Footballer John Barnes raps World Cup song in Blackburn restaurant

Around 200 football and curry lovers at Blackburn’s EastzEast were wowed by the former England international who ‘brought the house down’ with his performances of the rap from England 1990 World Cup song World In Motion and Rapper’s Delight on Friday night.

Father and son Waseem, 33, and Tahir Hamid, 53, who took over the running of the Northgate restaurant three weeks ago, said it was an honour to have a ‘living legend’ in the Northgate restaurant for the launch of their new menu.

Barnes, who won 79 caps for England, said he likes to think he is remembered for playing with a football at his feet just as much as the rapping beat.

He said: “For the younger generations the 1990 song sticks with them and I know a lot of people like the song. It gets played a lot but I like to feel I’m still known for playing with my feet.”

Barnes took selfies with fans, signed autographs and tasted some food before taking to the stage for his two rapping numbers.

Former Rovers steward Sara Boothman, of Little Harwood, joined him on stage, at his invitation. The 53-year-old had met Barnes before at Ewood Park 25 years ago, when he was still playing for Liverpool.

Working in the tunnel at Ewood Park, she managed to get a photo with him after a cup match between Blackburn and Liverpool in 1994. Describing the experience of meeting Barnes again as ‘surreal’, she said: “I’m stunned. He has always been a nice and approachable guy. He was my idol in the 1990s. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be on stage rapping and dancing with him.”

John Barnes with Lancashire Telegraph reporter Ciaran Duggan

Melvyn Wilson, from Intack, who was visiting the restaurant for the first time, said it was a privilege to meet the former Liverpool striker.

The 60-year-old said: “I have never met Barnes before and I decided to ask him what he is most known for.

“I said was it the screamer against Brazil in 1984 or the England World Cup song? He jokingly said ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.”

Regular customer Marie Duckworth, from Feniscowles, managed to grab a selfie with the England star.

She said: “The restaurant has excellent food and the staff are amazing but it was extra special seeing John Barnes tonight.”

The two restaurant bosses described the event as an ‘excellent’ and said they have made plans to bring former football manager and King Of The Jungle Harry Redknapp to the town. Tahir, from Nelson, said: “John Barnes is a living legend and we felt honoured to have him here.”