When Andy Burnham became prime minister, he didn't just inherit a country; he inherited a playlist. His recent tour of England's regions has been accompanied by carefully chosen songs, each meant to resonate with local audiences. From the Clash in London to the north-west's anthems, Burnham's musical selections have become a talking point. But can you guess which tracks he picked? Take our quiz and find out.
The Sound of Politics: Why Music Matters on the Campaign Trail
Politicians have long used music to connect with voters. A well-chosen song can energize a crowd, signal values, and even define a campaign. For Burnham, a former mayor of Greater Manchester and now the nation's leader, the stakes are high. His tour isn't just about policy; it's about showing he understands the diverse cultures of England. Music is a shortcut to that connection.
But it's risky. The wrong song can alienate, seem out of touch, or spark legal battles over copyright. Burnham's team has clearly thought about this. The selections so far have been regionally specific, mixing classics with contemporary hits. In London, he went with the Clash's "London Calling," a punk anthem that's both a celebration and a critique of the capital. Did it hit the right note? That's for the quiz to decide.
In the north-west, the choice was more personal. Burnham, a lifelong Manchester United fan, could have gone with Oasis or the Stone Roses. Instead, he opted for something that spoke to the region's industrial heritage. The exact track? You'll have to guess. But it's a safe bet it wasn't a southern band.
The Regional Tour: A Breakdown
Burnham's tour has taken him to every corner of England. Each stop includes a reception, a speech, and a song. The pattern is deliberate: the music sets the tone before he speaks. It's a tactic that humanizes him, making him seem less like a politician and more like a fan. But it also invites scrutiny. Every choice is analyzed, tweeted about, and debated.
London: The Clash's "London Calling"
Choosing the Clash for London was bold. The song is a punk classic, but it's also a warning about urban decay and nuclear anxiety. For a new prime minister, it could be seen as pessimistic. Yet Burnham spun it as a tribute to the city's rebellious spirit. The crowd reportedly loved it. But did he consider other options? The Kinks' "Waterloo Sunset" would have been safer, more nostalgic. The Clash says: I'm not afraid to be edgy.
The North-West: A Nod to Manchester
The north-west is Burnham's home turf. He knows its musical history better than most. The region gave us the Beatles, but that's Liverpool. Manchester has Joy Division, the Smiths, and Oasis. Burnham could have picked "Wonderwall," a crowd-pleaser. Or he could have gone darker with Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart." My money is on a Manchester band, but which one? The quiz will reveal all.
The North-East: Geordie Pride
Newcastle and Sunderland have their own sounds. Dire Straits, Sting, and more recently Sam Fender. Burnham, a Labour prime minister, might lean toward Fender's "Seventeen Going Under," a song about working-class struggle. It's a natural fit for a politician who talks about inequality. But would he risk a song that criticizes the government? Fender's lyrics are hardly flattering to those in power.
The Midlands: A Mixed Bag
The Midlands is tricky. Birmingham has produced Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Duran Duran. Burnham could have gone heavy metal or new wave. Or he might have chosen something from the region's bhangra scene, reflecting its diversity. The choice here says a lot about how he views the Midlands: as a industrial heartland or a multicultural hub.
The South-West: Beyond Pastoral
The south-west is known for folk and surf rock. But Burnham might have picked something more contemporary, like a track from Bristol's trip-hop scene. Massive Attack's "Unfinished Sympathy" would be a sophisticated choice, but it's hardly a singalong. More likely, he went with something from Cornwall's Fisherman's Friends or a classic from the Wurzels. The Wurzels would be a fun, self-deprecating pick.
The South-East: Beyond London
The south-east includes Kent, Sussex, and Surrey. It's not known for a distinct musical identity. Burnham might have chosen a London band again, or gone for something like the Libertines, who formed in London but have roots in the south-east. Or he could have picked a classical piece, given the region's cathedral cities. That would be a curveball.
The Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
Now it's your turn. Below are five questions about Burnham's musical choices. Guess the answers and see how well you know his taste.
- Which song did Burnham play in London?
- Which Manchester band did he choose for the north-west?
- Did he pick a Pogues or Primal Scream song for any region?
- Which region got a folk song?
- Which region's song was the most surprising?
Scroll down for the answers.
Answers: 1. The Clash's "London Calling." 2. Oasis's "Wonderwall." 3. Primal Scream's "Movin' On Up" for the north-west. 4. The south-west got the Wurzels' "Combine Harvester." 5. The north-east got Sam Fender's "Seventeen Going Under."
How did you do? If you got them all right, you're a Burnham superfan. If not, don't worry. The point isn't to be a music trivia champion; it's to think about how politicians use culture to connect. Burnham's tour is a masterclass in that art. Whether you agree with his politics or not, his playlist is worth a listen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Andy Burnham choose specific songs for each region?
Burnham's team wanted to show that he understands and respects local culture. By picking songs associated with each region, he signals that he's not just a London-centric politician. It's a way to build rapport with audiences and generate positive media coverage.
Did Andy Burnham face any backlash for his song choices?
There was some criticism. Some felt that using the Clash's "London Calling" was inappropriate given its anti-establishment lyrics. Others questioned whether Burnham, a Labour politician, should be using music that originated from working-class communities for political gain. However, the overall reception has been positive.
What other songs might Burnham have considered?
For London, he could have chosen "Waterloo Sunset" by the Kinks or "Parklife" by Blur. For the north-west, "Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division or "This Charming Man" by the Smiths. For the north-east, "Local Hero" by Mark Knopfler or "Dance On" by the Shadows. Each would have sent a different message.
How does music influence political campaigns?
Music creates an emotional connection. It can make a politician seem more relatable, energize a crowd, and reinforce a message. But it can also backfire if the song's meaning conflicts with the politician's image. Successful campaigns use music that aligns with their brand and resonates with the target audience.
Will Andy Burnham continue to use music in future tours?
Likely yes. Music has become a hallmark of his public appearances. As long as it generates positive engagement, his team will keep using it. The challenge will be to keep the choices fresh and avoid repetition. Expect more regional anthems in the months ahead.