Sheffield musician reworks one of football's most iconic chants to raise money for the NHS

It’s one of football’s most instantly recognisable chants, now Sheffield United’s remastered special Kop anthem can be downloaded with all proceeds being donated to NHS workers across the city.

The song came about when Max’s friend, local journalist Mike Firth, dared to mention he thought the hugely popular chant needed something fresh adding to it. Perhaps another verse or two.

The latest version of the song promises to give United fans something to cheer about during the Premier League lockdown and every penny it raises through downloads goes to the Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

Mike Firth said: “That’s what I suggested to Max, but it soon became clear he was thinking on a whole different level and within a week he had written, performed and recorded a fabulous new song. I’m sure Blades fans will take it to their hearts and other Sheffield folk will also appreciate it.”

Max Restaino is a local singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. On ‘Greasy Chip Butty’, Max plays the piano, saxophone, accordion, acoustic guitar, Vox and BV'S. Electric guitar is Lewis Downs and bass player is Marcus Cain.

Max Restaino said: “I’ve lived in Sheffield all my life so writing lyrics wasn’t difficult. I’m a very proud Sheffielder and I really think that comes across in the song.

“I enjoyed using the humorous Sheffield colloquialisms and using a Sheffield accent in places of the song. I don’t get to incorporate that when singing and writing music for myself so it was fun to do.

“I’m glad I had the opportunity to write and produce a full song using ‘Greasy Chip Butty’ as the chorus. I’m sure that devoted United fans and many Sheffielders will be thrilled to hear the song dedicated to our home town.

“It’s the perfect time to release the song to make people smile in uncertain times and to raise money for a worthy cause.

“The Sheffield Hospitals charity has a proud history of supporting the NHS. The hospitals in Sheffield are being asked to care for even more of us during the current Covid-19 outbreak and the situation we are seeing is unprecedented. Never before has this kind of support been more vital.”

David Reynolds, Executive Director of Sheffield Hospitals Charity, said: “This is an incredible display of support from Max and everybody involved.

“This song is an opportunity to share in something special; something that celebrates Sheffield and says ‘thank you’ to our NHS. So please do download it and share it as far and wide as possible.

“All the proceeds will support those hard-working staff in our hospitals - providing them with care packages, refreshments, break-out areas and much more at this time of need.

“We know how challenging these times are, but throughout the past few weeks, we have been amazed with the way Sheffield people have come together to support their incredible NHS and we really are so grateful.”

You can download the song at: https://max-music.co.uk/

and: https://open.spotify.com/album/3i1a523vryKwJiJf2AV7Ys?si=m1yS963FQeecRM6m-BwWTw