The 2011 Official Poppy Appeal Single for The Royal British Legion went on sale this week – with a bullet. The single went straight to the top of the Amazon charts.
I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You by The Soldiers with Robin Gibb went on sale Sunday and had its ceremonial debut on Monday when The Soldiers performed it for Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street. The Soldiers performed an a capella version of the song in front of an audience of decorated ex-Service people at the Prime Minister’s home.
The Legion’s Director of Fundraising Russell Thompson said: “It is the first time serving soldiers have sung the official single for the Poppy Appeal and we’re honoured that this great song was performed at No 10 Downing Street today, The song is incredibly moving to hear and reminds listeners to think of those serving in Afghanistan. We’re proud to be associated with The Soldiers and to have this song as the official tune of the Poppy Appeal in our 90th anniversary year.”
The single now sits at the top of the Amazon UK singles sales charts, ahead of offerings from One Direction, Erasure, Westlife, and Noel Gallagher.
“We’re delighted it’s been so well received,” said a Legion spokesman. “Now let’s keep the momentum going to make Robin Gibb and The Soldiers the Number One single on the Official UK Charts for Remembrance Sunday.”
The Soldiers – Sergeant Major Gary Chilton, Staff Sergeant Richie Maddocks and Lance Corporal Ryan Idzi – were aware of Robin Gibb’s charitable work for the troops and big fans of the Bee Gees. They approached Robin to ask if he would be up for a collaboration, and were over the moon when he agreed.
Sgt Maj Gary Chilton said: "As serving soldiers, it’s a huge privilege to be involved in something as special as the Poppy Appeal and perform at No 10 Downing Street. We hope every single person in the country embraces the Appeal and gives back to those who sacrifice so much for our country.
“The Royal British Legion is a wonderful organisation which provides so much practical help to the Armed Forces. It is there to pick up people who have fallen on hard times. For example, Ryan’s dad used to serve in the Welsh Guards and when his lift broke down, the Legion was able to sort it out for him, which was fantastic.”
If the single makes it to the top of the Official UK Singles Charts, it would mark a record-breaking six consecutive decades with a Number One single for Robin Gibb.
’I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You’ has been produced by the legendary Nick Patrick (Katherine Jenkins, Russell Watson) and Jeff Chegwin. Robin Gibb wrote the track with his brothers Barry and Maurice and it was originally recorded by the Bee Gees in 1968, becoming their second Number One single on the UK singles chart.
The single is now available from Amazon, HMV, www.poppyshop.org.uk and other leading outlets.
