Def Leppard have announced a new digital single, a cover of Ben E. King’s classic “Stand by Me,” with proceeds going to L.A.’s FireAid charity to support all that were affected by the recent wildfires.
“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,” singer Joe Elliott said in a statement. “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 fire. No better song.”
The cover was originally included in the Netflix film Bank of Dave II, which is currently available to stream in the U.K.
The single release follows the massive January 30th FireAid benefit, comprised of two simultaneous concerts at L.A.’s KIA Forum and Intuit Dome. The concerts featured Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Lady Gaga, Rod Stewart, Sting, and more.
According to FireAid, contributions made to FireAid in connection with the FireAid benefit concert and other direct donations will be distributed under the advisement of the Annenberg Foundation for short-term relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California.
While the horrific fires in Los Angeles County were still raging, some of music’s biggest names spoke out and shared resources for those affected.
The Weeknd, Eilish, Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, and more stars took to social media to express sympathy for the disaster and to call their large fan bases to action. “My heart is with everyone impacted by the devastating LA fires, sharing some organizations to support who are responding to those affected in real time,” Grande wrote on her Instagram story, per Billboard.
Visit FireAid’s official website for more information.
