Van Halen To Ban Jump Cover On Rick Gervais Show

Pilkington's version is too bad for America   13-Sep-11

In the new series of An Idiot Abroad, a British programme featuring Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, and Karl Pilkington, the latter of the three is sent around the world to partake in various bizzarre activities.

Anybody who has listened to Gervais' radio show will know the true extent of Pilkington's genius/idiocy, causing some sceptics to claim that his persona is a clever act. For this to be true, Pilkington would have to be one of the bravest and most talented actors of his generation.

In the latest series of An Idiot Abroad, the man with the perfectly-spherical head is sent to America to join a Glee Club. He is forced to sing Van Halen's Jump in the knowledge that it will be seen by millions of people, and makes a terrible job of it due to nerves.

Apparently, the cover is so bad that Van Halen have had it banned in the USA, but due to a loophole it can be shown on British television (Sky 1):

“Van Halen are trying to put a stop on it, because it is that bad,” said Gervais. “But Sky have got a blanket agreement so we can put it out in England. But we can’t put it out in America or on the DVD.”

This is one occasion when I'm glad I have access to British TV.

(Image courtesy of Creative Commons, Author – Timmy123)

Rich Beech
@sonicamped