McNutt Against the Music

This has to be seen to be believed: a chorus of elderly senior citizens, many of whom live in care homes, have formed a rock band in the interest of sticking it to the society that’s cast them aside. They’re called the Zimmers, and they’ve been assembled by a BBC documentary crew for an upcoming special the network is airing in May. Their single, a cover of the Who’s “My Generation,” is being released next month, but the video is going viral as we speak. It’s sweet and silly and surreal all at the same time. Check it out:

More from the BBC:

The 40-strong band, which includes some centenarians, recorded My Generation at the legendary studio two at Abbey Road – the very place where the Beatles recorded most of their hits.

Leading figures from the music industry – including a top U2 producer – have thrown their weight behind the group, which was the brainchild of documentary maker Tim Samuels, who has made a series about disenfranchised groups fighting back.

He has brought together the 40 old people, including pensioners tired of life in old age homes and those suffering from social isolation in their own communities.

…

For lead singer Alf Carretta, from London, potential rock stardom at the age of 90 has been unexpected.

“I can’t believe this is happening. For me to have recorded a song in the same studio as the Beatles is just so exciting.

“I feel like the whole experience has brought me back to life. I was stuck in a rut and now I feel alive again,” adds Alf.

Winnifred Warbuton, aged 99 and from Derby, describes the Abbey Road recording as “the best day in her life”. She has moved 16 times to find an old people’s home that keeps her stimulated.

The Zimmers’ video of My Generation is already starting to become a cult hit on the internet, with tens of thousands of hits on sites including YouTube, while the group have their own page on MySpace.

You can visit the Zimmers’ MySpace page here.