In "Music meets Football", we speak to some of our artists about their love of the beautiful game and the teams they support. Our latest feature is with Shane Callaghan of The Now.
The lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist is one of two Manchester United supporters among the South Wales rockers, along with drummer Will Scott. Completed by Callum Bromage (guitar/vocals) and Matti Huxtable (bass guitar/vocals), the quartet’s kinetic energy ensures that not only will you see one of the best shows around, there’s a place for you to escape the mundane fallacies of day to day life and to be part of something bigger than you can imagine. Their hooky, instantly relatable music has received support from the likes of BBC Radio 2, Planet Rock, Sirius XM and more.
Last month saw the band release their new single, ‘Roll With It’. The latest taste of a forthcoming EP, the fast- moving track that gets the adrenaline pumping and proves their versatility. You can listen to ‘Roll With It’ on Red Devils Records – our unofficial Manchester United playlist – on Spotify.
Sport Playlists: Tell us about how you became a fan of Manchester United.
Shane Callaghan: I became a fan of Manchester United mainly because of my father, who is Irish. He has always been a devoted supporter of the club, and growing up hearing his stories and watching games together made it natural for me to follow in his footsteps. The club’s rich history and large Irish following were big draws for me as well.
SP: What are your earliest memories of attending a game at Old Trafford?
SC: My earliest memories of attending a game at Old Trafford are from when I was around eight or nine-years0old against Watford at home – we won 4-2. The atmosphere was electric and I remember being overwhelmed by the sea of red and the chants of the fans. One particular match that stands out is when we played against Liverpool — the rivalry and intensity were palpable, and I knew I was part of something special.
SP: Who were your footballing heroes growing up – whether that be United players or otherwise?
SC: Growing up, my footballing heroes were undoubtedly players like Ryan Giggs obviously with me being Welsh and Eric Cantona. I also admired players like Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba and Luka Modrić.
SP: Did you ever have any aspirations about becoming a professional footballer when you were a child? If so, how far did they go towards becoming a reality?
SC: Yes, I did have aspirations of becoming a professional footballer as a child. I played in local leagues and went to some football camps, but as I got older, I realized that while I loved the game, music was my passion and wanted to give that my 100% instead.
SP: What’s the best moment been in your time supporting your club?
SC: The best moment in my time supporting Manchester United has to be the when we won the Champions League in 2008.
SP: What are your hopes for the 2025/26 season?
SC: I hope to see Manchester United competing more seriously for the Premier League title again. I know there have been ups and downs in recent seasons, but with Ruben Amorin in charge, I believe we can contend for a spot in the top 5.
SP: Who are your favourite players in your club’s current squad?
SC: I love Bruno Fernandes. His vision, creativity, and leadership on the pitch have been tremendous for the team.
SP: How important has the crossover between music and football been in your life?
SC: The crossover between music and football has been significant in my life. Both have been forms of expression for me, and I think the passion found in football novels its way into music. Songs and chants can evoke such strong emotions, and there’s a natural connection between singing in the stands and performing on stage.
SP: What song do you associate with a cherished footballing memory?
SC: ‘This is the One’ by Stone Roses.
SP: If you had to pick one of The Now’s songs for your club to walk out to before kick-off at their ground, which one would it be?
SC: ‘Devil Inside Me’.
SP: You’ve just released latest single, ‘Roll With It’. What’s the reaction been like to the track since its release?
SC: The reaction to ‘Roll With It’, has been fantastic! Fans have been telling us how much they resonate with the lyrics.
SP: What plans do you have in store for the rest of 2025 that fans can look forward to?
SC: We have plans for a UK tour, which I’m incredibly excited about. We’ll be sharing new music and connecting with fans at various venues. We’ll also have some surprise announcements, so stay tuned!
