Peter Andre has faced ridicule this week after performing at the Conservative Party conference – but the Australian singer said it was “great fun”.
Andre, 51, performed his signature songs Mysterious Girl and Insania during the 30-minute set in Birmingham’s Mooncat bar before making a swift exit, the Standard reported.
The Tory faithful gave the singer a hearty reception, with former health secretary Thérèse Coffey particularly taken, so much so that she was seen dancing with Andre.
“Great fun performing for ‘UK Music And TikToks celebration of music in Birmingham last night,” he tweeted about the event. “Even though this particular song is not British and I’m known as an Aussie.”
Great fun performing for ‘Uk Music And TikToks celebration of music ‘ in Birmingham last night. Even though this particular song is not British 😊 And im known as an Aussie 🤷🏻♂️ #tiktoklive pic.twitter.com/sbBisKuJsA
— Peter Andre (@MrPeterAndre) October 2, 2024
Despite this, Andre was seen to leave through the fire exit.
The performance got a mixed reaction on Twitter, which is perhaps to be expected considering the previous government was soundly beaten at the most recent election.
“Literally the cringiest thing I have ever seen,” wrote one.
Another added that Andre was “another jobless Tory”.
A third was kinder, adding: “You’re a nice man, respect.”
It was a similar story at the Labour conference, where Will Young performed and culture secretary Lisa Nandy was seen dancing to Britney Spears.
Andre joked (or maybe not) that he was only performing as Robbie Williams was not free – but he is far from the only performer to have sung for the Conservative members.
Here are some memorable moments from the cultural side of Conservative conferences over the years.
2022: Ella Henderson says it is not political
The X Factor contestant performed Ghost at the conference in Brighton but said she was in attendance without any “political affiliation”.
That same year, M People stated their displeasure at the 1990 hit Movin’ On Up being used as the walk-on music for Liz Truss.
2021: Friendly Fires are not happy
Like M People, Friendly Fires were unhappy at being associated with the event.
The St Albans band hit out at Boris Johnson using their song Blue Cassette being used as his walk-on music.
"Our permission was not sought, and we have asked our management to make sure it isn't used again,” a statement read.
2023: Toploader provoke ire
The band performed their 2000 hit Dancing in the Moonlight to the delight of those in attendance but to the displeasure of many online.
One tweeted: “Felt bad for disliking them but I have a reason now.”
2017: Bands queue up to disassociate themselves
“I do not support nor condone happy songs being played at such a sad event,” wrote Calvin Harris after his song This is What You Came For was used to announce Theresa May.
Harris spoke for many in a year when artists including Florence and the Machine, The Dandy Warhols and Keane queued up to disassociate themselves.
2024: Peter Andre performs and makes a quick exit
Andre sang at a TikTok-sponsored fringe event to celebrate the UK’s music industry.
Having grown up in Australia, the singer might have been a curveball choice to perform – and alluded to this in one of his tweets.
