History
The band was formed in 1979 by school friends Steven ('Steve') Kent (guitar), Michael Fitzsimons ('Micky Fitz') (vocals), Nicholas ('Nick') Cunningham (drums) and Martin Smith (bass).[2] They played their first gig in front of friends in February 1980, and after taking on Lol Pryor as manager, began performing more often. The band's first release was the song "Out in the Cold" on the A Sudden Surge of Sound compilation album.[2] They played their first Oi! concert in 1981, supporting The 4-Skins, and they became closely associated with the Oi! scene from then on.[2] While the Oi! movement was labelled as far right and racist (despite the fact that several Oi! bands played at Rock Against Racism concerts), The Business took a stance against political extremism with their Oi Against Racism and Political Extremism ...But Still Against The System tour.[3] Despite standing apart from the far-right, the band also criticized communists in songs like "Suburban Rebels." [4]
In November 1981, they released their debut single, "Harry May", which spent over three months in the UK Indie Chart, reaching No. 13. The initial line-up split up in late 1981, with Kent, Cunningham, and Smith forming Q-Bow, but Fitz carried on with Pryor, recruiting Graham Ball on guitar, Mark Brennan and Steve Whale from The Blackout, and John Fisher on drums.[2] The new line-up made their live debut in January 1982, after which Ball and Fisher departed, leaving the band as a four-piece, with Kev Boyce of The Blackout on drums.[2] The new line-up recorded the Smash the Discos EP, which was a No. 3 indie hit, and after a short tour, they recorded their debut album, which was to be called Loud, Proud, and Punk. The master tapes for the album went missing after disagreements between the band's label and the studio, forcing them to re-record the album, which was released as Suburban Rebels in May 1983.[2] The album was remixed by their label, Secret, without them knowing, and Secret's financial difficulties limited promotion of the album. Frustrated by this, the band split up, with The Business members forming short-lived bands Chapter and Sabre Dance.[2]
Pryor issued a retrospective album consisting of demos and live tracks on his Syndicate label, the success of which prompted the band to reform and record a what was to be marketed as a live album, Loud, Proud, and Punk. It was actually recorded in a studio, with crowd noise dubbed in later.[2] Pryor renamed his record label Wonderful World and issued several Business albums in late 1985, with the Drinking and Driving tour following. The name of the tour caused controversy, with tabloid journalists accusing the band of condoning drunk-driving, although the title was tongue-in-cheek.[2]
In late 1986, Brennan and Pryor founded Link Records, and with Brennan becoming increasingly busy running the label, the band split up again. In 1992, Fitz performed a few songs guesting with The Elite and he reformed the band to play a benefit concert for Bobby Moore, who had recently died of cancer. Brennan later started a new record label, Captain Oi! Records and did not join the reformed band. The band's line-up then became Micky Fitz (singer), Steve Whale (guitar), Lol Proctor (bass) and Micky Fairbairn (drums). The band released a new single "Anywhere But Here" and new album Keep The Faith in 1994. After a number of tours in Western Europe, the band played their first gigs in America in August 1994. In 1997 The Business released The Truth, The Whole Truth and Nothing But The Truth which was produced by Lars Frederiksen from Rancid. In 2000, the band joined together with Dropkick Murphys to release Mob Mentality. The band's final studio album, No Mercy For You was released in 2001. Their biggest hit song in recent times, "England 5 - Germany 1", (based on the result of a World Cup Qualifying match in 2001), became a football anthem for England and even appeared in the 2004 teen comedy EuroTrip. Despite various line-up changes, the band's popularity continued to grow.
By 2006 Fitz had rebuilt his band after overcoming his alcoholism, this year saw the band take on a 2-month tour of the US with the line-up of Fitz (singer), Robin Guy (drums), Daniel (guitar) and what would become long serving Trots (bass). In September 2006, Fitz recruited long time friend Tosh (of Section 5) to play guitar, shortly followed by Bundie on drums. The band took to the studio in Berlin and recorded three covers, this session featured Mitch Harris of Napalm Death guesting to record the title track 'Mean Girl', originally by one of Fitz's favourite bands Status Quo. This was released by Bad Dog records as an EP, the B side being a live set recorded at the legendary Marquee Club in London from 1982.
