OUTRAGEOUS Burnley band Chumbawamba are playing their first-ever hit single on Top of the Pops tomorrow (Friday).

'Tubthumping' reached number two in the charts after Radio 1 chose it as record of the week.

The band, formed 12 years ago, are a nine-strong group who describe themselves as anarchists, and have gained notoriety for their controversial records and political campaigns.

About the time of Live Aid they released an album called 'Pictures of Starving Children Sell Records' and one disc was banned because the cover showed a woman giving birth. They also attacked the Leah Betts anti-drugs campaign.

But they're less used to commercial success - and they're delighted by their new-found fame.

"It's very exciting," said drummer Harry Hamer. "Things have gone ballistic. The highest we've been in the charts before is 43. The media attention is absolutely manic."

The group, including Burnley members Alice Nutter, Lou Watts, Boff Whalley and Dan Butnobacon, have spent the busiest week of their career doing interviews, radio sessions and concerts.

But they never expected or particularly wanted chart success. "That's not on our agenda," explained Harry. "Obviously we want to make records which people want to buy, but our career is about more than getting into the charts.

"We operate as a collective. Unlike other bands, where one or two people make all the decisions and take most of the money, we discuss things and do everything together."

An album, Tubthumper, is out next week, and some concerts, probably including one in Burnley, will be lined up in December.

"People who like the music and go and buy the records will find out that there's more to us than just the music," added Harry.

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