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British Sea Power change their name to Sea Power to avoid being confused with ‘antagonistic nationalism’
British Sea Power have changed their name (Picture: Redferns via Getty Images)
British Sea Power have changed their name to Sea Power after 20 years, to avoid being associated with ‘isolationist, antagonistic nationalism’.
The group has announced that ‘after much reflection and soul-searching’, they have dropped ‘British from their name’, although stressed that they have ‘no aversion to the British Isles whatsoever’.
In a statement shared to their website, the alternative rock band explained that the name British Sea Power has ‘come to feel constricting, like an ancient legacy we were carrying with us’.
Sea Power – made up of Yan Scott Wilkinson, Neil Hamilton Wilkinson, Martin Noble, Matthew Wood, Phil Sumner and Abi Fry – wrote: ‘When we came up with the name British Sea Power there were at least two different lines of thought behind it. There was, literally, sea power – the elementary power of the oceans. Alongside this was the historical idea of “British sea power” – Britannia ruling the waves; the naval power that once allowed Britain to dominate the world. When we came up with the original band name, Britain no longer ruled the seas. The band name was intended with a kind of wry humour. The idea of British sea power in the historical sense was an obsolete thing. It was now just the name of a rock band…
‘Now, 20 years later, we’re recasting the name. In recent times there’s been a rise in a certain kind of nationalism in this world – an isolationist, antagonistic nationalism that we don’t want to run any risk of being confused with. It’s become apparent that it’s possible to misapprehend the name British Sea Power, particularly if someone isn’t familiar with the band or their recordings.’
The group said they have always been ‘internationalist in our mindset’, citing their ‘anthem to pan-European idealism’ Waving Flags from their 2008 album Do You Like Rock Music?, but said that ‘maybe having a specific nation state in our name wasn’t the cleverest way to demonstrate that’.
The band stressed they have no aversion to Britain (Picture: JMEnternational/Redferns)
The statement continued: ‘We very much hope the band’s audience won’t be affronted by this adjustment to the name. We’d like to make it clear that removing the word “British” does NOT indicate any aversion to the British Isles whatsoever. We all feel immensely fortunate to have grown up in these islands. Several or our songs are filled with love and awe for this place. We do love these lands. We all still live within the British Isles, but we are now just Sea Power.
‘We feel the name change comes in part from the band’s audience – who at a good show will shout out, “Sea Power! Sea Power!” Maybe this name change has been there for years, shouted in our ears. It’s just taken us this long to realise – to hear what was there in front of us…’
The announcement was met with mixed reaction from fans, some of which were left feeling cold by the name change.
One response read: ‘You’ll always be our most beloved band, and will always be BSP. Never called you ‘Sea Power’ just BSP. Good explanations & understand nationalism misinterpretations, but this just feels wrong sorry.’
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Others said they were ‘disappointed’, with one person tweeting: ‘Anyone who’s seen or heard you can tell there’s no element of nationalism about you. And the those that haven’t, there’s no need to pander to their assumptions. You should have the courage to stand up for who you are’
However, others supported the move, and simply asked for new merchandise to reflect the name change.
Sea Power formed in 2000 and since their debut album The Decline of British Sea Power, they have released a further six albums, with songs like Carrion and It Ended on an Oily Stage charting in the UK.
Their eighth album, and first under their new name, Everything Was Forever, is out in February 2002.
