Radio DJ Mike Read withdraws ‘UKIP Calypso’ song
Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Mike Read has issued an “unreserved apology” for his ‘UKIP Calypso’ song, after it was decried as racist.
A recording of the song, released earlier this week, features the 67-year-old singing in a mock Jamaican accent at the United Kingdom Independence Party’s recent conference.
The track includes the lyrics: “Leaders committed a cardinal sin, open the borders let them all come in; illegal immigrants in every town – stand up and be counted, Blair and Brown.”
It continues: “Oh yes, when we take charge, and the new Prime Minister is Farage, we can trade with the world again – when Nigel is at No 10.”
Read, a former Tory supporter who famously banned Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s classic anthem ‘Relax’, previously claimed it was not “remotely racist” to sing in mock-Caribbean accent.
However, despite it winning the backing of UKIP and party leader Nigel Farage – who called for supporters to get it to the top of the charts – Mr Read has now admitted the song caused offence, and has asked for it to be pulled down.
He said: “I am so sorry that the song unintentionally caused offence. It was never meant to, and I apologise unreservedly.
“I have told the record company to withdraw the single immediately.”
A UKIP spokesperson said: “This is Mike’s song and it is obviously his decision what to do with it.
“We do think it is a shame that he has been treated so harshly by many in the ‘right on’ media, but we respect his decision.
“We thought it was just a bit of fun, as did thousands of people, evidenced by how well it has been selling.”
