(A True Story of Dreams, Drama, and Dubious Chart Positions)
2003 was a wild year. Finding Nemo made us all cry over a fish, Outkast told us to “shake it like a Polaroid picture,” and somewhere in the middle of all that, a small, ginger, well-dressed fox decided to have his own pop music era.
Yes, Basil Brush — the puppet icon, the woodland legend, the undisputed king of “Boom Boom!” — released a single. And not just any single. This was Boom Boom, the song, the statement, the cultural reset nobody asked for but everyone secretly needed.
The Build-Up
For most of us, Basil lived in the safe, chaotic world of CBBC. He was cheeky, quick-witted, and had the kind of banter that made your dad say “he’s a clever little fella, isn’t he?” But then… the music industry came calling. Or maybe he just wandered into a recording studio looking for biscuits — we may never know.
One minute he’s interviewing guests on The Basil Brush Show, the next he’s in a sound booth, probably demanding his rider include at least three sausage rolls.
The Song
I’m going to be honest: lyrically, Boom Boom will never be studied alongside Shakespeare. But as a work of performance art? 10/10. It’s Basil shouting “Boom Boom” in a variety of intonations over very 2003 pop production — bouncy synths, drum machine sparkle, and pure “Smash Hits compilation” energy.
And you know what? It works. Because Basil believes it. You can hear it in his voice. This isn’t just a catchphrase. It’s a lifestyle.
The Video
Oh, the video. I’m 90% sure it was shot on a budget of £4.50 and a packet of Party Rings. Picture this: Basil dancing in a studio, kids in questionable early-2000s denim, and graphics straight out of a CBBC weekend sting. Somewhere in the background, I swear there’s a random bloke who might have been in Byker Grove.
There’s a moment where Basil just vibes with the backing dancers, and it’s honestly the most joyful thing I’ve ever seen.
The Aftermath
Did it hit number one? No. Did it even hit the top 40? Also no. But it hit our hearts. For a brief, glorious moment, Basil was a pop star. And while the world moved on to Busted and Girls Aloud, some of us still remember the day a puppet fox taught us that if you say something with enough confidence, you can make it music.
Daisy’s Corner
DAISY: “Look, I was into Basil BEFORE the single. Back when it was just about the comedy, not the fame. Then he went all mainstream and started doing key changes. Next thing you know, he’s wearing sunglasses indoors and refusing to sign my tail plushie. Sellout.”
ME: “You never even owned the plushie.”
DAISY: “Details.”
If you ever find yourself doubting your potential, remember: if Basil Brush can have a pop career, so can you. Boom boom.
Asten Does Nostalgia 
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