What the public wants, the public gets. And it seems that the question on the lips of the nation at the moment is: "Will Bill be entering Eurovision?"
Well thanks to the demand created by online groups and petitions such as this one, Bill has decided to put himself forward for the next contest. And being the man of the people that he is, he's going to let you choose his entry and will be working on some new songs which you will have the opportunity to vote for.
So if you'd like to see Bill step onto the Eurovision stage to the accompaniment of Terry Wogan's wry commentary, and deliver a great UK entry for once, then keep watching the website for your opportunity to vote.
Oh, and while you're waiting, why not grab a copy of the September issue of Maxim, which features an interview with Bill. It's out nice and early at the end of this month.
Comments (93)
*gasps* I've always thought this would be an awesome idea!!! Belgian's would always vote for us and the German's wouldn't have a clue whats going on! Scott Walker/Slayer Love Song for the win!
Posted by Matt | July 22, 2007 3:43 PM
Posted on July 22, 2007 15:43
He has my vote! Down with Eurovised blandness! Also, he's actually quite an accomplished musician, so he could actually put up a good show!
Posted by Menno WIllemse | July 22, 2007 6:55 PM
Posted on July 22, 2007 18:55
Bill will be the only talented entry eurovision has had for years. I know I'll vote for him!
Posted by Mike | July 23, 2007 3:49 PM
Posted on July 23, 2007 15:49
Nooooo Bill do not tarnish your stellar reputation by associating yourself in any way with this gruesome tatfest!
Posted by Ali | July 23, 2007 6:16 PM
Posted on July 23, 2007 18:16
I'll definitely be voting - and I might even watch this time!!!
Posted by Gareth | July 24, 2007 12:23 AM
Posted on July 24, 2007 00:23
I'm not sure if it would be appriopriate (people might see it more as a rip-off than parody) but I'd like a medley of famous Eurovision songs with bits messed with for comic effect. That'll give all of Europe something to laugh at (namely, at the entries that were'nt from their country).
Block voting has held us back in the past, but it also had a little to do with Daz Sampson. I hope this makes it through and that Bill enjoys the experience.
Oh, and the songs that always win go verse, chorus, verse, chorus, semitone up, chorus.
Posted by Ethan | July 24, 2007 2:07 AM
Posted on July 24, 2007 02:07
Human slaves in a eurovision contest?
This news makes me amazingly happy. I can't wait!
Posted by Brett | July 24, 2007 3:26 AM
Posted on July 24, 2007 03:26
Excellent news!
Posted by JL | July 24, 2007 11:03 AM
Posted on July 24, 2007 11:03
its gotta be cold neon research lab for such a special occasion!
Posted by Christo | July 24, 2007 11:47 AM
Posted on July 24, 2007 11:47
BILL...ON EUROVISION? I DONT THINK IT WILL WORK
Posted by CHRIS | July 24, 2007 1:10 PM
Posted on July 24, 2007 13:10
Bill!
great to see you've decided to take the plunge and go for Europop glory!
Will it be just yourself, or an entry by Beergut 100? I think that your band would do really well...especially if you persuade that Eldon fellow to dress up as me. That would surely score you a few extra 'pois', in particular from; Bosnia-Herzogovena, Ireland, Estonia, Norway, and Cyprus.
If you need some lyrical help from my legendary self then please don't hesitate to ask.
I think you should follow Israels lead from 1978, and do a tribute to the benefits of being a Polar Bear...or how about the Dutch 1989 entry 'Blijf Zoals Je Bent'?
I await your excited response
Tony x
Posted by Tony Rudd | July 24, 2007 1:28 PM
Posted on July 24, 2007 13:28
This may result in me voting in Eurovision for the very first time!!!!
Posted by Heather | July 24, 2007 4:55 PM
Posted on July 24, 2007 16:55
What a fantastic idea. Its a comedy festive as it is. That Finnish entry won it a couple of years ago with a rock anthem. All Bill has to do is copy them and remove the scary make-up!
How about a love ballard similar to the one he played on Half Troll.
Posted by Jason from Darwen, Dingleland | July 24, 2007 7:53 PM
Posted on July 24, 2007 19:53
Ah yes, Bill best represent us! Be the best entry the country has even known!
