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Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
The Murrayfield mix-up that sparked one of sport's most iconic stadium trends
The a cappella singing of Flower of Scotland, now a global sporting tradition, began by accident at Murrayfield 16 years ago The sound of more than 65,000 fans belting out Flower of Scotland without a single note of musical accompaniment has become one of the most spine-tingling traditions in world sport. Yet few realise that the iconic a cappella second verse, now copied at major sporting events from Major League Baseball to the Kentucky Derby, began by accident at Murrayfield 16 years ago. Scottish Rugby has revealed the remarkable story as part of its new Murrayfield Memories campaign, launched to celebrate the stadium's centenary year. The initiative invites supporters from across Scotland and around the world to share their most memorable moments at the national stadium, whether from rugby, football, concerts or once-in-a-lifetime events. The anthem tradition dates back to a 2008 Six Nations clash with France, when a misunderstanding between matchday staff and pipers threatened to derail proceedings. Instead, it created a piece of sporting history. Julie Beels, now events lead at Scottish Rugby, was a 21-year-old freelance producer at the time. Tasked with co-ordinating rehearsals, flag bearers and live calls on the day, she recalls the panic when the music stopped after just one verse. She said: 'It's funny to look back on now, but at the time I thought I'd lose my job. We'd only played both verses before, and at the sound check the pipe band asked if we wanted it once or twice and I said, 'Once is fine, it's only the sound checks'. I thought they knew we'd play both verses for real ahead of the match. 'Minutes later, the pipers stopped playing after the first verse of the anthem and my heart just sank. There I was, in front of 67,000 people, thinking, 'That's it. I'm done. 'But the crowd just kept singing, louder and louder, completely unaccompanied. It gave me goosebumps. From there, it grew a special following. Scotland has never had an anthem singer because at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, the crowd is the singer. It reached a new level that day.' She added: 'It could, and probably should, have been the worst moment of my career, but instead it's the highlight. It's amazing the way it's now done around the world, but I can't help but think 'hey, that's our thing!'' The anthem alone could not inspire Scotland to victory that afternoon, Jason White's side fell 27-6 to France, but the atmosphere it created left a lasting legacy. At first, the a cappella second verse was saved for sell-out matches. Over time, it became a permanent fixture, spreading beyond rugby into football and overseas sporting arenas. Clips of Murrayfield crowds singing unaccompanied have since amassed millions of views on YouTube. Chris Paterson, Scotland's record points-scorer, was among the substitutes that day and remembers the impact on the players. He said: 'The game was pretty forgettable, but the memory of the anthem that day is still vivid. I can remember initially thinking it must be a mistake and being a bit confused but as we sang through the second verse the noise rose and the connection with those in the stadium grew. I then assumed it must have been deliberate! Whether you're a player, coach, fan, or watching at home, it's special. "It's an amazing part of what it means to be part of Scottish rugby. It always makes me smile when I see and hear it done at other events and venues across the world.' The launch of Murrayfield Memories will see stories collected into an online archive, with selected submissions included in the official Centenary Programme later this year. Contributions from Scottish greats and international stars such as Mathieu Bastareaud, Bryan Habana and Quade Cooper will feature alongside fan accounts, reflecting the stadium's global resonance. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The centenary will be marked during the Quilter Nations Series this November, when Scotland host the USA, New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga. The clash with the All Blacks on 8 November will serve as the official Centenary Test. Mark Laidlaw, Scottish Rugby's Director of Stadium Development and Operations, said: 'Scottish Gas Murrayfield has been the backdrop to so many iconic moments, from Calcutta Cup triumphs and Grand Slam glory to unforgettable gigs by Oasis, David Bowie, Tina Turner, Taylor Swift and more. It's a place where families, friends and even whole countries come together to create memories that last a lifetime. 'We want to hear from the millions of people who've helped make the stadium what it is over the past 100 years, whether it's a historic win or the concert you waited 30 years to see. These memories are worth keeping for the next generation and we will be capturing and promoting them this year to continue our Centenary celebrations.'
