The Business were an English Oi! band formed in 1979 in Lewisham, South Lon… Read Full Bio ↴The Business were an English Oi! band formed in 1979 in Lewisham, South London, England. The band lasted for four decades until their frontman Micky Fitz died from cancer in December 2016.

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

Viva Bobby Moore
The Business Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Bobby Moore viva Bobby Moore
Bobby Moore viva Bobby Moore viva viva
Bobby Moore's football machine
Everybody knew they'd seen a sensation
A a sensation here what I say now Bobby Moore's football machine
Everybody knew they d seen a sensation
Sensation hear what I say now

West Ham to England' s Wembley
They knew it just maybe he' s the best they have ever seen
Taught people how to play, the football game including Pele
A said he was the best he' d ever seen
Bobby Moore viva Bobby Moore
No. 6 was all he knew he was the best in red white and blue
Turned out to the Captain of the crew
Beckenbauer would look in awe
Bobby was the score in a Sensation

Viva Bobby Moore viva Bobby Moore
etc

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Business's song "Viva Bobby Moore" pay tribute to the legendary English footballer, Bobby Moore. The song describes Moore as the leader of a "football machine" that everyone knew was a sensation. It celebrates Moore's skills and influence, as well as his impact on the sport of football.

The song references Moore's career, from his time playing for West Ham to his role as captain of England's national team. It also mentions that Moore was admired by other football greats, like German player Franz Beckenbauer and Brazilian star Pele. Throughout the song, the chorus repeats "Viva Bobby Moore," expressing the writer's admiration and celebration of Moore's legacy.

The lyrics to "Viva Bobby Moore" are not only a tribute to a great footballer but also a celebration of the sport itself. The song captures the excitement and passion of football, as well as the sense of community and belonging that it can create for fans and players alike.

Line by Line Meaning

Bobby Moore viva Bobby Moore
Celebrating and paying tribute to Bobby Moore's achievements and contributions to football.

Bobby Moore's football machine
Referring to the way Bobby Moore played the game of football with skill, precision, and finesse.

Everybody knew they'd seen a sensation
Acknowledging that Bobby Moore was a standout player and was widely recognized for his talent by football fans and experts alike.

Sensation hear what I say now
Encouraging the listener to acknowledge and appreciate Bobby Moore's immense impact and influence on the sport.

West Ham to England's Wembley
Referencing Bobby Moore's journey from his club team, West Ham United, to playing for England on the national stage at Wembley Stadium.

They knew it just maybe he's the best they have ever seen
Implying that even early on in his career, people recognized Bobby Moore's exceptional talent and potential to become one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Taught people how to play, the football game including Pele
Highlighting Bobby Moore's impact beyond just his own playing career, as he was a mentor and inspiration to other footballers and played a significant role in advancing the sport overall.

No. 6 was all he knew he was the best in red white and blue
Explaining that the number 6 jersey was associated with Bobby Moore, and he excelled in representing both his club and country in that role.

Turned out to the Captain of the crew
Emphasizing how Bobby Moore's leadership and guidance elevated him to becoming captain of both his club and national teams.

Beckenbauer would look in awe
Highlighting Bobby Moore's status as one of the all-time greats in football, even impressing fellow legends like Franz Beckenbauer.

Bobby was the score in a Sensation
Reiterating Bobby Moore's immense impact and influence on football, with his skills and achievements being truly sensational and unforgettable.

Contributed by Jake B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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