Ed Balls and Robert Peston cover Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy in the UK” in their debut performance as Centrist Dad
Ed Balls and Robert Peston moved from politics to punk as they launched their new band Centrist Dad at an event in London this weekend, cheered on by former Labor leader Ed Miliband.
The broadcaster and former Labor shadow chancellor teamed up with ITV’s political news editor to form the rock and roll cover band.
On Sunday (September 10) they performed at the York Rise street party in Hampstead and treated the audience to a selection of classic songs.
Video footage shows Peston, 63, singing the Sex Pistols’ famous 1973 song “Anarchy in the UK” while Balls, 56, vigorously plays drums in the background.
Their friends, Radio 4 presenter John Wilson and Chris Taylor, joined the band on bass and guitar respectively.
Other songs on Centrist Dad’s setlist included The Undertones’ “Teenage Kicks” and Blondie’s “One Way or Another.”
Miliband, shadow minister for energy security and net zero, was also seen in footage from Camden New Journal Support of the band from the audience.
Balls appeared on ITV’s early daytime news and commentary program Good morning Britain on Monday (Sept. 11), mocking the concept of Peston singing the lyrics, “I’m an antichrist, I’m an anarchist.”
“Fathers are supposed to be embarrassing,” he offered by way of explanation, adding, “I’ve accomplished too much over the years.”
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He further mentioned that contrary to his predictions, his children were not completely dissatisfied with his musical performance.
Centrist Dads perform at York Rise street party in 2023
(The Independent)
“Actually, in their opinion, it wasn’t as embarrassing as they expected. They think the name “Centrist Dad” is terrible; terrible! My son said, “Owen Jones.” [the left-wing journalist] “Gonna hate it.'”
Balls previously explained that they chose the name because all the band members are fathers whose politics are “middle of the road.”
Balls has three adult children from his marriage to Labor MP Yvette Cooper: Joe, Maddy and Ellie.
For the Monday edition of GMBBalls and Ranvir Singh were at the helm after usual presenter Susanna Reid was forced to step down from presenting.