BBC News
3 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
How a Murrayfield mistake sparked worldwide trend
Scottish Rugby has revealed the iconic a capella second verse of Flower of Scotland began thanks to an innocent mistake from a 21-year-old Murrayfield Stadium turns 100 years old, the governing body explained how what has become a staple of Scotland matches around the world began during a Six Nations game against France in Beels - now Scottish Rugby events lead - was working as a freelance entertainment producer at Murrayfield and said the misunderstanding which led the pipe band to stop playing halfway through the anthem happened during a pre-match sound check."It's funny to look back on now, but at the time I thought I'd lose my job," the 39-year-old said."We'd only played both verses before, and at the sound check the pipe band asked if we wanted it once or twice and I said, 'Once is fine – it's only the sound checks'. I thought they knew we'd play both verses for real ahead of the match."Minutes later, the pipers stopped playing after the first verse of the anthem and my heart just sank. There I was, in front of 67,000 people, thinking, 'That's it. I'm done'."But the crowd just kept singing – louder and louder – completely unaccompanied. It gave me goosebumps. From there, it grew a special following."Scotland has never had an anthem singer because at Murrayfield the crowd is the singer. It reached a new level that day."Ms Beels added: "It could – and probably should – have been the worst moment of my career, but instead it's the highlight."It's amazing the way it's now done around the world, but I can't help but think 'hey – that's our thing'."Although Scotland lost 27-6 that day, Scotland's record points-scorer Chris Paterson said it was a "special" moment."The game was pretty forgettable, but the memory of the anthem that day is still vivid," he said."I can remember initially thinking it must be a mistake and being a bit confused, but as we sang through the second verse the noise rose and the connection with those in the stadium grew."I then assumed it must have been deliberate. Whether you're a player, coach, fan, or watching at home - it's special. It's an amazing part of what it means to be part of Scottish rugby."
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
A capella anthem at international rugby games began as a 'mistake', says Scottish Rugby
The mix-up which sparked the worldwide trend initially led the events manager to think she would lose her job Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Scottish Rugby has revealed the singing of an a cappella second verse of Flower Of Scotland at international matches began with a 'mistake' that initially led one member of staff to fear she would lose her job. On the 100th anniversary of Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scottish Rugby explained that what has now become a worldwide stadium trend began with a mix-up between event organisers and musicians ahead of a 2008 Six Nations clash between Scotland and France. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scottish Rugby events lead Julie Beels, who was then working as a freelance entertainment producer at the stadium, said the misunderstanding which led the pipe band to stop playing mid-way through the anthem happened during a sound check ahead of the match. 'It's funny to look back on now, but at the time I thought I'd lose my job,' the 39-year-old said. 'We'd only played both verses before, and at the sound check the pipe band asked if we wanted it once or twice and I said, 'Once is fine – it's only the sound checks'. 'I thought they knew we'd play both verses for real ahead of the match.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Minutes later, the pipers stopped playing after the first verse of the anthem and my heart just sank. 'There I was, in front of 67,000 people, thinking, 'That's it. I'm done'. 'But the crowd just kept singing – louder and louder – completely unaccompanied. It gave me goosebumps. From there, it grew a special following. 'Scotland has never had an anthem singer because at Scottish Gas Murrayfield the crowd is the singer. It reached a new level that day.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ms Beels, who was 21 at the time, added: 'It could – and probably should – have been the worst moment of my career, but instead it's the highlight. 'It's amazing the way it's now done around the world, but I can't help but think 'hey – that's our thing'.' The anthem did not inspire a win that day – a Jason White-skippered Scotland fell 27-6 to Les Bleus – but the atmosphere it created proved unforgettable. Initially the a cappella version was kept only for major games with sell-out crowds, but it has now become a permanent fixture at the ground, with visiting teams and even football crowds adopting the idea. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Videos of the Murrayfield anthem have become an online sensation, racking up millions of views on sites like YouTube. The idea has also been replicated in sports around the world, from Major League Baseball to the Kentucky Derby. Scotland record points-scorer Chris Paterson, who was part of the squad that day, said it had been a 'special' moment. 