When the US Navy Band took to the stage for their Birthday concert to sing a classic sea shanty, their unexpectedly brilliant performance went completely viral, racking up over 1.2 million YouTube views in just five months!
And it’s no mystery how the white-clad sailors ended up enchanting us landlubbers so intensely. This clip comes packed with character, pirate personalities, and old-school charm as the group of singers revives traditions with class and unmistakable style.
Eight vocalists are joined by a single-drum drummer, who lays a simple beat beneath the band’s rich chanting of “The Wellerman” — a New Zealand song based on a true story of supply ships owned by the 19th-century traders, the Weller brothers.
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This song runs thick with folklore and storytelling as the singers’ ultra-expressive performance transports us straight back to the maritime era, where stories and songs were one of the few ways to pass the long and endless nights aboard. The Navy vocalists adopt the stern and comedic expressions of a pirate crew, their vivid personalities emphasizing the lyrics so that it feels like watching a true crew singing the night away below deck.
While the verses roll by, the track only becomes more gripping and oddly immersive, as the lead singer sails us through the story of harpooning whales in his deep, bold voice and sailor accent.
This clip leaves The Music Man wondering what on Earth the orchestra behind the band are preparing for as they sit in silence waiting for the next tune and their moment to shine. But the answer soon reveals itself: it turns out that this US Navy Band doesn’t only sing sea shanties like the old days. In another US Navy concert clip, the band sidestepped into Disney soundtracks to sing the nostalgic Lion King hits, “Circle of Life” and “He Lives In You,” padded by the orchestra and an entire choir. The video has already amassed over 10 million views!
If the Navy’s version of “The Wellerman” hasn’t blown you away, Ant & Dec’s version certainly will! When the Scottish singer Nathan Evans went TikTok-viral with his “Wellerman” cover in 2021, Ant & Dec just had to get him on Saturday Night Takeaway for a live performance. But the duo totally took over the song for themselves! They didn’t just rewrite the lyrics and perform a sailor skit as shipmates, but invited a host of celebs to vibe to the tune over Covid-era video-call, including Joan Collins, Amanda Holden, Katie Piper, and Brian May, who added a truly epic guitar solo to the track — check it out in the video above!
The US Navy Band’s spellbinding rendition of “The Wellerman” has captivated audiences with its unique blend of tradition and flair, demonstrating their ability to bring historical maritime tunes into the modern age. Their astonishing viral success underscores their talent and dedication to preserving musical heritage. To dive deeper into this remarkable performance and explore more about the band’s work, be sure to check out the links below.