Would love to talk but, er, things to do. Celebrating National Tequila Day today (July 24)! And as much as we’d like you to offer you a popper, this video will have to suffice.

“Tequila” was recorded by The Champs in 1958 and hit No. 1 on both the pop and R&B charts, going on to become an all-time party favourite. Alas, the sequel “Too Much Tequila” didn’t rate.

The classic instrumental – with only three words spoken – has been covered dozens of times over the years, including a priceless PeeWee Herman movie version in a biker bar, but here’s a live version by the original band from the Saturday Night Beech-Nut show in 1958, set up by an impossibly young Dick Clark.

Salud!

Lyrics

Tequila!