Jo Callis re-entered the UK charts this weekend after a social media campaign by fans of Aberdeen FC propelled the Human League’s 1981 hit Don’t You Want Me to number one in the official Scottish chart – and the number 19 position in the official UK chart.
Now the English songwriter and guitarist has called for the Scottish city to be twinned with the band’s home town of Sheffield.
It follows the team’s successful Scottish League Cup campaign last week, which included fans singing an alternative version of the lyrics in support of player Peter Pawlett.
The #PeterPawlettBaby online phenomenon saw 40,000 Dons supporters singing those words instead of Phil Oakey’s original line “Don’t you want me baby.”
The current Human League lineup voiced their support for the campaign on Tuesday, calling it an “honour” while admitting “it’s a little odd.”
Callis, who co-wrote the song while a member of the League, has appeared on national media in the past few days declaring his own support, saying the experience of having a football team adopting one of his hit singles was “a bit of a dream come true.”
Now his message to Aberdeen FC supporters is: “It’s a double-whammy for Yorkshire, what with Peter coming from Hull – birthplace of my personal hero, Mick Ronson – and the League coming from Sheffield.
“Sheffield should now be twinned with Aberdeen – granite and steel. Thanks to our friends in the north and have a great day celebrating. Let’s see that cup!”
The trophy was parades through the streets of the Scottish city earlier today, before the Official Chart Company confirmed Don’t You Want Me‘s placing in the list. The track is already the 24th-best British single of all time, approaching 2million sales and over 10million YouTube views.
Callis enjoyed a string of hits while a member of the League, following success with new-wave band The Rezillos in the late 1970s. He continues writing songs and today launched a new track, One For The Angels, via his website www.jocallis.com.