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Something Wonderful Has Happened
By Chris Ashman
Something wonderful happened on 4th April at the “Theatre of Dreams” the Old Trafford Headquarters of Manchester United Football Club when they hosted the FA Cup Semi-final between Millwall and Sunderland.
Not only did Millwall win 1-0 but also, Kent based singer/songwriter/musician Arthur Kitchener (AKA. Arthur Kay) family and friends achieved a new world status as well.
The official Millwall anthem “Let ‘Em Come” was updated for the Official Millwall Supporters CD in 1999 by Arthur, with a reggae style arrangement of the song. He, along with Kent band Originator from Herne Bay, members of the supporters club and some of the team players can be heard all over the country, leading the fans in the rousing chant before and after the matches of their heroes.
Struggling musicians and underdog football club have overcome all odds and scored (sic) their way to the higher echelons together. At the winning Semi-final their song, was played to capacity crowds preceding the actual match, the crowd roared, followed by “Two Tribes” (Frankie goes to Hollywood) as the teams spilled onto the pitch.
Immediately after the final whistle, “Let ‘Em Come” was played again, and as the roar of the crowd receded, again as a Finale. There were tears all over the country that night; the underdogs really were King of the Jungle. (Another song Arthur wrote for the team in the 80’s.). The local lads had International airplay on the TV, radio, in bars and sitting rooms all over the World. Will the phones ever stop ringing?
Unfortunately Kent record label owner Mark Brennan was not able to attend the match as his wife was about to present him with a beautiful daughter. What more could anyone ask for, on the day of his team and songwriters’ victory.
The FA Cup Final is to be played at the Millennium Stadium at Cardiff on 22nd May 2004 between Millwall and football giants Manchester United who had better watch out, The Lions have already roared in their home den 3 times already in April.
Arthur Kitchener (AKA Arthur Kay)
Arthur started his relationship with Millwall in the 60’s. His father had died when Arthur was 18 months old and by 12 he was living in a children’s home with 39 other kids from South London and the East End. He was later re-united with his mother in Streatham. At this time Arthur was learning Bass guitar and playing with his first proper band. One night he came home to find his best friend Barry Tullet a Millwall supporter, totally elated as Millwall (4th Div.) had held Fulham (1st Div.) to a 3-3 draw at Craven Cottage in the 3rd round of the F.A.Cup. The following Monday he joined his friend at the replay where Millwall won 2-0 and was from then forever hooked.
Photo by Dave Hall
Due to family and music commitments Arthur moved to Herne Bay in Kent and formed the legendary Ska band “Arthur Kay and the Originals”. At this time Arthur was also teaching Bass guitar, his first pupil was Roy Pearce, now a great friend and collaborator in the band “The Last Resort”. The first thing Roy asked his was if Arthur was related to Barry Kitchener the great Millwall player?. This stumped Arthur because he had never thought of the possibility, as all he knew about his family was that they lived in the Edmonton area of London. Arthur reputedly said, “ I only know 3 great Kitcheners; “Your Country Needs You” Kitchener, Barry Kitchener and me”.
Since the 80’s words of Arthur’s song King of the Jungle” have appeared on the back of Millwall programs, in 1999 he was asked to re-arrange and record the classic “Let ‘Em Come”.
Arthur relives the moment.
“I was asked to re-make “Let ‘Em Come” for the 1998/99 squad who were playing in the ‘Auto Windscreen Shield’ Final. I reformed my old Ska band “The Originator” and recorded the backing track with a guide vocal ready for the Millwall squad to come to the studio to complete. It was such an honour and one of the greatest moments in my life. But noting beat hearing the song played 3 times at the Semi. And at Old Trafford!”
I asked him how he felt about he forthcoming F.A. Cup Final.
He replied ” For me it represents a battle between two clubs from very different backgrounds.
You have Manchester United a very successful team that attracts people from near and far but the majority of them will never go to Old Trafford.”
“On the other hand you have Millwall, a real club with real supporters whose families and friends have been going to their ground for generations. They are a South London club that have captured the hearts of the Nation.”
Arthur currently supplements his earnings as Hackney Cab driver in the City of Canterbury
Arthur has recently released a couple of demos and is developing into a dedicated acoustic artiste under the name “Arthur Kitchener – The Wordsmith”. He is co-writing with other songwriters preparing for his next album including Mark Hewins who has collaborated on “South London Boy” and “August Messiah” who were last seen performing together at the Hythe AnnexFest where it is expected they will be seen again on 14th August. Mark is a respected Kent guitarist currently working with the Bob Geldorf Band and the Sinclair brothers of “Caravan” fame.
Arthur’s disappointment after being blown out of Glastonbury this year, has been subdued by the news that he has been invited to appear at the WASTED Festival, Morecambe 15th - 18th July 2004. He will be appearing on the The Platform - Acoustic Stage with
The Joe Strummer Tribute with DJ Craig and guests :
Wreckless Eric, John Otway, Attila the Stockbroker, Rory McLeod, TV Smith, Paul Carter, Daevid Allen, The Mongolia Brothers, John Robb Punk Rock Seminar, Knox (Vibrators), The Flying Marrows, MDC Unplugged, Matt (Howards Alias), Arturo (Lurkers), Harakiri Karaoke, Joolz Denby, Andy Blade (Eater), POG, Hazel O'Connor Acoustic, Dan (MU330), Arthur Kitchener, Honest John Plain (Boys), Blood or Whiskey unplugged. + Blind Drunk - the game show (take of Blind Date) + Punk Idol - Wasted's very own pop idol + Bingo with Max Splodge
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