Tim Booth, the lead singer of alternative rock band James, has publicly condemned far-right activist Tommy Robinson for using their iconic song “Sit Down” without permission in a recent protest video. The unauthorized use occurred during Robinson’s coverage of the Unite the Kingdom demonstration in central London, which reportedly drew between 110,000 and 150,000 attendees.
Booth, visibly angered by the appropriation, described the usage as “cynical” and expressed feeling “disgusted” that the band’s anthem had been co-opted for far-right messaging. “We are looking into legal options,” Booth stated via social media platform X, directly addressing Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
The protest, which featured speeches from far-right politicians and musical performances along Whitehall, resulted in at least 25 arrests and 26 injured police officers. The rally exceeded the 6pm cut-off time imposed by British police.
“Sit Down,” released in 1989, has long been celebrated for its message of inclusivity and resistance against extremism—themes that Booth emphasized stand in direct contradiction to far-right ideologies. The song’s lyrics carry social commentary that makes its use in Robinson’s video particularly inappropriate, according to the band.
The incident has sparked wider discussions about intellectual property rights and the ethical considerations surrounding political appropriation of artistic works. This is not the first time Robinson has used music without authorization, as he previously played The Farm’s song at another rally without permission. If the band decides to pursue legal action, they would likely work with their performance rights organization to address the unauthorized public performance of their copyrighted music. Artists retain the right to approve or deny use of their music in political contexts, and unauthorized usage can lead to public denouncement and potential legal consequences.
Media outlets quickly picked up on Booth’s denunciation, amplifying awareness about the misuse of artistic works in political campaigns. While supporters of Booth have applauded his defense of artistic integrity, Robinson’s followers have largely ignored or attempted to justify the unauthorized use.
The controversy has inadvertently renewed attention to “Sit Down” and its significance in British alternative music history, while simultaneously raising concerns among other artists about protecting their work from political exploitation. This situation highlights the importance of sync deals for musicians who wish to maintain control over how their work is used in visual media.
James, through Booth’s proactive stance, has reinforced their opposition to extremism and commitment to the song’s original inclusive message.
