War Child announce an incredible new album!

War Child Music | 22nd September 2008

“Heroes”, released by EMI’s Parlophone label in February 2009, features a unique and unprecedented collaboration between the biggest names in music history and today’s hottest artists, working with 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 concept of “Heroes” is that the biggest legends in music, including Sir Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Brian Wilson and The Clash, select one of the classic tracks from their own songwriting canon, and nominate an artist from the next generation to create a modern reworking of that classic song.

You'll have to sit tight and wait for a full track listing, but here's a little taster of what is already shaping up to be a musical tour-de-force with some of the following tracks:

DUFFY covering SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY’S “LIVE AND LET DIE”

HOT CHIP covering JOY DIVISION’S “TRANSMISSION”

BECK covering BOB DYLAN’S “LEOPARD-SKIN PILL-BOX HAT”

BRIAN WILSON nominating RUFUS WAINWRIGHT , who performs a medley of two tracks from "Smile"

THE KOOKS covering THE KINKS’ “VICTORIA”.

The album cover has been created for War Child by John Squire, who did the artwork for the legendary “Help” album, the first to be released to benefit the charity.

Featuring on the "Help" album in 1995, and on board in 2008 for "Heroes", Sir Paul McCartney spoke of his excitement for the forthecoming album saying:

"I have been supporting War Child since 1995. 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."

Miles Leonard, MD of Parlophone said:

“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. 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 organisation for many years now so I am delighted that Parlophone has been able to lend its support”

The "Heroes" album will go towards helping War Child's work in protecting the most hard to reach children who have been hit by a combination of war, poverty and marginalisation. The importance of such a record was expressed by War Child's CEO, Mark Waddington:

“The prosecution of war on children outrages us. 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 marginalised by war, the real heroes.”

If you want to be the first to know any War Child news, ranging from updates on the Heroes album and other music projects, to the latest actions supporting our work, simply sign up to our newsletter.

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