Deacon Blue Slams Reform UK's Scottish Leader Over Song Lyrics
The Scottish rock band Deacon Blue has expressed its outrage at Reform UK's new leader, Malcolm Offord, using their iconic song "Dignity" to bolster his party's rhetoric. The multimillionaire financier and politician quoted extensively from the song in a speech to Reform supporters last week, claiming it encapsulated his own journey from humble beginnings to success.
However, Deacon Blue is adamant that the lyrics have nothing to do with Offord's ideology and everything to do with promoting a message of hard work, saving up, and following one's dreams. The band sees this as a stark contrast to Reform UK's poisonous rhetoric on immigration and anti-immigration policies.
"We're appalled to see our song being used in such a way," said Ricky Ross, the frontman of Deacon Blue. "Once a song is released into the world, it can be loved or hated by anyone – but using it to demonize desperate people is just not what we stand for."
The band is particularly concerned about Offord's comments on the parable of the Good Samaritan, which seem to prioritize one's own people over strangers. "It goes against everything we believe in," said Ross.
Deacon Blue has made it clear that they hope Offord and Reform UK are defeated by voters across the UK. The band is also calling out Offord for his apparent ignorance of another song from their discography, which features lyrics like "It's just you laugh, 'cause you're loaded."
The situation highlights a growing divide between Reform UK's hard-right stance and Deacon Blue's message of inclusivity and social justice. As the band's lead singer put it, "To see that kind of language being used is deeply depressing – we hope our music can inspire people to stand up against such rhetoric."
The Scottish rock band Deacon Blue has expressed its outrage at Reform UK's new leader, Malcolm Offord, using their iconic song "Dignity" to bolster his party's rhetoric. The multimillionaire financier and politician quoted extensively from the song in a speech to Reform supporters last week, claiming it encapsulated his own journey from humble beginnings to success.
However, Deacon Blue is adamant that the lyrics have nothing to do with Offord's ideology and everything to do with promoting a message of hard work, saving up, and following one's dreams. The band sees this as a stark contrast to Reform UK's poisonous rhetoric on immigration and anti-immigration policies.
"We're appalled to see our song being used in such a way," said Ricky Ross, the frontman of Deacon Blue. "Once a song is released into the world, it can be loved or hated by anyone – but using it to demonize desperate people is just not what we stand for."
The band is particularly concerned about Offord's comments on the parable of the Good Samaritan, which seem to prioritize one's own people over strangers. "It goes against everything we believe in," said Ross.
Deacon Blue has made it clear that they hope Offord and Reform UK are defeated by voters across the UK. The band is also calling out Offord for his apparent ignorance of another song from their discography, which features lyrics like "It's just you laugh, 'cause you're loaded."
The situation highlights a growing divide between Reform UK's hard-right stance and Deacon Blue's message of inclusivity and social justice. As the band's lead singer put it, "To see that kind of language being used is deeply depressing – we hope our music can inspire people to stand up against such rhetoric."
I'm really disappointed in Reform UK's move here. They're using a song by Deacon Blue to support their anti-immigration policies and it just doesn't add up. The song "Dignity" is about perseverance, hard work, and believing in yourself - not demonizing people who are struggling. 
It's like they're trying to twist the message of the song to fit their own agenda.
To see a politician using music in this way just feels so manipulative and dishonest. I hope voters can see through it and make their voices heard at the next election! 
It's kinda like when you find a great recipe online, but then you go and ruin it by adding all the wrong ingredients 
. Offord should really get his facts straight before trying to use someone else's art to further his own agenda 
this is so bloody ridiculous! Reform UK using Deacon Blue's song to push their xenophobic agenda? Are you kidding me?! 
"Dignity" isn't about demonizing immigrants, it's about chasing your dreams and working hard. Not the same thing at all! 
I'm seriously disappointed in Malcolm Offord, he's just a cynical opportunist using art to further his own toxic ideology. 
reform uk is totally misusing deacon blue's song and it's just not cool... i mean the song is literally about following your dreams and working hard, not demonizing ppl who are struggling 
anyway, it just goes to show that politicians need to be more aware of the impact they have on ppl and not try to use artists' work to further their own agendas 
And honestly, if you're gonna quote a song that says "it's just you laugh, 'cause you're loaded", I think it's pretty clear that the band isn't exactly known for their message of inclusivity and social justice. Like, get over yourself, Deacon Blue – you've made your fortune on the backs of wealthy Brits... 
, I get why they're upset, but using one song to represent a whole ideology is just not how it works, you know? 
I'm more worried about people getting caught up in Reform UK's rhetoric than I am about some song being used out of context... but at the same time, Deacon Blue has every right to speak out against it 
. But seriously, using a song meant to inspire hope and resilience to demonize people seeking refuge sounds really cynical to me. It's like taking a beautiful sunset (Dignity) and using it as a backdrop for a toxic storm 
. Deacon Blue is right to speak out against this - their music has always been about unity and acceptance, not division and fear 
.
.
.