16.11.2023: On Tuesday November 14, UK Music sponsored a very special event in Speaker’s House, celebrating the 20th anniversary of MP4. 

MP4 is Parliament’s first and only rock band. Its members are Kevin Brennan, Labour MP for Cardiff West; Pete Wishart, Scottish National Party (SNP) MP for Perth and North Perthshire; Sir Greg Knight, Conservative MP for East Yorkshire and Ian Cawsey, former Labour MP for Brigg and Goole. 

Kevin Brennan, Labour MP for Cardiff West performing in MP4.

The band were introduced to the stage by The Undertones singer and previous chief executive of UK Music, Feargal Sharkey, who reflected on the band’s time together and the excellent contribution they have collectively made to both music and politics. 

The band opened with a rousing rendition of I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas, before heading in to classics such as Knock On Wood, Shang-a-Lang and Don’t Look Back In Anger, all featuring some great audience participation. They also performed a medley of political songs, including D:Ream’s Things Can Only Get Better, which went down very well with the crowd. 

Pete Wishart, SNP MP for Perth and North Perthshire on the keys.

Goody bags provided by lottery operator Allwyn meant guests walked away from the event with their very own Greg & Ian & Kev & Pete t-shirts, as worn by the band on the night, plus a CD with the band’s greatest hits and a copy of the UK Music Manifesto for Music. 

Sir Greg Knight, Conservative MP for East Yorkshire keeping the beat at the MP4 show.

Attendees included MPs, Peers and advisors across different political parties plus representatives from the music industry including UK Music members PRS for Music, MPG, the Musicians’ Union and more. 

Kevin Brennan MP said: 

‘Thanks UK Music for supporting the 20th anniversary of MP4, the world’s greatest (and only) parliamentary rock band, with a special gig at the Speaker’s House in the House of Commons.

“20 years, same four guys, same three chords and still legends in our own imaginations. Seriously our mission is to bring people together – cross-party – through music. We think we’ve helped to do that over our two decades of rock n roll – but not as you know it.”

Pictures from the event can be seen here.