Posted by J | July 24, 2007 9:57 PM
Posted on July 24, 2007 21:57
Haha, that's a simply fabulous idea. With the nutso political voting in the East more or less ensuring that we never see any genuine success, coupled with the fact that the whole thing is only really enjoyable as a farce (beutifully capped off by appropriately tongue-in-cheek commentary from Sir Wogan); we might as well have a bit of fun with the whole thing right?
What we need is some lyrics incorporating a send up of Eurovision itself. Don't let us down Bill!
Posted by Mat Bettinson | July 25, 2007 9:09 AM
Posted on July 25, 2007 09:09
Bill entering the eurovision would be a fantastic idea... Songs with titles such as "Ode to a troll" or "Biscuits: Omen or Angels"... If Bill gets through to the finals, he'd have to win... Most countries sing about hope, peace and I think I translated one of last years entries to be about sandwich toasters... Lets get some real music on there...
DO IT FOR THE JEDI!!!!!
Posted by Darren | July 25, 2007 9:17 AM
Posted on July 25, 2007 09:17
Fantastic entrant!
A stroke of genius, we'd definately win The Eurovision.
Posted by Alpesh Patel | July 25, 2007 10:08 AM
Posted on July 25, 2007 10:08
Time to tell the whole of Europe about human slaves...IN AN INSECT NATION!!! [oh-ah-oh-ah].
Posted by Stu | July 25, 2007 11:10 AM
Posted on July 25, 2007 11:10
Bill you have got to do it, it would be awesome and the song should be you song of racial harmony about zebras and badgers!!
Posted by Craig Davies | July 25, 2007 11:27 AM
Posted on July 25, 2007 11:27
Yeah nice one I can't wait :o)
Posted by Emma Tysoe | July 25, 2007 11:52 AM
Posted on July 25, 2007 11:52
DO IT DADDY!
Posted by Alisdair | July 26, 2007 1:07 PM
Posted on July 26, 2007 13:07
YES.
That is all.
Posted by Heather Sheppard | July 26, 2007 4:19 PM
Posted on July 26, 2007 16:19
Hahaha! brilliant! I reckon in all my experience of Bill's comedy songs and the opinions of lots of fellow fans, the Love Ballad is the most universally funny song and generally the most entertaining, lyrics wise.
You better play the Love ballad Bill... that'd be truly excellent :)
Posted by Adam Dullenty | July 27, 2007 1:30 AM
Posted on July 27, 2007 01:30
I think a dance/rock cross over reworking of Waterloo with Bill dressed as the Duke of Wellington would work.
Posted by EDZ | July 27, 2007 10:36 AM
Posted on July 27, 2007 10:36
WoooHooo!! Power to the people! Finally some talent in the Eurovision.
Posted by Nadine Mogford | July 27, 2007 3:46 PM
Posted on July 27, 2007 15:46
Well in the end, it had to be either you or Otway...
Duelling Theramins, perhaps?
Posted by PAsTA | July 27, 2007 11:29 PM
Posted on July 27, 2007 23:29
hahaha brilliant news! i reckon just do a rendition of the french seriens, it would get us some votes from then that way. we may even stand a chance of winning! or cockney music with full perealy king intro would be good, but i think top of my list for ideas would be The Portishead national anthem. Definatlay.
Watched Part Troll 3 times today :)
Tim
Posted by Tim | July 28, 2007 10:18 PM
Posted on July 28, 2007 22:18
Excellent stuff. I'm just glad i'm living in Ireland so I'll get to vote for you. I'll be telling everyone to vote for the UK next year. (That will be a first) Best of Luck Bill.
Posted by Kev | July 29, 2007 5:57 PM
Posted on July 29, 2007 17:57
AWESOME!!!! Can't wait to see you in November YAAAYYYYY
Posted by Vicki | July 29, 2007 9:58 PM
Posted on July 29, 2007 21:58
oh yes! excellent news! finally someone that will give us a chance! this will mark a new beginning! an end to our seemlesly endless reel of useless rubbish that we usually have!
Posted by Sarah | July 30, 2007 7:40 PM
Posted on July 30, 2007 19:40
Go ON Bill You can doooo eeeeeet :)
Posted by Alec Oddly IV | July 30, 2007 9:34 PM
Posted on July 30, 2007 21:34
Bill, you are a genius! Eurovision is going to be great now! Thanks
Posted by Stefan | July 30, 2007 10:59 PM
Posted on July 30, 2007 22:59
It's got to be a rendition of the real full length Magic Roundabout, complete with Zebedee's tale of macabre and childhood suffering!!
