched at a special event next week, will go to the Bobby Robson Foundation.

“It’s an honour to be part of it,” said Tim. “I was lucky enough, and am really thankful that I went to the charity game, the week before Sir Bobby died. We had a long chat and my youngest son, Louis got the chance to meet him.

“He was an amazing man.”

Although accustomed to belting out The Blaydon Races on the terraces, Tim, who also attended the moving memorial service for Sir Bobby at Durham Cathedral in September, admitted recording the full song was a whole new ball game.