The recent passing of legendary footballer Kevin Keegan at the age of 75 has led to a national outpouring of tributes, celebrating his remarkable career on the pitch. While his iconic goals and memorable moments, like the passionate 1996 rant against Sir Alex Ferguson, are firmly etched in the public consciousness, a less-recalled aspect of his life was his unexpected venture into the world of pop music during the 1970s and early 1980s.
Keegan's first attempt at pop stardom came in 1972, shortly after his transfer from Scunthorpe to Liverpool. He released 'It Ain't Easy', a cover of a song by the Merseybeat band The Fourmost. Despite his stated intention to create something 'specially for his young fans', the single failed to gain significant traction, perhaps overshadowed by his burgeoning football career. Described by Keegan himself as the 'most exhausting achievement' of his life at the time, it was a modest start to his musical ambitions.
Seven years later, Keegan tried again, this time with considerably more success. By 1979, he was a global footballing superstar, having achieved multiple league titles and making a significant impact in Germany's Bundesliga. It was during this period, sporting his distinctive shoulder-length 'poodle perm', that he released 'Head Over Heels in Love'. Written by Chris Norman and Pete Spencer of the band Smokie, the track proved to be a legitimate hit, climbing to No. 31 on the UK singles chart and impressively reaching No. 10 in Germany.
However, Keegan's status as a burgeoning pop sensation was short-lived. In 1980, following his move from Hamburg to Southampton, he released 'England', a slower, anthemic dedication to his home country. While heartfelt, with lyrics like 'To be home again in England / To be where I belong', the song failed to chart, perhaps unsurprising given its patriotic theme after his German success. This marked the end of his solo musical aspirations, though he did later lend his voice to the 1982 World Cup anthem 'This Time (We'll Get It Right)', also penned by Norman and Spencer.
Keegan's brief foray into music is one of many instances of footballers exploring artistic endeavours, from Petr Cech's drumming to Eric Cantona's diverse pursuits. Yet, his pop career, particularly the success of 'Head Over Heels in Love' in Germany, remains a fascinating and quirky footnote in the life of a man whose primary legacy is defined by his extraordinary contributions to British football. His small catalogue of songs is available online, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a surprising chapter of his celebrated life.