49ers: Redditch singer's song could be played at Super Bowl

Conor Rabone, from Southcrest in Redditch, is the frontman of indie band Gathering of Strangers, whose song 'Red & Gold' has been adopted by American football team San Francisco 49ers.

The team, who are set to face Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl clash, play the anthem during home games at Levi's Stadium, which holds just under 70,000.

Mr Rabone, who works at Thomas Brothers funeral directors, says it's a "surreal" feeling to know his song is a hit with the huge 49ers fanbase across the pond.

The band formed at BIMM Music Institute in Manchester in 2018. The members of the group, Tom Wingate, Andre Ilkiw, Peter Crampsey and Bruce Higgs, all live in different places across the country, but they try to meet up in Manchester once a week to rehearse.

Mr Rabone, aged 28, explained the song wasn’t written with the NFL in mind, but said his dad suggested linking it to a sports team to give it a bigger push.

He said that colleagues at work suggested that the 49ers play in red and gold.

Mr Rabone said: "I sent them an email telling them about ourselves and sent them our song thinking nothing of it because they are so far away".

The band at a 49ers London watch party (Image: Gathering of Strangers)

He got a surprise when they emailed back to say they "loved" the song and wanted to play it at home games. 

"It's just surreal - it's bizarre, he said. 

"Having this connection has really brought me into the sport and it's a great sport to watch".

He now hopes to hear his song at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas on February 11 as the band cheers the team on. It's the 49ner's second Super Bowl appearance in five seasons having lost to the Chiefs four years ago.

Mr Rabone added: "It's going to be a tough game but just to get there is amazing. I'm excited for them".