The Firm (novelty band)
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Founder | John O'Connor |
| Defunct | 1987 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Music (novelty singles and album) |
The Firm was a British musical ensemble created by guitarist, session artist, and producer John O'Connor, recognized for novelty hits during the 1980s.
"Arthur Daley E's Alright"
John O'Connor, mainly an acoustic guitarist, managed Bark Studios located in Walthamstow, London, where he spent around ten years producing demos for songwriters. Transitioning in the early 1980s, he began focusing more on performing and composing music, contributing as a session musician across various styles including folk and pop. His collaborations included artists such as Maddy Prior, Isla St Clair, and Bucks Fizz.
In 1982, together with guitarist Grahame Lister, O'Connor composed the novelty single "Arthur Daley 'E's Alright," drawing inspiration from the British television character Arthur Daley of Minder, incorporating notable catchphrases from the series. After facing difficulties securing a record label release, they independently issued the track under the name 'The Firm.' The single climbed to No. 14 on the UK Singles Chart and maintained a position in the top 40 for seven weeks. During a Top of the Pops appearance on 29 July 1982, former Rubettes guitarist Tony Thorpe performed lead vocals.
The track also attained a peak position of number 78 on the Australian charts.
"Long Live the National"
In 1983, amid concerns regarding the continuation of the Grand National horse racing event, The Firm released "Long Live the National" as a single supporting efforts to save the race. This release did not enter the charts. The following year saw the release of "Superheroes," a song penned by Lister.
== "Star Trekkin
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The Firm achieved notable success in 1987 with their novelty hit "Star Trekkin'," which was inspired by catchphrases from Star Trek. After being turned down by multiple record companies, O'Connor independently distributed 500 copies through his Bark Music label. The single reached number one on the UK charts for two consecutive weeks and stayed within the top 40 for nine weeks. It also secured the No. 3 spot in Australia and enjoyed strong sales across Japan and Europe, with global sales exceeding one million copies.
Although it received considerable airplay on US radio stations, "Star Trekkin'" did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100. The phrase "It's life, Jim, but not as we know it" gained widespread popularity and is frequently mistakenly attributed to the television series itself; however, it originated from this song.
Following this accomplishment, The Firm released their album Serious Fun in 1987 via K-Tel in the UK and Dino Music in Australia. This album included "Star Trekkin'," earlier singles such as "Arthur Daley ('E's All Right)," "Superheroes," and "Cash in Hand," along with eight additional new tracks. In the United States, "Star Trekkin'" was featured on multiple Dr. Demento compilation albums between 1988 and 2006.