“Sebastian” was recorded by multi-national band Far Corporation in 1987. It was released that year by IMP Productions (Europe) and Arista Records (UK) as the second and final single from their shelved second studio album, Advantage. Produced by Frank Fabian, the song, originally recorded by Cockney Rebel for The Human Menagerie (1973), was written by Steve Harley. The accompanying music video featured a cameo appearance from Harley.
Background
Far Corporation was established by the German record producer Frank Farian in 1985. Their version of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven”, released as a single from their 1985 debut album Division One, reached number 8 in the UK Singles Chart in 1985 and number 86 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. The band then recorded a second album, Advantage, which included a version of Cockney Rebel’s “Sebastian”.
“Sebastian” was released as the upcoming album’s second single in 1987, following “One by One”. It was released by IMP Productions in Europe in June 1987 and by Arista Records in the UK on 10 August 1987. It failed to achieve commercial success and did not enter any major national music charts. As a result of the poor commercial performance of both singles, Advantage was shelved. A revised version, with some new recordings, was eventually released as Solitude by MCI in Germany in 1994. The album contained “Sebastian” as the third track.
Music video
Harley approved of Far Corporation’s version of “Sebastian” and agreed to make an appearance in the accompanying music video. It was directed by Rudi Dolezal and Hannes Rossacher, and was shot in Ireland. On 29 August 1987, the band also appeared on the German TV show Na Siehste! to promote the single, with Harley making an appearance as the keyboardist.
Critical reception
Upon its release, Alan Poole of the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph stated, “The band who shamelessly plundered ‘Stairway to Heaven’ make a much more acceptable job of the old Cockney Rebel number.” Winston of the Fife Free Press concluded, “Far Corporation turn their attention this time around to the Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel classic ‘Sebastian’. Excellent in its way but not chart material methinks.” John Lee of the Huddersfield Daily Examiner wrote, “This is Steve Harley’s song with a restructuring courtesy of latter-day techno-pomp-rockers Far Corporation. I didn’t like what they did to Led Zeppelin’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’, and I’m not overjoyed about this one, either.” A reviewer for the Halifax Evening Courier noted, “An ancient Steve Harley cut gets the corporation treatment but that moody synthesiser only succeeds in putting me to sleep.” Steve Johnston of the Evening News and Star remarked, “‘Sebastian’ leads me, against my better judgement, to praise boring old Steve Harley. At least his original had the sweep of something tackily grand. Far Coporation just sound contorted with age.”
Track listing
7-inch single (UK and Europe)
- “Sebastian” – 4:27
- “You Never Have to Say You Love Me” – 3:40
12-inch single (UK and Europe)
- “Sebastian” (Complete Version) – 6:02
- “You Never Have to Say You Love Me” – 3:40
- “Sebastian” (Radio Version) – 4:27
Personnel
- Robin McAuley – vocals
- Bobby Kimball – vocals
- David Baretto – vocals
- Frank Farian – vocals
Production
- Frank Farian – producer (both tracks)