Posted by David | July 31, 2007 2:03 PM
Posted on July 31, 2007 14:03
Bill, Im glad you listnened to us!! I dont know how the petition came into force, but I started a mini one on myspace...
http://forum.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=messageboard.viewThread&EntryID=37979696&categoryID=0&groupID=100280503
I dont know if someone came up with the same idea at the same time or what, but there we go! Btw, we'll be at the gig in manchester in november with a 'Bill Bailey for Eurovision' banner, look out for us!!
COME ON!!!
Posted by Dave | August 2, 2007 1:18 PM
Posted on August 2, 2007 13:18
You need to make a song about how fixed eurovision is, that would be great!
Posted by Stan | August 3, 2007 11:34 AM
Posted on August 3, 2007 11:34
Dear Bill.
The last interesting thing on Eurovision was Lordi. They were indeed awesome and shall remain burned into my mind for breaking the Eurovision mold.
Please, please, please enter. We may not stand a chance (not since Iraq anyway), but it'll make Eurovision worth watching again!
Kian Ryan
Posted by Kian Ryan | August 3, 2007 4:05 PM
Posted on August 3, 2007 16:05
YES!
I think this could be the first decent Eurovision entry we've seen in years!
Yeah yeah, I know we've not seen what Bill's put forward yet, but watch all the musical bits in his live stuff.
Priceless.
Posted by Tom McShane | August 3, 2007 4:42 PM
Posted on August 3, 2007 16:42
The only problem i see facing our rise to Bailey Eurovision Victory (BEV) is all the little old grannies that will undoubtedly vote for the sweet little baby faced fuckwits that try to melt hearts!!! I say we formulate a plan to stop this mass of rogue grannies from stealing our BEV away from us!
Posted by Jo | August 3, 2007 5:57 PM
Posted on August 3, 2007 17:57
Bill for eurovision? Awesome news!
I reckon this could be a great chance to do a duet with de burgh! Just imagine, the great bearded one and the mono-browed purveyor of ultimate filth together at last! No maybe not.
Posted by richie boars | August 3, 2007 11:50 PM
Posted on August 3, 2007 23:50
This is pure genius, if bill could also manage to put subliminal messages into the music... he could then control Europe! well most of it. Besides... it will make the programme so much more enjoyable! (tho terry brings everyone plenty of joy) xxxxxx
Posted by Ezz! | August 4, 2007 11:06 PM
Posted on August 4, 2007 23:06
I can only think of one problem... is Bill not too talented??
Posted by Kate | August 5, 2007 11:13 AM
Posted on August 5, 2007 11:13
Go Bill, go! a superb choice for the eurovision song contest, should be a class act.
Posted by Sketchy b | August 5, 2007 9:58 PM
Posted on August 5, 2007 21:58
dude you rule. thanks so much for bowing to the pressure created online, it has certainly been a long and hard fight to get your attention. You'll get my vote and as many people i can persuade!!!!!!!!
Posted by James D | August 11, 2007 3:58 PM
Posted on August 11, 2007 15:58
Go for it bill. You have got my backing. Knock em dead
Posted by Tom | August 11, 2007 11:35 PM
Posted on August 11, 2007 23:35
This is the best thing for the UK since the invention of cheese.
I doubt we can win since it's such a political competition.
Maybe if Bill sings about how every other country in the competition is better than England (in each countries language), whilst crying about how he hates England, we will stand a fighting chance.
Either way, win or enevitably lose Eurovision will be good entertainment for once. Maybe we can get The Mighty Boosh to do a song for 2009.
Posted by Tamsin | August 13, 2007 10:11 AM
Posted on August 13, 2007 10:11
How about some Prog Rock?
I for one would welcome some 30 minute Eurovision Prog. Surely a niche market that could make you as big as ABBA! And I don't mean the same weight as 4 Scandavians!
Peace
Simon
Posted by Simon | August 13, 2007 4:04 PM
Posted on August 13, 2007 16:04
OMG this is like a dream come true
haha!
you have to do a mix between Kraftwerk and slayer
maybe
kraftwerk - Das Model with slayers - chemical warfare bill bailey mix. we'll defo get germany's. haha
C'MON BILL!! YOU CAN DO IT!!
Posted by leyton | August 13, 2007 9:37 PM
Posted on August 13, 2007 21:37
That is awesome... I can't believe he is actually doing to do it! Seriously, it's about time Eurovision got some talent on it. I might even watch it... Bill Bailey just gets funnier and funnier! I'm well impressed.
