The GARY (IN) POST TRIBUNE ain’t looking for trouble, they’re just talking with Gary Fencik about the “Super Bowl Shuffle”.
The all-time interception leader for the Chicago Bears, who nowadays serves as a corporate speaker, reminisces about the 1985 song during a talk at the Gary Old-Timers banquet.
But what he remembers most is the reluctance of many Bears to take part in such a musical adventure, especially recording the song & accompanying video before the playoffs even started: “We thought, ‘Wow! This is stupid. We’re going to jinx ourselves.’”
(Speedy Willie with SbB Girl Melissa)
But Willie Gault, who came up with the rap idea, eventually prevailed, and the record went on to sell 50,000 copies. As for the Bears, they shuffled their way to New Orleans, where they pummeled the Patriots B.B.B.* in Super Bowl XX.
(*-Before Brady & Belichick)
Even though the song was a big seller, not much of the music’s moolah went to the Monsters of the Midway. When it came to receiving any profits, Fencik replied, “We got ripped off.”
But Gary must have forgotten the words sung by Sweetness himself - the late, great Walter Payton:
“We’re not doing this because we’re greedy.
The Bears are doin’ it to feed the needy.”
To remember the contributions from all your favorites, from Samurai Mike to Steve Fuller, here’s a handy lyric list.
So, next time you’re feeling down, just remember what #45 “Mr. Clean” taught us so long ago:
“Come on everybody, let’s scream and yell,
We’re goin’ to do the Shuffle, then ring your bell.”
