One of the best things to come out of this whole global crisis is no doubt the quarantine video jams that have seen stars from across the world come together in the name of music.
Hooking up virtually between the UK and Los Angeles, Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor and their singer Adam Lambert have recorded a new version of Queen’s classic, ‘We Are The Champions’. Widely regarded as one of the most instantly recognizable anthems, it was this same song Queen + Adam Lambert played for their first performance together on the May 2009 American Idol finale.
May and Taylor have been busy performing pop-up concerts from their respective homes while in lockdown and the seeds of this new version of We Are The Champions were sown when May posted a MicroCon invitation to jam with him on the classic Queen track on his Instagram. Taylor was first to respond, followed by Lambert who in his at-home performance changed the lyric mid-song to You are the Champions.
Proceeds raised from the track will go to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization (WHO), powered by the United Nations Foundation. The Fund provides tools and resources to health workers on the frontlines globally, including PPE, testing kits, trainings, and more. Additionally, the Fund supports the rapid development of a vaccine and theraputics.
As the unfolding coronavirus outbreak has forced Queen + Adam Lambert to reschedule their 27 date UK and European tour to 2021, it’s hoped this new ‘We Are The Champions’ will also provide some consolation for disappointed fans.
“It seems to me we should dedicate this one to all the front-line soldiers fighting for Humanity against the insurgent coronavirus,” says Brian May. “Just like our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents who fought for us in two world wars, those brave warriors in the front line are our new CHAMPIONS. That means the doctors, nurses, cleaners, porters, drivers, tea-ladies and gentlemen, and all who are quietly risking their lives daily to save the lives of our kin. CHAMPIONS ALL!!!”
Queen + Adam Lambert’s “You Are The Champions“ is available from today across all streaming and download services.
Check it out below.
