Jacob Rees-Mogg plays 'Rule Britannia' from phone in Commons
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Alternative rock band British Sea Power, which formed at turn of the century, are changing their name by dropping “British”. The UK based group made the announcement today on their official website, as they promote their first new music in four years. A statement began that the band had come to the decision “after much reflection and soul-searching.”
Sea Power’s statement continued: “We’ve been British Sea Power for 20 years – an amazing 20 years, when we’ve been able to continually traverse the British Isles, to travel the world, encountering many friendly faces, not least in the band’s remarkable audience.
“But the name British Sea Power had come to feel constricting, like an ancient legacy we were carrying with us. When we came up with the name British Sea Power there were at least two different lines of thought behind it.
“There was, literally, sea power – the elementary power of the oceans. Alongside this was the historical idea of ‘British sea power’ – Britannia ruling the waves; the naval power that once allowed Britain to dominate the world. When we came up with the original band name, Britain no longer ruled the seas.”
The band said how at the time they intended the name to be “a kind of wry humour” since the idea of a British sea power in the historical use of the term was now “an obsolete thing.”
The band continued: “It was now just the name of a rock band… Now, 20 years later, we’re recasting the name.
“In recent times there’s been a rise in a certain kind of nationalism in this world – an isolationist, antagonistic nationalism that we don’t want to run any risk of being confused with.
“It’s become apparent that it’s possible to misapprehend the name British Sea Power, particularly if someone isn’t familiar with the band or their recordings.”
Sea Power emphasised that they’ve always been internationalist in their mindset, which they believe they made clear in their songs like Waving Flags – “an anthem to pan-European idealism.”
https://www.youtube.com/embed/w2n-7K0Ef6Y
Sea Power said: “We always wanted to be an internationalist band but maybe having a specific nation state in our name wasn’t the cleverest way to demonstrate that.
“We very much hope the band’s audience won’t be affronted by this adjustment to the name. We’d like to make it clear that removing the word “British” does NOT indicate any aversion to the British Isles whatsoever. We all feel immensely fortunate to have grown up in these islands.
“Several or our songs are filled with love and awe for this place. We do love these lands. We all still live within the British Isles, but we are now just Sea Power.”
They added that the name change came in part from their audience, who often shout “Sea Power!” at shows in support.
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The band concluded: “Maybe this name change has been there for years, shouted in our ears. It’s just taken us this long to realise – to hear what was there in front of us…”
But not all fans were pleased with the news, as seen in the comments of a tweet by the band that read: “Goodbye British Sea Power. Hello Sea Power.”
One fan wrote: “Disappointed by this. Anyone who’s seen or heard you can tell there’s no element of nationalism about you. And then those that haven’t, there’s no need to pander to their assumptions. You should have the courage to stand up for who you are.”
Another fan commented: “Oh my god what. I dunno what to say… this feels very wrong. You’ve been my British Sea Power since I stumbled across you by chance in 2003 when I saw you supporting The Strokes. I’ve loved you ever since. You’re BSP.”
While one tweeted: “I understand the reasoning but it feels sad that you’ve felt the need to do this. No-one who has followed your career would confuse you for ultra nationalists. But regardless of name, if you’re the same band with the same quality of music that’s what matters!“
And another said: “Always BSP. Always. Yes, you changed from BAP to BSP, but that was v early on. You’ll always be our most beloved band, and will always be BSP.
“Never called you ‘Sea Power’ just BSP. Good explanations & understand nationalism misinterpretations, but this just feels wrong sorry.”
Sea Power’s latest album Everything Was Forever is released in February 2022, while the band have released a single ahead of their new record called Two Fingers.
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