Fratellis to unleash Yes Sir, I Can Boogie single ahead of Scotland Euros return

The Fratellis have announced they are to record their own version of disco anthem Yes Sir, I Can Boogie to coincide with Scotland playing at this summer’s Euros.

The Fratellis say they plan to release their cover of Yes Sir, I Can Boogie to coincide with the Euros.

The Glasgow band, who went viral last week after performing their version of the 1970s hit on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio, say the decision to release the song as a single is a result of the incredible response they received from fans.

Tartan Army supporters took the Baccara tune to their hearts after footage emerged of the national squad belting it out in the changing room following the dramatic shoot-out victory over Serbia that saw Scotland qualify for a tournament for the first time in 23 years.

Speaking to The Scotsman, Fratellis lead singer and guitarist, Jon Fratelli, says the band, whose new album, Half Drunk Under A Full Moon is released today, initially thought it might be “a funny song to do” and that the cover came about almost by accident.

He said: "It was totally organic. When we did the Chris Evans show, you do three songs: an old one of yours, your new single, and you also have to do a cover.

“All it took really was for someone to mention that song, and that was it. I think it was the challenge of doing it that attracted us.

"The fact that it’s put a smile on other people’s faces is a real bonus.”

In addition to a new single, Need A Little Love, and album, the Fratellis, who rose to prominence in 2006 with a string of breakthrough hits, including crowd pleaser Chelsea Dagger, are also to embark on an intimate UK tour this September, kicking off at La Belle Angele in Edinburgh.

As a standout charitable measure, all proceeds made from the tour will go to independent record stores and the band’s road crew who have suffered financially due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Jon Fratelli says: “Last year was going to be a big year for us, with about 50 or 60 gigs, then all of a sudden that all disappeared.

“So, we’re doing this gigs in September, and the profit will be split between our road crew and independent record stores. We won’t earn a penny, everything will go to these causes.

“I don’t think it’s much. We’ll get to go and do the thing we love anyway, but it’ll benefit the people we feel we want to help.”

The Glasgow band are embarking on a short UK tour in September and have pledged to donate all proceeds to their road crew and record shops, which have suffered financially during the pandemic.

Studio recording sessions for the Fratellis’ cover of Spanish duo Baccara’s 1977 mega hit, which Jon says will include significant lyrical changes to the verses, will begin next week, with the song likely to be released prior to Scotland taking to the pitch to face Czech Republic in their first group game at the Euro 2021 championships on June 14.

Singer Maria Mendiola, one half of Baccara, said last year that the thought of performing the Yes Sir, I Can Boogie in front of the Tartan Army gave her goosebumps and that the song’s sudden re-emergence was “a dream come true”.

Tickets for the Fratellis September UK tour will be sold exclusively through independent record stores until April 8 or until sold out.

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