Michigan Fight Song 1897-1909: A Hot Time In The Old Town Tonight

A Hot Time In The Old Town Tonight was Michigan's fight song before The Victors was written in 1898. From 1897-1909, the Michigan Marching Band played this as Michigan's fight song after scores and wins. It eventually faded into obscurity after The Victors was finally embraced as the Michigan fight song until 2022 when the Michigan Marching Band brought the song back. It is now played whenever Michigan is destroying an opponent, making its debut in the 45-23 win over Ohio State.

[@alexpeck9652]

A member of the Michigan band here! Getting to debut this tune during the Nebraska halftime show this year has been great and I’m super glad we’ve been playing it in the stands recently. It’s one of my personal favorites! You may start seeing it at some other Michigan sporting event at which there is a band too! I also have struggled to find an instrumental recording of this tune besides the one we played. Unfortunately, since we played part of this tune facing backfield, there are portions of the recording which are quieter. Hopefully the sound still comes across pretty well though!

[@stevekov6740]

Have a great season! Always been a fan of the Michigan Marching Band. It just wouldn't be a game at the Big House without it.

[@mr.c.103]

Was wondering why they played this near the end of the OSU game and after they scored the last TD in the B1G title game. Now I know, Its catchy as hell Go Blue 〽️

[@garymoore1600]

Me too! It’s been bothering me trying to find this great song

[@God-jn3ym]

I know someone in the MMB! They played it earlier this year for the band’s 125th anniversary. They had no plan to play it at the OSU game, but that game was just too good, they couldn’t resist. Same situation with Purdue

[@Uscfootballlover]

Michgan

[@maheshr4305]

They also played it vs OSU after the Makari Paige INT, but it was harder to hear

[@ryanmoore7687]

Fun fact the 1902 team beat ohio state 86-0 which remains the largest margin of victory by either team, they also outscored their opponents by a combined score of 644-12 finished with a 11-0 record and a national championship

[@carrpat420]

Thats awesome that brought it back and it what a perfect moment

[@hornalleyproductions]

I always thought that The Victors was always Michigan's fight song but it is cool to hear this piece of Michigan football history.

[@henrysprague6764]

You’ll notice we also played it after the last int at ohio 😉

[@bolewis3234]

Not as good as The Victors but still a cool little piece of Michigan football history

[@parkinggod]

Hey WD - I'm recruiting for Michigan in this year's College Football Risk; could I get you to put an announcement on your Community page?

[@uofm_community]

Tough loss.. Lets keep fighting!!

[@greenie43]

Go Blue!!!!! 😎👍

[@jeffreyspangler9617]

I always thought Varsity was that song. huh.

[@THE_flushingtoilet]

Michigan played this when they destroyed Blowhio this year

[@TheMagnificentPuertoRican]

Did they again this year?

[@spencershark]

@@TheMagnificentPuertoRican I don't think so but they did after the Washington game.

[@THE_flushingtoilet]

Texas a&m also uses this