Everything Flows: Kung Fu

Trust me #85
Kung Fu by Ash

Written by 17-year old Tim Wheeler on Boxing Day 1994 and then recorded in one take the following day, Kung Fu was released by Ash as their 4th single in March 1995.

Between those dates, on 25th January 1995 to be precise, the legendary Manchester United player Eric Cantona leapt into the crowd at Selhurst Park to confront Matthew Simmons, an absolute moron of a Crystal Palace supporter, who had been hurling abuse at Cantona as he departed the field following a re card.

Eric in full flight

Cantona was being escorted down the track, when he broke free to attack his abuser with a flying kung fu kick, before hitting Simmons with a huge right. The incident, particularly the kung fu kick, instantly became iconic, screened on a loop on Sky Sports News as the nation debated Eric's punishment.

"My one regret, I didn't hit him hard enough." Eric Cantona

After a great deal of publicity and debate, including a point where Cantona faced 2-weeks in jail, the FA banned Cantona for 8-months. United lost the league and Cantona contemplated quitting football. Sir Alex Ferguson's wife Cathy persuaded him to fly to France to persuade Eric otherwise.

I've often thought that this is a short film in the making. Fergie flying to Paris and flying through the streets on the back of a motorbike Cantona sent to collect him. Eric had booked out an entire restaurant for the two of them to eat, drink and talk long into the night. Oh to have been a fly on the wall!

Cantona returned in September, setting up a goal for Nicky Butt and scoring a penalty (celebration photo below) in a 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Old Trafford. The king had returned and Eric led United to a league and cup double. There were a number of 1-0 victories with Eric being the scorer, including the FA Cup final win over Liverpool.

Eric Cantona was an unbelievable football player, the catalyst for United's 1992/93 league title win, their first since 1966/67 under Sir Matt Busby. With his upturned collar, swagger, skill, passion and attitude, the Frenchman became known as Eric the King at Old Trafford. He was incredible, the perfect star for the Theatre of Dreams. The stage was his to command.

Meanwhile, Ash were a band of noisy teenagers from Northern Ireland who were picking up some attention in the music weeklies thanks to releasing brilliant punk pop singles like Jack Names The Planets.

Back to their song Kung Fu, released in March 1995 with Eric Cantona flyng through the air as the cover. Apparently Tim Wheeler still has a fax from Eric saying 'I spit on your record' after Ash sent one asking for permission. Classic 90's memorabilia if Tim still has it!

Talk about capturing a moment in time! Kung Fu is blistering grungy teenage punk pop perfection, delivered in just 2-minutes 17 seconds, with the first 10-seconds being kung fu noise samples!

Ash absolutely tear through the song, their youthful energy and ear for catchy guitar pop is perfectly captured, all the better for being one take. The vocal melody is strong, fast-flowing and catchy. The guitars buzz and the drums pound as Tim Wheeler sings about his teenage lobotomy, moving to Hong Kong with Bruce Lee's brother and Johnny Wong!

The chorus then references Daniel San and Jackie Chan, while the second verse then mentions Mr.Miagi!

Ash have finished the second chorus by 1 minute 15 seconds, ensuring they have time for a 25-second instrumental that breaks things down before firing up for a final blitz of a verse that references movies and what was presumably Tim's local takeaway before a double chorus to finish things off.