Def Leppard have shared a video for their cover of the classic Ben E. King song “Stand By Me.” The video incorporates intimate footage of bandmates Joe Elliott, Rick Allen, Rick Savage, Phil Collen, and Vivian Campbell. All proceeds from the track will be donated to FireAid and will assist in relief efforts and long term-initiatives to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California.
Def Leppard initially shared the digital single back in January. “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,” 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 of “Stand by Me” was originally included in the Netflix film Bank of Dave 2: The Lone Ranger, which is currently available to stream in the U.K.
The single release arrives in the wake of the massive January 30th FireAid benefit. The two simultaneous concerts at L.A.’s KIA Forum and Intuit Dome featured Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Lady Gaga, Rod Stewart, Sting, and more. 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.
Def Leppard will return to the road in May with a series of shows that begin in San Juan, Puerto Rico and roll through the summer. Last year, the band released the live album One Night Only Live At The Leadmill Sheffield May 29, 2023.
Visit FireAid’s official website for more information.