"Shaddap You Face" is a classic novelty song released in by American-born singer and poet Joe Dolce (often performing as Joe Dolce Music Theatre ). Written as an ode to Dolce's Italian-American roots, it features the character "Giuseppe" and uses phrases Dolce remembered from his grandparents. Commercial Impact
: It reached number one in 15 countries , including Australia, the UK, Germany, and New Zealand. Shaddap You Face - Joe Dolce
: In the UK, it famously kept Ultravox’s "Vienna" at the No. 2 spot for three weeks, a fact still lamented by some music fans and Ultravox frontman Midge Ure. Musical & Cultural Context "Shaddap You Face" is a classic novelty song
: It sold over 6 million copies worldwide and remained Australia’s best-selling single for over three decades. : In the UK, it famously kept Ultravox’s
The song was a massive global phenomenon, setting several records for an Australian-produced single: