Heaven 17 Revisits “Fascist Groove Thang” for a New Era

Heaven 17, the iconic British synth-pop band, is preparing to release a new version of their enduring 1981 protest anthem, “(We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang.” This updated rendition will directly challenge former President Donald Trump, replacing the original reference to Ronald Reagan. The band’s co-founder, Martyn Ware, emphasized the song’s continued relevance, stating, “It’s not going to get any less relevant, is it?” This move underscores the track’s remarkable ability to resonate across different political eras, maintaining its sharp critique of authoritarian tendencies and racist ideologies.

The Enduring Message of “Fascist Groove Thang”

Released in March 1981, “(We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang” emerged as a potent commentary on the political climate of its time, specifically targeting the conservative administrations of Ronald Reagan in the United States and Margaret Thatcher in the United Kingdom. The original lyrics, notably “Reagan’s president elect – Fascist god in motion,” proved highly controversial. The BBC banned the track from airplay on both Radio 1 and “Top of the Pops,” citing concerns about libel against a sitting president, which impacted its chart performance despite strong initial interest and club play. Despite the ban, the song still managed to reach number 45 on the UK singles chart, demonstrating its impact and popularity. Ware recollects that when they wrote the song, it was intended as a warning against rising political tides.

From Reagan to Trump: A Timely Reimagining

The decision to update “Fascist Groove Thang” reflects the band’s view that the song’s core message remains pertinent in the current political landscape. Martyn Ware confirmed plans to incorporate “Trump” into the lyrics of the new version, though specific details are being kept under wraps for now. This isn’t the first time the song has been recontextualized; LCD Soundsystem, for example, performed a cover in 2019 for their ‘Electric Lady Sessions,’ changing “Reagan’s president elect” to “The orange one is president – Fascist god in motion.” More recently, LCD Soundsystem and Pulp performed this updated version live, with Nancy Whang of LCD Soundsystem sharing lead vocals, further cementing its modern applicability. Ware noted that the song has become an “underground hymn” for various protest movements since Trump’s rise to power, with its lyrics appearing on placards at demonstrations.

The Genesis of a Protest Anthem

The inspiration for “(We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang” stemmed from Heaven 17’s desire to create music that directly addressed their daily lives and political convictions. Formed by Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh after their departure from The Human League, Heaven 17 emerged from a background of strong trade unionist families in Sheffield, a city significantly impacted by steel industry job losses during Margaret Thatcher’s tenure. Ware explains that they sought a direct, rather than allegorical, approach to songwriting. Musically, they were heavily influenced by American funk, disco, and soul artists like Parliament and Funkadelic, aiming for a fast, electro-punk dance track infused with a social conscience. The political anxieties of the early 1980s, particularly fears surrounding Ronald Reagan’s “Star Wars initiative” and the threat of nuclear war, also heavily shaped the song’s urgent tone, reflecting a genuine concern that they “may never see adulthood.”

Continued Relevance and Future Plans

Ware expressed surprise at the song’s longevity, admitting that they initially hoped it would remain relevant for perhaps a decade. Despite playing it at nearly every concert—over 600 times—the band sees no signs of its message diminishing. Heaven 17 recently released the single “There’s Something About You” and has upcoming British dates in November 2025, followed by a German tour, with aspirations for U.S. shows. Martyn Ware maintains a defiant stance regarding their outspoken political views, jokingly hoping they won’t be turned away at the U.S. border. “If they want to turn us away at the border, go for it!” he stated, reinforcing the band’s commitment to their artistic and political integrity.

Conclusion

Heaven 17’s decision to update “(We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang” highlights its remarkable endurance as a potent piece of political commentary. From its origins as a direct response to 1980s conservatism to its current reimagining for a new era, the song continues to serve as an energetic call to challenge entrenched power and divisive ideologies. Its persistent relevance, as Martyn Ware observes, only reinforces the timeless nature of its warning against fascism, ensuring its place as a powerful anthem for dissent across generations.