Hillsborough Tribute Song Recording In Chiswick
Well known Liverpool names gather at Metropolis Studio
A Chiswick recording studio was the scene of excitement today (October 30) as celebrities gathered to take part in recording the Hillsborough tribute song which the organisers hope will win the Number One spot in the Christmas charts.
Liverpool big names including comedian John Bishop, Kenny Dalglish, former footballer turned BBC pundit, Alan Hansen, and footballer Peter Reid, spent the day at Metropolis studio on Chiswick High Road, which is donating studio time and technical help with the recording. The Liverpool ‘ celebrities’ will sing on the backing track of the song, the Hollie’s ‘ He Aint Heavy’.
A video shoot was also in progress throughout the day. A staff member described it as “a very exciting day”.
This photograph was tweeted by John Bishop
Gerry Marsden (70) the veteran singer of Gerry and the Pacemakers was also included in the Liverpool group which came to Chiswick. In 1989 he took part in Ferry Aid, the fundraising recording of ‘Ferry Cross The Mersey’, along with Paul Mc Cartney and other famous Liverpudlians. Heston Blumenthal was also at the studio although it is not known if he was singing.
A host of top singers, including Robbie Williams, Paloma Faith, Shane Mc Gowan, Mick Jones of the Clash, Chris Sharrock (Oasis) and Peter Hooton (The Farm), have been confirmed to record the tribute to the Hillsborough victims and survivors, which will be released on December 17th.
Recording will also take place at Ivor Novello winning songwriter Guy Chambers’ North London Studio where Robbie Williams is expected to lay down his part of the track. Guy Chambers said he was “ deeply honoured” to be chosen as producer, as he had spent his teenage years in Liverpool.
The Christmas Number One spot has in recent years been the winner of ITV’s X Factor but the organisers of the Hillsborough Tribute are hoping this year they will win the battle to be top of the charts.
The line–up of singers participating also includes; Pete Wylie, (The Justice Tonight band), Richard Hawley, Ren Harvieu, Dave McCabe (The Zutons), Paul Heaton (Beautiful South), Hollie Cook, Jon McClure (Reverend & The Makers), John Power (Cast), Beverley Knight and Gerry Marsden (Gerry and the Pacemakers).
Kenny Dalglish said “ The families of the 96 should never have been in the position they are now in, of having to fight to get the accidental verdicts from the 1989 inquests overturned. I will continue to support their dignified campaign every step of the way”
The funds raised will help the Hillsborough Families legal costs.
Local MP Steve Rotheram said that for 23 years, the bereaved families had carried the eternal flame of hope that they would one day see those responsible brought to justice.
In May 1989, a charity version of the song ‘ Ferry Cross the Mersey' was released to raise funds, featuring famous Liverpudlians Paul McCartney, Gerry Marsden, Holly Johnson, and Liverpool band The Christians. Produced by Stock Aitken Waterman, it went to Number One for three weeks for 'Ferry Aid'.
October 30, 2012