Stars unite for Hillsborough single

British singers Robbie Williams and former Spice Girl Mel C are among some of the stars set to record a charity single for the families of the 96 victims of the 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster, it was announced Thursday.
A range of British artists including Paloma Faith, The Clash’s Mick Jones and Beverley Knight are joining forces to record a cover of The Hollies’ legendary hit, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” in time for Christmas.
Organisers also hope that Beatles legend Paul McCartney will be involved in the recording.
The news comes weeks after an independent inquiry uncovered a police cover-up in the aftermath of the crush at the 1989 FA Cup football semi-final in Sheffield, northern England, that killed 96 Liverpool football fans.
Williams’s former song-writing partner Guy Chambers will produce the new single, to be released on December 17, and appeared at Thursday’s London launch alongside lawmaker Steve Rotheram and Liverpool football icon Kenny Dalglish.
Proceeds from the single will go towards paying the legal costs of the victims’ families.
Dalglish said it was “fantastic” that “the music world has come together” to record the single, which will compete against reality TV show X Factor for the coveted Christmas number one spot.
“The single really promotes and endorses what the families have fought for for 23 years and I’m sure they get tremendous solace and confidence from the fact that people are totally supportive towards them and their cause,” he said.
“Now the truth has come out, the support for the families is overwhelming and we just need to move forward and make sure they get the best result they possibly can.”
Other contributors include former Cast and La’s guitarist John Power, the Beautiful South’s Paul Heaton and Dave McCabe from The Zutons.
Producer Chambers said: “I’m very happy with the artists we have already, but obviously I know Sir Paul McCartney was mentioned so if he did join our happy little band of talent then that would be amazing.”
AFP