Shannon Noll sings ‘What About Free’ in landmark digital sports rights launched by Channel Seven
Frustrated sports lovers screaming “What about me?” might finally see their prayers answered in Channel Seven’s seismic shift towards mass live streaming of Australia’s favourite sports.
Launched on Saturday, its catchy “What About Free” advertising campaign enlists Aussie music legend Shannon Noll to spruik the extensive broadcasts accessible on 7plus with a twist to his debut single.
It begins with the Brownlow Medal on Monday night.
The “launch of 7plus Sport represents the most significant change in Australian sport in decades”, Seven Digital Group Managing Director, Gereurd Roberts said.
In addition to AFL and the summer of cricket, the platform will offer horse racing, LIV Golf, boxing, Supercars, netball, and a host of other sports live and free on any device.
Returning commentator Bruce McAvaney, cricket legend Ricky Ponting, and former Richmond superstar Matthew Richardson are just some of the headline acts supporting Noll in delivering the news.
A week out from Saturday’s AFL Grand Final, the footy-lover was “tickled pink” to get the call-up as 7plus Sport’s first ‘fanbassador’.
Camera Icon###EMBARGOED UNTIL 6PM SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2024, NOT FOR PUBLISH BEFORE THIS DATE.### Shannon Noll announced as 7plus SPORT Fanbassador Jeremy Greive Credit: Jeremy Greive
“To able to have something that I personally align with as strongly as I do with this campaign doesn’t come along very often,” Noll told The Sunday Times.
An avid sports fan himself, Noll joked it would be a “tough gig” appearing in a professional capacity at golf, footy, or horse racing events where required.
Growing up in regional NSW, largely Rugby League heartland, the 49-year-old and his two older brothers Adam and Damian were raised with a ball in their hands and enjoyed promising early careers playing cricket and footy.
Competing against and alongside the famous Daniher family in Neil, Terry and Chris, the singer labelled next-generation Brisbane star Joe Daniher an “absolute legend” and enjoys watching him play.
Finding parallels between music and the footy field, Noll revealed his 2005 hit Lift was inspired by the challenges of team sport.
“Lift came from being down at three quarter time, and the coach saying, ‘Come on boys, just one more quarter’,” he said.
“There’s a lot you can attribute my music to in the sporting arena.”
Camera IconBruce McAvaney will return to the commentary box for the AFL preliminary finals and grand final Credit: Supplied
Despite touring as a solo artist, Noll plays the role of captain to his band of travelling teammates.
“My brother’s in the band and a couple of other boys, for a good seven or eight years now. So we’re very tight-knit,” Noll said.
“Being on the road together a long time, we sort of think of it as a bit of a team, because we’ve all got our individual roles.”
In April, he released a 20th anniversary collectors edition of his debut album That’s What I’m Talking About, including a new single featuring Cosima De Vito from Australian Idol’s first season in 2003.
But that’s not the only former competitor he’s reunited with, hosting winner Guy Sebastian on his podcast series Idol Talking With Nollsie in March where the duo pondered joining forces, and dispelling misconceptions.
“Guy and I’ve been so supportive of each other right from day dot. The first time I heard him sing, I thought, Oh, he’s gonna win,” Noll said.
“We’ve talked about doing some writing in the new year together, so we’ll see what fruits that bears. But I think it would be great after all this time for Guy and I to put out a single together.”
Kicking off a national tour earlier this month, Noll will bring his signature sound to WA’s Yellowfields Festival in the Chapman Valley on November 16.
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