By Tim Saunders on
War Child has announced the release of their biggest and most ambitious album to date: Heroes.
The album – to be released on November 24 – will raise money for the charity, which works to help children around the world affected by war. It will feature a series of once-in-a-lifetime collaborations between some of the best known names in the music world and up-and-coming stars – a concept that mirrors one of the intrinsic aims of War Child’s worldwide efforts in war zones across the world – to place faith in the next generation.
The idea behind the project is to have stars such as Sir Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and Brian Wilson select one of their best-known classic songs and nominate a new artist to record a cover of the track.
“I have been supporting War Child since 1995,” said McCartney, whose 1973 hit Live and Let Die is being covered by Duffy for the album. “Their work with children in war zones saves lives and their work with those who take decisions that help them to do something about it saves even more lives. I think Duffy’s version of ‘Live And Let Die’ is great – I was really impressed. The breadth of talent on this project is amazing; it’s great that so many people gave their time, energy and support to this initiative. I urge everyone to support War Child.”
Other artists taking part in the project include Beck, who will cover Dylan’s Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat; Rufus Wainwright, who will perform a medley from Wilson’s Smile; and The Kooks, who will cover The Kinks’ Victoria. Other musicians will be announced over the next few months.
“Heroes (Vol 1) is the most innovative and exciting War Child album to date and therefore it was essential for me that Parlophone be involved,” said Miles Leonard, Musical Director for Parlophone. “It is very rewarding to see so many artists giving so generously of their time for such a worthwhile cause. I’ve admired the War Child organization for many years now so I am delighted that Parlophone has been able to lend its support.”
The album follows the highly successful Help benefit album – also featuring McCartney – that was released in 1995.
“The prosecution of war on children outrages us,” said Mike Waddinton, CEO of War Child UK. “And War Child shares this outrage with many, many people. The generosity of the legendary and talented artists who have made this album happen is helping us to harness this outrage and do something really positive for children marginalized by war, the real heroes.”
Heroes will be available wherever good music is sold, and Look To The Stars will bring you more information as it is released.
Copyright © 2008 Look to the Stars
