Renowned physicist Professor Brian Cox made a special appearance at Glastonbury alongside his former bandmates from D:Ream to deliver a memorable performance of the iconic track that served as a significant political anthem in the 1990s – and once again found relevance this year prior to the general election.
The crowd at Glastonbury’s Glade Stage erupted in applause as Cox, introduced by frontman Peter Cunnah, showcased his musical talents on the keyboards for the beloved hit ‘Things Can Only Get Better’.
Originally released in 1993, the song achieved chart-topping success with a remix the following year. However, it was in 1997 that the song experienced a resurgence, becoming the official anthem for Tony Blair’s victorious Labour Party.
Earlier this year, amid a rain-soaked announcement from Rishi Sunak regarding the upcoming general election, the song blared near No 10 Downing Street, making it impossible to ignore.
Prior to their performance, Cox, Cunnah, and fellow D:Ream co-founder Al Mackenzie spoke with Sky News about their reunion.
Cox expressed his excitement by clearing his schedule as soon as he heard about their Glastonbury appearance, reminiscing about the joyful memories from the early ’90s and emphasizing how ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ symbolizes positive change.
Cunnah highlighted the song’s universal appeal of spreading happiness and joy, transcending political boundaries to uplift listeners. He encouraged everyone to set aside politics and simply enjoy the music.
Despite having other successful hits like ‘Shoot Me With Your Love’ and ‘U R The Best Thing’, ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ remains D:Ream’s most renowned track due to its association with Tony Blair’s political campaign.
Reflecting on the song’s resurgence leading up to another general election almost three decades later, and with Labour polling ahead of the Conservatives, Cunnah humorously shared his reaction to Sunak’s speech.
Moreover, he discussed the unexpected attention and newfound popularity of D:Ream, mentioning how even new audiences on TikTok were discovering their music.
Excited about the political climate and the impact of their song, Mackenzie expressed his satisfaction with the song’s recurring relevance in uncertain times.
Cunnah, on the other hand, expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging the song’s ties to past political moments while hoping to detach it from political associations to let it stand on its own merits once more.
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During the speech, Mackenzie and Cunnah were actually in the studio collaborating on a new D:Ream album. The unexpected blast from their past during Sunak’s address led to a mix of amusement and surprise, with Cox swiftly reaching out to share the moment with his bandmates.
The enduring popularity and impact of ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ have once again taken center stage, sparking discussions and reflections on its significance in contemporary political narratives.