Leadbelly

Little did any of us know that at the same time as the Rovers were being formed in 1883 our famous anthem Goodnight Irene was being penned in the deep south of the USA. The first transcript of Irene appeared way back in the 1800s.

The version that we know today was originally written and sung by the legendary BLUES man Huddy Leadbetter, better known as Leadbelly

In the 1950s a recording by the American folk group the Weavers became a worldwide hit. However Irene gained universal recognition when Gasheads adopted the song as their own. For over half a century from Eastville to Anfield Goodnight Irene has continued to be the battle hymn of the Bristol Rovers faithful.

Here’s to the next fifty years and beyond. Come on you BLUES.

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