Tim Booth, the frontman of James, has said he was left “disgusted” after the band’s song Sit Down was used.
The popular song was played on a large screen set up on Whitehall, which displayed several speeches from far-right politicians and celebrities.
It came as thousands attended Robinson’s, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, march in London yesterday, with a separate counter-protest also taking place.
Activists taking part in the March Against Fascism, organised by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR)(Image: Zhanna Manukyan/PA Wire)
James’ Tim Booth ‘disgusted’ as song used at Tommy Robinson march
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Booth said: “Disgusted to see the cynical use of ‘Sit Down’by Tommy Robinson.
“No permission was granted, and we are looking into our options.
“The song and most of our topical lyrics make it very clear where we stand, and it’s the antithesis of this organisation.”
Booth has fronted the English rock band James since it formed in 1982, and since its reunion in 2007.
Disgusted to see the cynical use of ‘Sit Down’by @TRobinsonNewEra.
No permission was granted, and we are looking into our options.
The song and most of our topical lyrics, make it very clear where we stand, and it’s the antithesis of this organization— Tim Booth (@RealTimBooth) September 13, 2025
Sit Down is one of, if not the band’s most famous song, which, when it was re-released in shorter form in 1991, reached number two on the UK Singles Chart.
In 2013, the song placed fourth in a poll by BBC Radio 2 and the Official Charts Company to find the greatest track to miss out on the number-one spot in the UK charts.
What were the protests in London for?
There were two main marches in the capital yesterday, Saturday, September 13.
The first, called “Unite the Kingdom”, was organised by activist Tommy Robinson,
A counter-protest, dubbed March Against Fascism, organised by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR), also took place.
It is believed that between 110,000 and 150,000 people turned out for Robinson’s protest , while around 5,000 anti-racism campaigners mounted the counter-protest.
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At least 25 people were arrested and 26 police officers were injured, including four who were seriously hurt, at the far-right activist’s event.
People were arrested for a range of offences, including affray, violent disorder, assault and criminal damage, after both events began largely without incident.
Police said the Robinson crowd was too big to fit into Whitehall, and a confrontation happened when officers tried to stop them from encircling counter-protesters and accessing the area from different routes.