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Music and football have maintained a healthy and enduring relationship over the years that continues to this day. It is impossible to imagine a match without chants, without celebrations, without anthems. Music has enormous power and influence — on our lives and on football in equal measure. In this article we look back at some of the great music stars who shone on the stage and were always bound up with the club of their lives.
The Gallagher Brothers and Manchester City
Liam and Noel have a deep devotion to Manchester City. There have been numerous collaborations between Oasis and the Citizens, but the greatest connection comes at the Etihad Stadium, where supporters sing songs like 'Wonderwall' or 'Don't Look Back in Anger' at the top of their lungs.
Joaquín Sabina and Atlético de Madrid
Everyone knows that the Spanish singer-songwriter Joaquín Sabina is a fervent Atlético de Madrid supporter. He has made references to the club of his life in numerous songs, even going so far as to compose and perform the anthem for Atlético's centenary — 'Motivos de un sentimiento'.
Black Sabbath and Aston Villa
Black Sabbath have a strong bond with Aston Villa. Also from Birmingham, the band members are supporters of "The Villans" and their connection is not merely sentimental — they have collaborated with the club on several occasions.
Andrés Calamaro and Independiente
Argentine rock star Andrés Calamaro has never hidden his devotion to 'El Rojo' from Avellaneda. He regularly shows his support for Independiente on social media and has occasionally attended matches and taken part in various tributes.
The Stone Roses and Manchester United
The Stone Roses have a strong affinity with the Red Devils. At every match at Old Trafford, the players walk out to 'This Is the One' — a Stone Roses track that Gary Neville himself wanted to establish as the pre-match "anthem".
Fito y Fitipaldis and Athletic Club
The Bilbao band have always shown unconditional support for Los Leones. Fito Cabrales, the band's frontman, is a devoted supporter and has given voice to the Athletic feeling with lines like: "Athletic is something you carry in your heart, not in your seat." In 2022 the band even performed at Athletic Club's home — at San Mamés itself.
Steve Harris and West Ham
Steve Harris, bassist and founding member of Iron Maiden, is a devoted West Ham supporter. Harris even played in the Hammers' youth teams, and has taken his fanaticism to another level — the band have made numerous references to the club in album artwork, lyrics and concerts alike.
Fito Páez and Rosario Central
Since childhood, the singer from Rosario has been one of Rosario Central's most celebrated supporters. Whenever the opportunity arises he makes some reference to the 'Canalla'. In his song 'Los buenos tiempos', Fito Páez sings: "No soy de aquí, ni soy de allá, y soy canalla desde mi más tierna edad" ("I'm not from here, not from there, but I've been Canalla since my earliest days") — a clear nod to the Rosario club.
Eric Clapton and West Bromwich
Eric Clapton has maintained a close bond with West Bromwich Albion — a passion expressed across decades, including the back cover of his 1978 album 'Backless', on which a West Brom scarf appears.
Elton John and Watford
Elton John once saved Watford from a severe financial crisis. "Watford saved my life," said Elton, who as chairman of the Hornets resolved the financial problems and lifted the club to new heights. A busy diary eventually led him to step down as chairman, though he remains a shareholder and Life Honorary President.
El Indio Solari and Boca Juniors
Unlike the other artists mentioned in this article, El Indio Solari is a fan of Boca Juniors in a rather more private way. It's something that only became widely known relatively recently, and he doesn't attend matches due to a fear of crowds. But in his own way he is a devoted Boca supporter and a great admirer of Juan Román Riquelme, to whom he dedicated a poem.
Brian Johnson and Newcastle
The Magpies count some local heroes among their admirers — Mark Knopfler and Sting are both Newcastle sympathisers — but the greatest fan of all is AC/DC's lead singer, Brian Johnson.
Luis Alberto Spinetta and River Plate
One of the great legends of Argentine rock, Luis Alberto Spinetta was a passionate and devoted River supporter. He was born close to the stadium and forged his love for Los Millonarios from childhood. His passion found its way into iconic songs such as 'La bengala perdida' and 'El anillo del capitán Beto' — the latter dedicated to his idol Norberto Osvaldo Alonso, a River Plate player.
Mick Jagger and Arsenal
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger is a devoted Arsenal supporter. He also tends to follow the England national side closely, though he has a reputation for bringing bad luck to the Three Lions — they seem to lose every time the rock star is watching.
Kasabian and Leicester City
This English alternative rock band has followed the Foxes since they were playing in the lower divisions. In 2009 Kasabian released 'Underdog' — a song which, without anyone knowing it at the time, became a few years later the anthem for the greatest achievement in the club's history: the Premier League title in the 2015/16 season. As if it could have been any other way, the Kasabian lads were the ones who provided the soundtrack to Leicester's title parade after that triumph.
These are just some of the artists and rock bands who declared undying love for a football club. Music is the engine of their lives — but football has been a faithful companion for much of the way. 'Football and rock: an eternal relationship.'
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