Led by a reinvigorated Fitz, the band continued to tour incessantly and broke new ground as the first British Oi! band to play in Chile in 2008, they also visited Australia and New Zealand alongside extensive European and US tours. As well as their touring they also returned to the studio and put out a split 7" with Control. The Mean Girl recordings and Marquee Tapes were combined with the split and a recording from Full Force Festival to make the US mini album 'Doing The Business'
In 2010 Tosh departed the band and after a short stint with rocker Johny Skullknuckles the band's final line-up was completed with Fish (of The Skeptix, Discharge and Demon) taking over on six string duties. Around this time the band had taken to the studio to record what would be their last release, 'Back in The Day', it saw the studio return of original guitarist and principal songwriter Steve Kent who performed guitar and backing vocals on the recording. The 7" was eventually released on Randale Records and Sailors Grave Records in 2014.
The band continued on their way, returning to South America to play São Paulo, taking on a headline tour of Australia and New Zealand, (with visits to Singapore and Bangkok along the way) and made a triumphant return to Japan in 2014, with a quick visit to South Korea while they were in the area.
In the summer of 2015 Fitz was diagnosed with cancer, as with his life he met the challenge head on and refused to let the public know of his diagnosis until after he had completed the final run of shows. The band performed what would be their final show in October 2015 in Badalona, Spain.
In April 2019, some of the classic line up (Steve Whale, Steve Kent and Micky Fairbairn) joined by JJ Pearce on bass (the Last Resort) performed at the Punk and Disorderly festival in Berlin. Roi Pearce (The Last Resort) Sebi (Stomper 98) and Mike Brands (Arch Rivals) appeared as guest singers. This marked the first time former members of The Business had performed without Micky Fitz playing The Business songs. The same line up, joined by Beki Bondage (Vice Squad) performed at Rebellion 2019. A toast was raised to Fitz's memory at both shows
England 5 Germany 1
The Business Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the beer in Munich can't console them
As Oliver hit the turf
It was English football's birth
It was their biggest loss since 1931
England 5, Germany 1
Michael Owen is number 1
England 5, Germany 1
Michael Owen is number 1
Beckenbauer and Voller thought they'd seen it all
Steven Michael Emile and golden balls
Running rings round you
Nothing you could do
England's glory we changed the story
Now where pulling through
England 5, Germany 1
Michael Owen is number 1
England 5, Germany 1
Michael Owen is number 1
We've got a Swede called Sven Gor Eriksson
Bobby Moore is now David Beckham
So Germany all are beat
We're the golden age to be
Our time has come and you're all on the run
Its time for victory
England 5, Germany 1
Michael Owen is number 1
(X10)
The Business's song England 5 Germany 1 is a tribute to England's victory over Germany in a World Cup qualifier match that took place on September 1, 2001, in Munich Stadium. The Munich stadium is famous for being the location of the 1972 Olympic massacre, but on this sunny day, it provided the stage for an equally historic event- England's biggest win over Germany since 1931.
The lyrics celebrate this iconic victory and pay tribute to the English players such as Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Emile Heskey, and David Beckham. The chorus of the song is a repeat of 'England 5, Germany 1, Michael Owen is number 1' and acts as an anthem for the English fans who remember that historic day.
The song also mentions the German legends Franz Beckenbauer and Rudi Voller, who were left in disbelief as England scored goal after goal. The lyrics further highlight the dominant performance of the English players and the fact that Germany was powerless to prevent England's win. The song ends on a triumphant note, with the lyrics boldly stating that 'Our time has come, and you're all on the run. It's time for victory.'
