James Blunt has revealed what he’ll be changing his name to if his debut album hits Number One.
- READ MORE: James Blunt: “Occasionally I looked at myself and thought, ‘I’d punch you in the face’”
‘Back To Bedlam’, the singer’s debut LP, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this month, with a special reissue to mark the occasion. The album was a success after its third single ‘You’re Beautiful’ became a worldwide hit in 2005, making it the highest-selling album of that year with over 2.4 million copies sold.
While recently appearing as a guest on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X, Blunt said his label was going to “launch a campaign get it back to number one” two decades on from its release.
“How do you do that? How do you get it back to number one at 20 years’ old?” he asked. “So, what they’ve made me sign up to do is if it reaches number one, I have signed up to changing my name to whatever the public want – they can change my name.”
Wanna ruin my life? I’m legally changing my name if “Back to Bedlam” 20th Anniversary Edition reaches No.1. Comment your name suggestions below, and the most-liked comment wins.#jameswho pic.twitter.com/LOxLggNt5q
— James Blunt (@JamesBlunt) October 2, 2024
He went on to swear – “on my life and the life of my one fan – Brian from Glasgow” – that he would do it.
True to his word, he addressed fans earlier this month on X/Twitter. “Wanna ruin my life?” he said. “Comment your name suggestions below, and the most-liked comment wins.” In a follow-up post, Blunt has since revealed the top contender.
The people have spoken – if the 20th Anniversary Edition of Back to Bedlam is Number 1 next Friday, my new name will legally be… pic.twitter.com/CoMsjFJpy8
— James Blunt (@JamesBlunt) October 11, 2024
In the tongue-in-cheek video, Blunt walks into the Warner Music Group for a meeting and is asked for his name by the receptionist. He wheels through the popular fan choices, namely: “Jimmy Spliff”, “Blames Junt”, “Divock Origi”, “James Cucking Funt”, “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Pop Star Fourd Chord Song Machiney”, but no dice.
He finally offers: “Blunty McBluntface” and is ushered straight through, muttering: “People have no imagination”.
In 2016, the power of the British public was tested in a similar fashion, after the Natural Environment Research Council ran a poll to name its new polar research ship. Per the Guardian, voters were overwhelmingly in favour of RRS Boaty McBoatface, which beat RRS Poppy-Mai, named after a 16-month-old girl with incurable cancer.
Fans were rooting for “Divock Origi”, and after some discord about the selection – Blunt shared a screenshot showing “Blunty McBluntface” was the clear winner with 33K likes.
Divock Origi was the top comment, you shithouse. I’ve always thought Goodbye My Lover by yourself was a bit of a rammer, but I wouldn’t play it now if it was the last song on earth. How dare you. Divock Okoth Origi has just turned in his grave. Sling your hook, you conman.
— LB (@LBLFC_) October 11, 2024
Justice for @DivockOrigi pic.twitter.com/qjLUrWYPWA
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) October 11, 2024
‘Most liked comment wins’ @JamesBlunt pic.twitter.com/1CxDzBSQCq
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) October 11, 2024
Divock Origi robbed
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) October 11, 2024
I will be streaming whatever is the direct competitor is to your album. You don’t betray Divock Origi like this. @LBLFC_ he’s shithoused it.
— barry (@BackseatsmanLFC) October 11, 2024
In other news, Blunt also announced an upcoming tour across the UK and Europe to mark the milestone. You can check out the full list of tour dates below and visit here to purchase tickets.
The ‘Back To Bedlam 20th Anniversary’ tour dates are:
FEBRUARY 2025
11 – Belfast, SSE Arena
13 – Leeds, First Direct Arena
14 – Glasgow, OVO Hydro Arena
15 – Manchester, Manchester AO Arena
16 – London, The O2 Arena
18 – Brussels, Forest National (Belgium)
20 – Paris, Adidas Arena (France)
22 – Bologna, Unipol Arena (Italy)
23 – Zurich, Hallenstadion (Switzerland)