Posted by Bev | August 14, 2007 7:33 PM
Posted on August 14, 2007 19:33
Stand up for the key change bill!
Posted by Hawks | August 15, 2007 2:04 PM
Posted on August 15, 2007 14:04
If he doesn't put his name forward for Eurovision, I will sell my tickets for his Wembley Arena gig! (Ssshyeah right!)
"Ride a white pig to the edge of Lapland..."
Posted by Paul Williams | August 15, 2007 10:39 PM
Posted on August 15, 2007 22:39
Brilliant, good on you Bill!!
Oh it would make me smile to see europe singing along with "i will not look at titties for a year"!!
Best of luck Bill.
Posted by Stephen | August 17, 2007 11:02 AM
Posted on August 17, 2007 11:02
I think the Kraftwerk tribute would go down extraordinarily well - particularly with the Germanic nations!
Posted by Bobbie | August 17, 2007 4:23 PM
Posted on August 17, 2007 16:23
Excellent news!
I look forward to an entry that will make us cry with laughter and hum along for days afterwards.
Contrary to one opinion I read above, I feel that the supertonic modulation could only ruin such a song, and that you should avoid this at all costs. Or do a stevie wonder and do it three times instead :)
Good luck Mr Bailey, I will certainly be cheering you on
Posted by Stuart | August 17, 2007 4:24 PM
Posted on August 17, 2007 16:24
This is amazing news!! Can't wait :)
Posted by Lisa Jane | August 17, 2007 5:57 PM
Posted on August 17, 2007 17:57
I'd like to see a full length version of the BBC News theme remix from Part Troll... it makes my hair stand on end every time I watch it!
Best of luck Bill!
Dan
Posted by Dan | August 18, 2007 1:49 AM
Posted on August 18, 2007 01:49
I am so very happy i could wee!
Jenni
Posted by Jennifer Moss | August 23, 2007 9:00 AM
Posted on August 23, 2007 09:00
My god! best idea ever!
you can do it bill i believe in you. even if some countrys wont know what you're on about, u have my vote!
Posted by Lewis Aitken | August 24, 2007 2:06 AM
Posted on August 24, 2007 02:06
Wonderful Idea! I suggest something Meatloafesque! That's always a crowd pleaser.
Posted by Sayda | August 24, 2007 10:42 AM
Posted on August 24, 2007 10:42
That's great. You should try and do a cover of a good rock song like Sillyworld by Stone Sour.
Posted by dan edgcumbe | August 24, 2007 12:17 PM
Posted on August 24, 2007 12:17
Amazing news! Don't do a cover like some of these people are saying, make something up! Or use one of your songs you've already made. I'd love to see what the German would think of Das Hokey Kokey :)
Posted by Adam | August 28, 2007 9:39 AM
Posted on August 28, 2007 09:39
Wow - joining your group on facebook really has made a difference. Go Bill I'm 100% sure you would definitely win Eurovision and I just can't wait for the comments that Terry Wogan would have to make on your performance!
Posted by Becky | August 28, 2007 8:06 PM
Posted on August 28, 2007 20:06
Yay! im so glad to hear that bill is entering the eurovision song contest! its about time we need some decent material in it!
Posted by Nathan Green | August 28, 2007 9:27 PM
Posted on August 28, 2007 21:27
Truly there is a god and my prayers have been answered!
Got to agree with a poster who said slayer love song for the win. I also suggest Sirens as it's well euro innit.
Bill, if you ever read this, I salute you!
Posted by Nick | August 29, 2007 5:05 PM
Posted on August 29, 2007 17:05
this is the best thing to come out of england,
if this goes through i will be proud to be British
it also makes up for the abomination that is the Olympics logo
damn that logo...
Posted by Leo Chilcott | August 29, 2007 10:45 PM
Posted on August 29, 2007 22:45
Bill is the ideal eurovision entry for england; not only is he incredibly British but he would perfectly suit eurovision, an institution that has been parodying popular music for years... right?
Posted by Ben | August 30, 2007 3:25 PM
Posted on August 30, 2007 15:25
Go for it, Bill! If any artist has a chance of actually winning us Eurovision, you do!
Ultimately, I reckon you'll make the right choice whatever you do, but a polished version of Insect Nation using new technologies such as the effects pedal you used in Part Troll and/or the good old theremin would be brilliant.
