Released today (Friday August the 1st), James Harriman’s version of ‘Glad to be Gay’ is an updated cover of the 1978 Tom Robinson Band track of the same name. It is true to the original with the lyrics being brought into 2025 and current issues, something which Tom Robinson has done himself, most recently in 2004. I was fortunate enough to see Robinson perform at Huntingdon Hall in January 2024 where he explained his process in updating the lyrics and why it was important to move with the times. Read a review of that gig.
In announcing the song James Harriman wrote “Discovering this song, it’s history and it’s revisions has been interesting for me. I knew I wanted to release a cover version. I sat down and re-wrote the lyrics to this song, to reflect the issues that I felt were relevant to today. Trans rights, the misinformation about HIV and Aids, the continued prejudice from religious groups, and the importance of taking to the streets for pride, marching for all rights. With Tom Robinson’s blessing the alternate lyrics version I wrote is the version I am releasing.”
Hailing from Bristol, Harriman performed last year as part of Worcester Music Festival and has been announced on the latest wave as performing again this year. I personally will be at the front for that set, hoping to hear this song performed.
By: Emilie Westcott