Death Of Margaret Thatcher Causes Wizard Of Oz Number To Catapult To Top Of UK Music Chart

[Initech]

BBC Radio 1 is planning to play Ding Dong the Witch is Dead, the Wizard of Oz track being bought by anti-Thatcher protesters in the wake of the former prime minister's death, on its chart show on Sunday.


However, in what is thought to be a first for the BBC chart show, the corporation is considering having a Newsbeat reporter explain why a song from the 30s is charting to Radio 1's target audience of 16- to 24-year-olds – none of whom will remember Margaret Thatcher's controversial premiership.


In what could be seen as the first major test for the new director general, Tony Hall, BBC insiders said the track is likely to be played if it makes it into the top of the charts in defiance of criticism from Tory supporters.


The Official Charts Company said on Thursday morning that Ding Dong the Witch is Dead was on course to reach number four, up from 10 the previous day.


The Daily Mail has been leading the charge against Facebook and Twitter campaigners trying to push the song, which has become the anthem of anti-Thatcher protesters.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2013/apr/11/bbc-ding-dong-thatcher-facebook?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487

[MrMickeysMom]

1. Gee, too bad it couldn't be sung by Iron Maiden!