A young Blackburn musician has written an original song for Rovers, which he performed at their stadium on New Year’s Day.
Jacob Reddy, 17, released his new song ‘Ewood Lights’ on New Year’s Day. He also performed the new single ahead of Blackburn’s game against Cardiff City, at Ewood Park, on the same day.
Jacob hopes it is a song that other Rovers fans can relate to.
He said: “It’s a song for other Blackburn Rovers fans, like myself. I wanted to write a song that was upbeat, fun and would stand the test of time.
“I don’t know why they picked me to do it but I am very happy they have."
Jacob said it was "surreal" to work with the club he has supported since childhood.
“This is the most exciting thing I have ever done," he said. "Rovers is my childhood and lifetime football club. To be able to do anything with them is mind blowing to me.
“It was a pretty quick process in the end and it took a month to write and record the song.
“It was a crazy month but so good."
The musician, who has his first headline gig at the Deaf Institute in Manchester on January 20, has also created a music video to accompany the song, which was filmed at Rovers’ stadium.
(Credit: YouTube/Jacob Reddy Music)
He said: “Filming the music video was so fun. I basically got let loose around Ewood Park for the day to do whatever I wanted.
“I got to visit places I had never seen before and was on the pitch and in the changing rooms.
“As a fan it was so surreal."
Jacob said the song has been well recieved by Blackburn Rovers fans and beyond.
He said: “So many people have been in touch with me to say how much they loved the song and that they have been buying and streaming it.
“It’s been really well received."
Proceeds from the Rovers-inspired release will go towards the Community Trust’s ‘Remember the Rovers’ initiative, which supports people with dementia or those who may be feeling isolated or vulnerable.
Jacob said: "The club has done so much to help me in this way and allowed me to do something so special, so I decided to do something that will help the club by donating the song's proceeds to any money raised to Remember the Rovers."
Jacob wants to thank The Rising Sun in Blackburn, The Bonny Inn in Salesbury, De Lacy Arms in Whalley, Keystreet bar in Clitheroe and Esche Hause recording studio in Blackburn, for their monetary donations and support. He said the song would not have been brought to life without them.
A spokesperson for Blackburn Rovers said: “On the day that local Rovers fan Jacob Reddy released his new song ‘Ewood Lights’, the man himself performed the track at Ewood Park and discussed why he is donating the proceeds to a worthy cause.
“The talented singer-songwriter performed his new single on the FanZone stage ahead of Blackburn Rovers' New Year’s Day fixture against Cardiff City, which Jon Dahl Tomasson's side won 1-0.
“He was then introduced onto the pitch at half-time, where he conducted the Rovers Return Lottery draw, before his single was played out over the stadium's PA system to the crowd.
“His Rovers-inspired anthem is available to buy from the Roverstore for just £5, with all profits being donated to Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s ‘Remember the Rovers’ initiative.
“The weekly project brings local residents, aged over 50, including Rovers legend Tony Parkes, together at Ewood Park every Wednesday morning to socialise and reminisce about the club, and also includes guest speakers, quizzes and light refreshments.”
You can listen to the song and buy a copy by visiting: www.linktr.ee/JacobReddyMusic
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