'The game was pretty forgettable, but the memory of the anthem that day is still vivid,' he said. 'I can remember initially thinking it must be a mistake and being a bit confused, but as we sang through the second verse the noise rose and the connection with those in the stadium grew. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I then assumed it must have been deliberate. Whether you're a player, coach, fan, or watching at home – it's special. It's an amazing part of what it means to be part of Scottish rugby. 'It always makes me smile when I see and hear it done at other events and venues across the world.' Scottish Rugby is calling on supporters to share their memories of the national stadium to mark its centenary, which will be celebrated during this year's Quilter Nations Series. Scotland will face the USA, New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga on consecutive weekends, with the All Blacks clash on Saturday November 8 being earmarked as the centenary test. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mark Laidlaw, Scottish Rugby's director of stadium development and operations, said: 'Scottish Gas Murrayfield has been the backdrop to so many iconic moments – from Calcutta Cup triumphs and Grand Slam glory to unforgettable gigs by Oasis, David Bowie, Tina Turner, Taylor Swift and more.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I'm the person behind the most famous rendition of Flower of Scotland but it almost got me SACKED
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Flower of Scotland has a special place in the heart of every Scot. But little do most of us know the story behind perhaps the most famous ever rendition of the anthem. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Scotland rugby stars recite Flower of Scotland at Murrayfield Credit: SNS 2 Julie Beels was behind the famous a capella second verse of the anthem Chances are when you think of Scotland's national anthem in a sporting context your mind casts back to Scotland versus Italy in a Euro 2008 qualifier at Hampden in football, or the 2008 Six Nations rugby clash between Scotland and France at Murrayfield. The former was led by the incomparable Ronnie Browne on the mic and might be the most rousing rendition of the song but taking the crown for the most emotive would be the ballad from Murrayfield. That's because it's believed to be the first time that a national anthem was sung by fans at a sporting event without any music. The bagpipes played for the first verse as the 65,000 voices roared in unison alongside them. But for the second verse they fell silent - and the crowd only became louder. It was a stirring moment and has inspired other nations and sporting events to do the same. But the inside story is that it should NEVER have happened. Julie Beels was the matchday entertainment producer at the time and she revealed how it was a pre-match blunder that led to such a defining moment. Beels, now 39 and working as events lead at Scottish Rugby, said she feared for her job when the pipes stopped playing due to a mix-up in communication. She said: 'It's funny to look back on now, but at the time I thought I'd lose my job. We'd only played both verses before, and at the sound check the pipe band asked if we wanted it once or twice and I said, 'Once is fine – it's only the sound checks'. Fans flood Edinburgh from all over the world for final Oasis gig at Murrayfield 'I thought they knew we'd play both verses for real ahead of the match! 'Minutes later, the pipers stopped playing after the first verse of the anthem and my heart just sank. 'There I was, in front of 67,000 people, thinking, 'That's it. I'm done. 'But the crowd just kept singing – louder and louder – completely unaccompanied. It gave me goosebumps. 'From there, it grew a special following. Scotland has never had an anthem singer because at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, the crowd is the singer. It reached a new level that day.' She added: 'It could – and probably should – have been the worst moment of my career, but instead it's the highlight. 'It's amazing the way it's now done around the world, but I can't help but think 'hey – that's our thing!'' Scotland lost that day but even the players remember the emotional impact of the unique version of the anthem. Even they thought it must have been on purpose since it worked so well. Fan favourite Chris Paterson, now 47, said: 'The game was pretty forgettable, but the memory of the anthem that day is still vivid. 'I can remember initially thinking it must be a mistake and being a bit confused but as we sang through the second verse the noise rose and the connection with those in the stadium grew. 'I then assumed it must have been deliberate! 'Whether you're a player, coach, fan, or watching at home – it's special. 