by Staff Writer
Tuesday, 24th February 2026
Roy Hay, founding member of the globally celebrated band Culture Club, has written and composed the original score for the upcoming documentary 'Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story'.
Culture Club rose to international prominence in the 1980s with chart-topping hits including Karma Chameleon, Do You Really Want to Hurt Me, and Time (Clock of the Heart), selling more than 100 million records worldwide.
The band became known not only for its genre-blending sound — combining pop, reggae, soul, and new wave — but also for representing diversity and individuality at a time when music and culture were rapidly evolving. The group has recently experienced a revival, returning to international touring and introducing their message of inclusion and creativity to new audiences.
A lifelong West Ham United supporter, Roy Hay grew up in London’s East End watching Clyde Best play. As a reflection of that loyalty, his Los Angeles music studio is aptly named Hammer Sound.
After learning about the film, Hay approached the production team with a desire to be involved in telling the story of a player who helped change English football.
“What an inspiration Clyde was and is – not just to West Ham fans but all football fans around the world,” said Hay. “I consider Clyde’s story to be a very important one that needs to be told and I had a great time writing the music to underscore this legendary player’s story.”
In addition to scoring the film, Hay has written a Clyde-inspired title song, “Never Gonna Get Me Down,” performed by breakthrough artist Nick Celino. The song will appear both on the film’s soundtrack and on Celino’s new album being released later this year.
Hay’s score brings Clyde Best’s journey to life through music — blending the sounds of East London, the rich culture of Bermuda, and the vibrant disco energy of 1970’s America, where Best became a star in the North American Soccer League. The soundtrack reflects both the emotional and cultural arc of Clyde’s story, bridging continents and eras.
“Moving between the different genres of music to tell this story has been both challenging and very rewarding,” added Hay. “Writing everything from Calypso to pure 70’s soul and disco has been a real musical adventure.”
Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story chronicles the life and legacy of the first Black football superstar of the modern television era in England and a pioneering figure whose impact on the global game continues to resonate today.
The World Premiere will take place at Sadler’s Wells East in London, March 25–28, 2026, followed by a run of shows in Bermuda in April and a tour through select U.S. cities in May, June and July.
For more information, visit www.ClydeBest.com.
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