“When The Lions Roar” – https://youtu.be/NaN5kax7PGg
When striking up a tune in a pub not many see the likes of internationally renowned record producers or famous guitarists step up, but when Rob Bass of the Kings Arms, Okehampton, penned a World Cup song former Bjork producer Rich Brown stepped forward to take the helm. The Kings Arms Collective was formed.
George Nix, former lead guitarist with the Hollies, who also played with the likes of Suzie Quattro, Dire Straits, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck, strapped on his guitar and the melody was born.
Rob enlisted the musical talents of lead singer of local band Quorum, Jordan Hookway, along with Jake and Chris Hodgson on acoustic guitar and drums and Mark Henderson who used to perform with George Nix in a band called Oddsox. Even the bar staff joined in with Phil Short and Ace Madison joining Alice Haddow, a pub regular, on vocals. The whole video was shot on an iPhone by cameraman Mark Annear.
Rob said: “For over 30 years, I have wanted to write and record an England World Cup song. It was a long ambition of mine and when I found myself at The Kings Arms with plenty of musicians and singers around me, the perfect line up assembled. I am not naturally musically talented myself but am in awe of everyone who has taken part to make this song as great as it is!”
With airtime across BBC Spotlight, BBC Radio Devon and Cornwall, the song has received fantastic feedback including from the England Band, the official supporters’ band of England football team, who said: “…Great tune, vocals, video shots are brilliant. Well done to all who took part. We get sent loads of songs and I can honestly say this is one of the best over the last 25 years.”
With a catchy tune and easy to remember lyrics the band is sure the British public will get behind the momentum as the England Team progresses through the World Cup tournament. “Everybody loves a bit of Na-Na-Nah when they are celebrating a win!” added Rob.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
About Stonegate Group
Stonegate Group is the largest pub company in the UK. Its portfolio is comprised of over 4,500 sites, split across the managed division and leased and tenanted businesses.
The managed pubs division, which employs over 16,000 people, is split into Branded and Traditional pubs. Branded is comprised of: Slug & Lettuce, Popworld, Be At One and Venues. Traditional (unbranded) pubs are made up of: Proper Pubs, Town Pub & Kitchen, Classic Pub & Dining, Social Pub & Kitchen and Craft Union.
2022
- Great British Pub Awards – Stonegate Group Pub Partners’ Pub of the Year, Best Pub to Watch Sport, Community Hero
- BII’s National Innovation in Training Awards (NITAs): HR Manager of the Year (Jemelle Bish), Best Apprenticeship Training Programme (ATOP)
- Publican Awards – Best Community Operator (Craft Union Pub Company)
2021
- Licensed Trade Charity Awards raising awareness through fundraising
- Great British Pub Awards – Stonegate Group Pub Partners’ Pub of the Year, Best Pub to Watch Sport
- MCA Retailers’ Retailer Awards – The Hero Award (Suzanne Baker)
2020
- Great British Pub Awards – Feeding the Community, Community Mindfulness & Ei Publican Partnerships Pub of the Year
- REBA Employee Wellbeing Awards – Best New Wellbeing Strategy (5000+ staff)
- Publican Awards – Best Pub Employer (501+ employees)
- Publican Awards – Best Community Operator (Craft Union Pub Company)
2013-2019
- BII’s National Innovation in Training Awards (NITAs): HR Manager of the Year, Lee Woolley (2019); Best Managed Company for Training; Lifetime Achievement Award for Chairman, Ian Payne (2016)
- CGA Insight Hero and Icon Awards (two awards): Icon Award Ian Payne MBE, Business Leader, Simon Longbottom (2019)
- UK Hospitality’s Dusk ‘til Dawn Late Night Awards (two awards) – Icon Award (Ian Payne MBE), Best Marketing and Promotions Award (2019); Best Service & Team (2018)
- Great British Pub Awards – Best LGBTQ+ Pub (2019); Best LGBTQ+ and Best Sports Pub (2018); Best Pub Garden, Best Entertainment and Best Sports Pub (2017); Best Sports Pub (2016);
- BII Scotland Awards Best Operator for Training (2019)
- Retailers’ Retailer of the Year (two awards): Lifetime Achievement Award, Ian Payne MBE; Investor of the Year TDR Capital (2019); Investor of the Year: TDR Capital (2017)
- Menu Innovation & Development Awards (MIDAS) (two awards): Best Menu, Premium High Street Pub: Slug & Lettuce; Best Menu, Town & City Pub: Walkabout (2019); Premium High Street Pub: Town Pub & Kitchen (2017); Best New Concept: Missoula, Montana Bar & Grill (2014); City and Bar Dining: Slug and Lettuce (2013)
- Publican Awards (five awards): Best Community Pub Operator, Best Pub Employer (501+ employees), Best Managed Pub Company (51+ sites), Best Drinks Offer, Business Leader of the Year Chief Executive, Simon Longbottom (2019); Best Late Night Operator (2018); Best Managed Pub Company; Best Late Night Operator, plus highly commended Best Employer 501+ employees (2017); Business Leader of the Year, Chairman Ian Payne (2014); Best Pub Employer 51+ sites (2013)
- British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) Chairman’s Award (2018)
- Licensed Trade Charity: Outstanding Corporate Contribution Award (2018)
- APPBG PUBAID Corporate Charity Fundraiser Award (2018)
- Scottish Training Federation: Best Large Employer (2016)
- HR Excellence Awards: Best Learning and Development Strategy (2016)
- HR Distinction Awards: Innovation for Digital & Social Media (2016); People Development (2015); Innovative Use of Technology (2014)
Press release from Leisure PR.
For further information, please contact Joanne Steward via joannesteward@leisurepr.co.uk.