When an artist calls one of their own tracks “sacrilege,” it could mean many things. Maybe they’ve dared to break some unspoken musical rule, created an unusual chord progression, or blended genres that clash. It could even suggest a disagreement between bandmates over the creative direction of a song.
But in the case of Pink Floyd, the “sacrilege” involved in one of their tracks runs far deeper than just music.
This wasn’t about sound, structure, or musical traditions. It was about something far more personal, reaching into family roots, heritage, and a deep sense of belonging. This time, the issue wasn’t artistic—it was about football.
On Pink Floyd’s 1971 track Fearless, there’s a surprising sample woven into the music: a snippet of the famous football anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone. Originally from a 1940s musical, the song has been proudly adopted as the battle cry of Liverpool Football Club. Throughout Fearless, the sounds of devoted football fans singing this anthem echo in the background, infusing the track with the raw energy of a stadium crowd.
These passionate fans, known as the “Kop Choir” during Liverpool’s glory days, are a force to be reckoned with. Whether you’re watching a match at Anfield or hearing them in a Pink Floyd song, their voices are unmistakable. As the song progresses, their chanting grows louder, culminating in a final, powerful shout of “Liverpool!”
So, why did Pink Floyd decide to incorporate this iconic football chant into their music? According to drummer Nick Mason, the reason was purely sonic. “The idea of using the Kop Choir was interesting because it was all about the sound they make,” Mason explained.
For him, the essence of this track wouldn’t have been the same without capturing the authentic spirit of a football crowd in full swing. And no one does it better than Liverpool fans.
However, for Roger Waters, the choice to include You’ll Never Walk Alone wasn’t just about musicality. Football for Waters was about more than just sport—it was tied to his sense of identity, his connection to home, and his family’s roots.
But here’s where things get tricky: Waters isn’t a Liverpool fan. He’s a diehard Arsenal supporter. “Roger was an Arsenal supporter—still is, indeed,” Mason revealed.
For those who may not know, Arsenal and Liverpool are fierce rivals with a long history of legendary matches. So, when Pink Floyd used the sound of Liverpool’s anthem in Fearless, it wasn’t just a musical decision—it felt like betrayal. “We were north London guys, so it felt like sacrilege to use the opposition’s chanting,” Mason admitted. But despite this, they knew it was the right choice for the song. “It’s very powerful,” Mason added.
For fans of both Pink Floyd and football, this revelation might come as a shock. Who would’ve guessed that one of the band’s most iconic songs was wrapped up in a football rivalry? But in true Pink Floyd fashion, they pushed boundaries—even if it meant stepping into enemy territory.
