Legendary rockers Queen accompanied by Adam Lambert have released a “We Are the Champions” charity remix, aimed at honouring the many brave front-line workers continuing to put their lives on the line during the global Coronavirus lockdown and to raise money for charity. The track was recorded virtually and features an apt modification to some of the already memorable lyrics to add poignancy in these challenging times, by stressing that “you are the champions” with reference to healthcare workers.
The original “We Are the Champions” track featured on Queen’s iconic 1977 “News of the World” album and was written by the late, great Freddie Mercury.
It was released as a single at the time, with an equally unforgettable – if amazingly short at only two minutes duration - B- side of “We Will Rock You”, as the British rock band firmly established themselves at the forefront of the 1970s Music industry. Enjoying global chart success in both the UK and America, “We Are the Champions” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2009 and topped a Sony Ericsson world music poll in 2005.
Raising funds for World Health Organisation fund
Long-established as a firm favourite among sports followers up and down the country thanks to its ability to engender the deep emotions of enjoying success by all pulling together as a team, the song was adopted as an official theme tune for the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Now the virtual partnership of Brian May, Roger Taylor and Lambert are hoping that their new recording of the classic Queen track can help to bolster the efforts of the World Health Organisations’ COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
Charity song releases top the charts
During these times of deep distress and concern, several charity music releases have sought to raise awareness and essential funds for those in need and the people on the front-line battling the coronavirus pandemic.
These have included the much-lauded Colonel Tom Moore’s inspiring if slightly unlikely partnership with Michael Ball in aid of the NHS for their UK number one cover of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and the Foo Fighters’ star-studded cover of their track “Times Like These”. The latter features not only charismatic lead singer Dave Grohl, but also the vocals of Chris Martin, Dua Lipa, Ellie Goulding and Rita Ora and has stormed to the top of the UK charts as it seeks to raise funds for Children In Need and Comic Relief.
Consolation from popular tracks
The lockdown and tragedy of recent events has clearly deeply affected the world population as they seek to come to terms with what they are experiencing and sharing emotionally, and the lyrics of many popular tracks seem to be offering some consolation and optimism for the future.