LILY ALLEN’S dad is still raking in a whopping £20,000 per year from his iconic World Cup anthem.
Keith Allen, 70, wrote the lyrics to Vindaloo ahead of the 1998 World Cup.
Keith Allen is the father of singer Lily Allen[/caption] Allen stars in the music video and sings on Vindaloo[/caption]The song was released just before the tournament in France and was initially written as a parody of football chants with its references to the spicy curry.
But it took off as Allen Sr teamed up with bassists Alex James and Guy Pratt – as well as daughter Lily with him on vocals – to produce the single under the band name Fat Les.
It reached No2 in the UK charts, pipped only by David Baddiel and Frank Skinner’s Three Lions remake.
And Allen is still reaping the rewards of its tremendous success.
Asked if he still gets royalties for his football record, he told The Telegraph: “Oh God yeah, a lot, probably about £20,000 a year.
“I mean, I get more money from Vindaloo than a lot of things.
“I’m always earning money off Vindaloo.
“The song gets used for all sorts of things and various campaigns. In fact it’s going to be used for one for Deliveroo.
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“Guy Pratt played bass on it and he’s earned more money from Vindaloo than anything he’s ever done with Pink Floyd.”
Vindaloo remains a hugely popular song, especially for England fans around major tournaments.
So it will no doubt resurface this summer during Euro 2024 alongside the likes of Three Lions and World In Motion.
Allen also co-wrote the lyrics to World In Motion for Italia 90 as New Order linked up with the England team – specifically guest rapper John Barnes – to record the UK No1.
The actor, author, broadcaster and comedian – who was paid £182,000 in today’s money to appear as the tooth fairy in a Listerine advert – has six children with four different women.
That includes pop star daughter Lily and Game of Thrones actor Alfie Allen with his first wife Alison Owen.
Lily was crowned British Female Solo Artist of the Year at the 2010 Brit Awards following the release of her It’s Not Me, It’s You album.