New Zealand authorities blast music by James Blunt, Barry Manilow and more to disperse protesters

14 February 2022, 10:27 | Written by Cerys Kenneally

(News)

(James Blunt)

COVID-19 protesters outside New Zealand Parliament were bombarded with music by James Blunt, Barry Manilow and more in an attempt to disperse the crowd.

Over the weekend New Zealand authorities attempted to annoy hundreds of protesters camped outside parliament over COVID restrictions by blasting music on loop through the loudspeakers.

After utilising Barry Manilow's greatest hits and "Macarena", James Blunt tweeted the New Zealand police, writing, "Give me a shout if this doesn't work," and it seems they took Blunt up on his offer by playing "You're Beautiful" on the loudspeaker.

Give me a shout if this doesn’t work. @NZPolice https://t.co/AM2dZ6asMS
— James Blunt (@JamesBlunt) February 12, 2022

The Guardian reports that protesters responded to the New Zealand authorities' use of music by playing their own songs, including Twisted Sister’s "We’re Not Gonna Take It".

As well as playing Manilow and Blunt songs, protesters were also blasted with "Baby Shark", Frozen's "Let It Go", COVID vaccine messages, Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" and more.

Sky News reports that the number of protesters increased over the weekend, despite decreasing just one day after turning up to the country's parliament last Tuesday (8 February).