Queen and Adam Lambert have released a newly-recorded version of the band’s 1977 classic, “We Are The Champions”, in support of COVID-19 Relief.
A tribute to front-line healthcare workers around the world, “You Are The Champions” was recorded in isolation on mobile phones, with guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor in the UK and singer Adam Lambert in Los Angeles.
The updated version of the song was initiated by a recent online jam call from May on Instagram, with Taylor and Lambert adding their parts, with the singer changing the lyric mid-song to "YOU Are The Champions."
A new video for the song mixes the jam footage with video of scenes from around the world during the pandemic, including empty streets and video of healthcare workers in action and being saluted for their efforts.
“It seems to me we should dedicate this one to all the front-line soldiers fighting for Humanity against the insurgent coronavirus,” says May. “Just like our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents who fought for us in two world wars, those brave warriors in the front line are our new CHAMPIONS. That means the doctors, nurses, cleaners, porters, drivers, tea-ladies and gentlemen, and all who are quietly risking their lives daily to save the lives of our kin. CHAMPIONS ALL!!!”
“As a father with a daughter in the front line, I am ultra-aware of the vital work they are doing daily to save us and our society,” shares Taylor. “Their bravery and sacrifice must not be prejudiced by anything less than a one hundred per cent effort by our governments to protect them. They are precious to us all and they are truly our champions.”
“It is with the deepest gratitude to all those on the frontline all over the world that we dedicate our performance,” adds Lambert. “Thank you for keeping us safe, we are in awe of your bravery and strength.”
Proceeds raised from the newly-available single will go to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization (WHO), powered by the United Nations Foundation. The Fund provides tools and resources to health workers on the frontlines globally, including PPE, testing kits, trainings, and more, including supporting the rapid development of a vaccine and therapeutics.
Queen and Lambert recently rescheduled their 2020 tour of the UK and Europe; the series – which was due to start in Italy on May 24 and include a run of 10 London O2 concerts – has been moved to spring and summer of next year.
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