Def Leppard has just released a cover of Ben E. King's 1961 classic "Stand By Me," with all proceeds going to FireAid. This band aims to support both short-term relief efforts and long-term projects to prevent future fire disasters in Southern California. Leppard's connection to Los Angeles runs deep, as Joe Elliott explains, "Los Angeles and its surrounding area has always played a central role in Def Leppard’s career, from it being where some of us are based and it being our U.S. hub for rehearsals, to being the city where we played our first-ever American gig. We feel blessed to be able to dedicate this song and give all the royalties to the amazing heroes in L.A. helping those affected by the fires. No better song.”
Rick Allen, who resides in L.A., shares his personal appreciation for the city's firefighters and first responders. He states, "I have a continued appreciation for the L.A. firefighters and all of the first responders. I know how important first responders are in states of emergency, especially given my history, which is why in addition to supporting FireAid through the release of 'Stand By Me,' [my] Raven Drum Foundation will be offering five signed guitars to benefit First Responders Resiliency Inc., offering free resiliency and trauma trainings for first responders and their families across California.”
Guitarists Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell also live in Southern California. Collen emphasizes the importance of unity in times of crisis, saying, "In times of devastation, standing together is more important than ever… I’ve witnessed the impact of wildfires as they continue to ravage communities across California. Our cover of Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me’ is a tribute to resilience, unity, and hope… Let’s stand by each other and make a difference—because no one should face hardship alone.”
The song is now streaming, and fans can find it on YouTube or by visiting DefLeppard.lnk.to/StandByMe.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]