'It's an amazing part of what it means to be part of Scottish rugby. It always makes me smile when I see and hear it done at other events and venues across the world.' Murrayfield is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. It has just played host to the Scottish leg of Oasis' comeback tour, with three sold-out gigs at the Edinburgh venue. Now fans are being invited to share their memories of the stadium, which will form part of an online archive. Some of the best stories will be chosen for the ground's official centenary programme, which will be published ahead of the Autumn test matches in November. Mark Laidlaw, Scottish Rugby's director of stadium development and operations, said: 'Scottish Gas Murrayfield has been the backdrop to so many iconic moments – from Calcutta Cup triumphs and Grand Slam glory to unforgettable gigs by Oasis, David Bowie, Tina Turner, Taylor Swift and more. It's a place where families, friends and even whole countries come together to create memories that last a lifetime. 'We want to hear from the millions of people who've helped make the stadium what it is over the past 100 years – whether it's a historic win or the concert you waited 30 years to see. 'These memories are worth keeping for the next generation and we will be capturing and promoting them this year to continue our Centenary celebrations.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
STV News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- STV News
Murrayfield anthem mix-up that sparked worldwide stadium trend recalled
Scottish Rugby has revealed the singing of an a cappella second verse of Flower Of Scotland at international matches began with a 'mistake' that initially led one member of staff to fear she would lose her job. On the 100th anniversary of Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scottish Rugby explained that what has now become a worldwide stadium trend began with a mix-up between event organisers and musicians ahead of a 2008 Six Nations clash between Scotland and France. Scottish Rugby events lead Julie Beels, who was then working as a freelance entertainment producer at the stadium, said the misunderstanding which led the pipe band to stop playing mid-way through the anthem happened during a sound check ahead of the match. 'It's funny to look back on now, but at the time I thought I'd lose my job,' the 39-year-old said. 'We'd only played both verses before, and at the sound check the pipe band asked if we wanted it once or twice and I said, 'Once is fine – it's only the sound checks'. I thought they knew we'd play both verses for real ahead of the match. 'Minutes later, the pipers stopped playing after the first verse of the anthem and my heart just sank. There I was, in front of 67,000 people, thinking, 'That's it. I'm done'. 'But the crowd just kept singing – louder and louder – completely unaccompanied. It gave me goosebumps. From there, it grew a special following. 'Scotland has never had an anthem singer because at Scottish Gas Murrayfield the crowd is the singer. It reached a new level that day.' Ms Beels, who was 21 at the time, added: 'It could – and probably should – have been the worst moment of my career, but instead it's the highlight. 'It's amazing the way it's now done around the world, but I can't help but think 'hey – that's our thing'.' The anthem did not inspire a win that day – a Jason White-skippered Scotland fell 27-6 to Les Bleus – but the atmosphere it created proved unforgettable. PA Media Chris Paterson, centre, said the anthem that day had been 'special'. Initially the a cappella version was kept only for major games with sell-out crowds, but it has now become a permanent fixture at the ground, with visiting teams and even football crowds adopting the idea. Videos of the Murrayfield anthem have become an online sensation, racking up millions of views on sites like YouTube. The idea has also been replicated in sports around the world, from Major League Baseball to the Kentucky Derby. Scotland record points-scorer Chris Paterson, who was part of the squad that day, said it had been a 'special' moment. 'The game was pretty forgettable, but the memory of the anthem that day is still vivid,' he said. 'I can remember initially thinking it must be a mistake and being a bit confused, but as we sang through the second verse the noise rose and the connection with those in the stadium grew. 'I then assumed it must have been deliberate. Whether you're a player, coach, fan, or watching at home – it's special. It's an amazing part of what it means to be part of Scottish rugby. 'It always makes me smile when I see and hear it done at other events and venues across the world.' Scottish Rugby is calling on supporters to share their memories of the national stadium to mark its centenary, which will be celebrated during this year's Quilter Nations Series. Scotland will face the USA, New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga on consecutive weekends, with the All Blacks clash on Saturday November 8 being earmarked as the centenary test. Mark Laidlaw, Scottish Rugby's director of stadium development and operations, said: 'Scottish Gas Murrayfield has been the backdrop to so many iconic moments – from Calcutta Cup triumphs and Grand Slam glory to unforgettable gigs by Oasis, David Bowie, Tina Turner, Taylor Swift and more. 'We want to hear from the millions of people who've helped make the stadium what it is over the past 100 years – whether it's a historic win or the concert you waited 30 years to see.' To submit your Murrayfield Memory, visit Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