Line by Line Meaning
Was a sunny day in a Munich stadium
The day in Germany's Munich stadium was bright and sunny
All the beer in Munich can't console them
Even the famous Munich beer couldn't soothe Germany's disappointment after the match
As Oliver hit the turf
When Oliver fell to the ground
It was English football's birth
It was a significant moment in the history of English football
It was their biggest loss since 1931
Germany suffered their worst defeat in over 70 years
England 5, Germany 1
The final score of the match was England 5, Germany 1
Michael Owen is number 1
Michael Owen was the standout player and scored a hat-trick
Beckenbauer and Voller thought they'd seen it all
Two German football legends were surprised by how well the English team performed
Steven Michael Emile and golden balls
Refers to the names of some of the players who contributed to England's victory
Running rings round you
The English team played with exceptional skill and ease against their German counterparts
Nothing you could do
Germany was helpless against England's brilliant performance
England's glory we changed the story
England rewrote the record books with their performance and earned a moment of glory
Now where pulling through
England is now improving and consistently performing well
We've got a Swede called Sven Gor Eriksson
Sven Gor Eriksson, a Swedish coach, was leading the English team at the time
Bobby Moore is now David Beckham
David Beckham has taken over the mantle of England's football superstar from Bobby Moore, a former legend
So Germany all are beat
Germany was thoroughly defeated by England
We're the golden age to be
This is a golden period for English football
Our time has come and you're all on the run
England's time to reign supreme has arrived and other teams should be afraid
Its time for victory
England is poised to win many more football victories
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: STEVE WHALE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
BlankTV
Was a sunny day in a Munich stadium
All the beer in Munich can't console them
As Oliver hit the turf
It was English football's birth
It was their biggest loss since 1931
England 5, Germany 1
Michael Owen is number 1
England 5, Germany 1
Michael Owen is number 1
Beckenbauer and Voller thought they'd seen it all
Steven Michael Emile and golden balls
Running rings round you
Nothing you could do
England's glory we changed the story
Now we're pulling through
England 5, Germany 1
Michael Owen is number 1
England 5, Germany 1
Michael Owen is number 1
We've got a Swede called Sven Gor Eriksson
Bobby Moore is now David Beckham
So Germany all are beat
We're the golden age to be
Our time has come and you're all on the run
Its time for victory
England 5, Germany 1
Michael Owen is number 1
(X10)
HM The Tsar of Russia
@xxKills4Thrillsxx
SCOTTY: Cooper! We’re going to Paris!
COOPER: I know, Cecil told me.
SCOTTY: Mieke is in Berlin! We’re not going to Berlin! What do we do?! We need a plan!
COOPER: See? This is Predictable Scotty talking. Relax, Paris is practically a suburb of Berlin, it’s a nothing commute! This is why France and Germany have always been allies.
CECIL: Allies.
Blood mage
Rest in peace Mickey. Punks, skins, and footbal fans will remember you, those who watched Eurotrip will remember this song at least. Legend will live on!
Obscene Libertine King
Rip Mickey Fitz was an honor to see The Business live, saw em with GBH and Total Chaos and he had a powerful stage presence and brought unity to the crowd truly a legend, innovator and icon of Oi Punk and this song rules Eurotrip was a great movie as well!!!
Arturo Gutierrez
"My baby takes the morning train... To go and see the Manchester United Football Team!"
Rory Slaine
The best freakin' team in all the land, WOO HOO!
Dany Casco
@Rory Slaine From... Ohio...
HM The Tsar of Russia
@Rory Slaine
Pretty good! PRETTY DAMN GOOD LADS!
Bradnewsbear
Before my time on earth is over, I wanna see someone open two beers at once using only their eye sockets
Rory Slaine
@Bradnewsbear Never seen a fella open a bottle with one of his eyelids but I had a friend who could open bottles with his teeth. I hated watching that haha.
BlankTV
Was a sunny day in a Munich stadium
All the beer in Munich can't console them
As Oliver hit the turf
It was English football's birth
It was their biggest loss since 1931
England 5, Germany 1
Michael Owen is number 1
England 5, Germany 1
Michael Owen is number 1
Beckenbauer and Voller thought they'd seen it all
Steven Michael Emile and golden balls
Running rings round you
Nothing you could do
England's glory we changed the story
Now we're pulling through
England 5, Germany 1
Michael Owen is number 1
England 5, Germany 1
Michael Owen is number 1
We've got a Swede called Sven Gor Eriksson
Bobby Moore is now David Beckham
So Germany all are beat
We're the golden age to be
Our time has come and you're all on the run
Its time for victory
England 5, Germany 1
Michael Owen is number 1
(X10)
bogey the dog
England can't beat Iceland