Chumbawamba

Anarcho-pop band from Leeds.

Originally formed in the early 1980s as Chimp Eats Banana, Chumbawamba first emerged in the anarcho-punk scene which was dominated by bands such as pacifist punks Crass. As Chumbawamba increasingly differed from their peers in outlook and tactics, they began to adopt a new musical style that incorporated elements of folk music, indie rock, and hip-hop.

After drifting between labels, their change in direction culminated in signing a record deal with major label EMI, a choice which sparked outrage amongst their former comrades, outrage that culminated in a “Fuck Chumbawamba” compilation. By chance, Chumbawamba’s new work with EMI resulted in an internationally best-selling single, “Tubthumping”, and a sudden rise to fame.

The band’s refusal to abandon their political beliefs and their lack of a solid follow-up to the success of Tubthumping led them to part with EMI after one last album, and they turned back to the independent labels they had originally sprung from. They retired after a long career in 2013.