The quality of charity records over the years has run the spectrum from the god-awful and cringeworthy, to the really impressive and heartfelt.  Here’s one that most definitely falls into the latter camp.
As the UK headed into its sixth week of lockdown, Nathan James (Inglorious) had an idea. So he called his friends and contacts and asked if they wanted to be a part of an all rock cover of one of the greatest songs of all time – Imagine by John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
Lucky enough for him they were all locked down at home too, so couldn’t really say no.
There’s been many arrangements of Imagine over the years, but this one is pretty special. The impromptu band have given this song a completely new lease of life and represent many corners of the rock world.
Young bands such as Liberty Lies, Revival Black, Animal Drive and Inglorious; musicians extraordinaire Calum Ingram, Dave Kilminster, Kris Barras and Sophie Burrell; some of the best singers in the business Michael Sweet, Deborah Bonham, Caleb Johnson and Nathan James, as well as luminaries Paul Rodgers, Jeff Scott Soto, Toby Jepson and Geoff Downes.
Nathan told MetalTalk, “I picked the song as I think that the lyrics are perfect for how some of us are feeling right now, it’s a song that everyone can sing and it’s a song of hope with the most magic of melodies.
“After Geoff (Downes) agreed to do it, I knew it was gonna be something to be proud of and a great excuse to sing with some of my favourite musicians and my band mates in Inglorious.”
Paul Rodgers added, “I have loved this song all of my life, it is simple and heartfelt. The lyrics are so ahead of their time and it would be a better world if we were to be enlightened by them.
“I am proud to be a part of this reaching out in a new age and a new way, together with my daughter Jasmine, my great friend Deborah Bonham, my new friend Nathan, Calum, Cormac and all of these beautiful, switched on musicians.”
The band are not directly asking for money as they all understand how tight money is right now. However here is a list of charities that are close to Inglorious’ heart. If you enjoyed the video and can afford to give even a small donation, please do.
This is about helping people whatever way you can. If you cannot give, please just enjoy and share the video.
Samaritans UK – “Coronavirus is impacting all of our lives. This crisis is the biggest challenge Samaritans has ever faced.” https://www.samaritans.org/donate-now/
Women’s Aid – “Working together to provide life-saving services and build a future where domestic violence is not tolerated.” https://www.womensaid.org.uk/
Clic Sargent – “fights tirelessly to stop cancer destroying young lives.” https://www.clicsargent.org.uk/what-we-do/the-six-ways-we-help/
Dots (Dogs on the streets) “A volunteer run, not-for-profit charity dedicated to the welfare of dogs belonging to the UK’s homeless community” https://www.dogsonthestreets.org/
Thank you so much to all the key workers who are doing such a wonderful job around the world. Stay home, stay safe.
Those who took part are:
Paul Rodgers (Bad Company/Free)
Nathan James (Inglorious/Jeff Wayne’s – The War of the Worlds)
Geoff Downes (Asia/Yes/DBA)
Dave Kilminster (Roger Waters/Steven Wilson)
Jeff Scott Soto (Journey/Yngwie Malmsteen)
Michael Sweet (Stryper/Boston)
Andrew Freeman (Last in Line/The Offspring)
Deborah Bonham (Solo artist)
Calum Ingram (Sandi Thom)
Caleb Johnson (American Idol Winner)
Toby Jepson (Wayward Sons)
Danny Vaughan (Tyketto)
Jasmine Rodgers (Solo artist/Paul’s Daughter)
Oliver Lewis (Jeff Wayne’s – The War of the Worlds)
Olivia Jageurs (Jeff Wayne’s – The War of the Worlds)
Phil Beaver (Inglorious)
Danny Dela Cruz (Inglorious)
Wyatt Wendels (Planet Rock Radio DJ)
Cormac Neeson (The Answer)
Dino Jelusić (Animal Drive/Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
Chloe Lowery (Yanni/Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
Vinnie Colla (Inglorious)
Sophie Burrell (Instagram guitarist)
Dan Stevens (Inglorious)
Kris Barras (Kris Barras Band)
Dan Byrne (Revival Black)
Heather Leoni (The Novahawks)
Rob Baynes (The Howling Tides)
Shaun Richards (Liberty Lies)
Video
Produced & Directed – Nathan James
Mixed & Produced – Josiah J
Video Editing – Jamie Scott Smith
Musical Direction – Geoff Downes
Project Manager – Maria Lundy (QEDG Management)