Posted by Jack C | September 1, 2007 10:36 PM
Posted on September 1, 2007 22:36
Ah, tremendous news. May I suggest a possible link up with Neil Hannon of the Divine Comedy? He has written some cracking stuff such as "My Lovely Horse" for Father Ted. Perhaps a french jazz version of that a la Dr Qui would go down well? Mon beau cheval...
Posted by Rich P | September 4, 2007 12:32 PM
Posted on September 4, 2007 12:32
Hahaha! This actually gives me a reason to watch (and to vote) EuroVision for once.
Go Bill!!
Posted by Sam | September 9, 2007 3:26 PM
Posted on September 9, 2007 15:26
Bill- I advise you to steer clear of any sudden clothes removal as part of your euro routine. Although this vote grabber was incredibly successful in the year of the mighty 'Fizz' it is now considered passe. Pure musical genius and the odd 'Oi! Oi!' should clinch it for you this time.
Posted by Nessie Jones | September 10, 2007 10:58 PM
Posted on September 10, 2007 22:58
Good luck Bill. The nation will be rooting for you.
Posted by Lee | September 14, 2007 7:14 PM
Posted on September 14, 2007 19:14
I'm going to have to completely disagree with everyone... Bill, don't do it! Eurovision will surely ruin your credibility... I would never want to mention your name and Gina G in the same breath - it would just be wrong! OK, so what if you win, who's to say that pop won't go to your head... what if some Stock Aiken Waterman wanna-be walked up to you and offered you millions as long as they got to write the lyrics for you. And then you'd be in some mad music video wearing leather pants and velvet tops in some reminiscent David Hasselhoff fashion... it would just be wrong!! But if you did enter, I'd vote for you, but don't expect me to sit through the 4 hour Terry Wogan fronted ordeal, I'd watch for the few minutes you were on and tune in again when you win.
Posted by Ibiso | September 15, 2007 5:13 PM
Posted on September 15, 2007 17:13
YAY
*Does little dance of Bailey-esque joy*
I'm so excited my squeeeeeeeeeee has just deafened a whole species of bat and it's future decendents.
Posted by Marie | September 20, 2007 1:37 AM
Posted on September 20, 2007 01:37
omgomgomg.
YESSSS!
Posted by PiratePixie | October 17, 2007 11:05 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 11:05
I thought this was just a hoax, never believed it would really happen. Such awesome news!
If you're going for any classic BB songs, then it's got to be The Leg Of Time or Unisex Chip Shop.
Posted by Alastair | October 17, 2007 11:37 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 11:37
Bill
How very splendid
This is unimaginably exciting
Can I be a backing singer?
Posted by Helen | October 22, 2007 3:00 PM
Posted on October 22, 2007 15:00
Hats off to the zebras!! such a classic song
Posted by Bella | October 22, 2007 7:42 PM
Posted on October 22, 2007 19:42
I heard about this and couldnt believe it. Then I joined the facebook petition and had to.
If you ever do, Im going to get every lad i can in the barracks to dial in, although, I might have to pull them out of whatever barrel they've fallen into!
Best of Luck with it!
(For my favorite choice, I'd have to go for "Hats off to the Zebra's". But please, just don't cover someone else's song!)
Posted by JhonJhon | October 31, 2007 8:15 PM
Posted on October 31, 2007 20:15
It would be perfect.
Posted by Ed | November 15, 2007 7:58 PM
Posted on November 15, 2007 19:58
This is the best news this year, why have the BBC not picked up on this more?? I want to see it in the headlines - when are the first heats?
Posted by kelsie | November 17, 2007 11:23 AM
Posted on November 17, 2007 11:23
Thank goodness for the arrival of talent this time round! Bill would be perfect- he's so talented! I'll certainly vote for him! I can't stop grinning now!
Posted by Jem | November 18, 2007 4:55 PM
Posted on November 18, 2007 16:55
two words...
racial harmony :D
Posted by bob dylan | November 20, 2007 11:10 AM
Posted on November 20, 2007 11:10
INSECT NATION!!!
Posted by Kevin Foad | November 21, 2007 1:19 PM
Posted on November 21, 2007 13:19
Love song! Love song! Or Insect Nation! Gotta be! w00t!
Imagine the Europeans' confusion, ahaha...
Ah man I love Bill Bailey!
Posted by Lise | January 13, 2008 12:36 AM