Francis Williams from the Basement Recording Studion has given an update about the Hereford FC Club Anthem.
1. We would like to keep the Anthem as it is, but we were approached by Andy Boucher, son of Danny Lee, who originally wrote the song who wisely suggest that as the last re-mix was over 13 years ago, and as the Club to which it was associated was now defunct, he would like to bring it up-to-date.
2. Two different copyright issues arise as the original recording (1972) and the re-mixes (1979 & 2002) are copyrighted to Hereford United FC. By including these versions as bonus tracks on the new recording, that copyright will transfer to Hereford FC and no creditor to the old company will have claim on any profits ensuing. Keeping the name “Hereford United” in a new recording would give rise to the argument that nothing has changed, and thus could become a copyright issue.
3. The intellectual rights on the song remain with Danny’s Estate, in the form of his family. They are keen to record the new version without any court claims to be able to be made on the new club. The new recording will re-assign those rights to Hereford FC.
4. The copyright disclaimer has to be lodged with the CD Production Company before production commences. (Don’t worry - we deal with these issues all the time with singer/songwriters)
5. So what are we doing to pacify some of you who want to sing the original first line? We are including an instrumental version on the CD which can be used at The Club’s discretion. If that’s the one they choose to play when the teams walk out, we will make sure the NEW lyrics are in the programme. What you choose to sing is up to you.
6. We think the new lyric is probably the best solution - HEREFORD FOREVER, UNITED WE LOVE YOU - is a compromise that took a lot of soul searching, as it relates to the new club badge whilst making reference to the old club in the title and opening lyric.
7. No-one connected to the Club, or the musicians taking part in the project are making any profits from this recording, but the Club is projected to receive in excess of £7k if sales targets are reached.
On a personal note, I’m just glad that the entity I’ve supported since 1966 is still there. What lyric I choose to sing will be my personal choice, but I’m proud of both. The emotions I feel will be unchanged whatever the choice I make, whether its “Hereford United” or “Hereford Forever United”