The world premiere of a song recorded to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster took place in Liverpool yesterday.
Former Anfield stars, musicians and families who lost loved ones in Sheffield gathered at The Picket club to listen to the first airing of The Fields Of Anfield Road.
The song, which has a specially-added Hillsborough verse, was played to an emotionally-charged audience.
There were tears in the eyes of ex-players John Aldridge, Phil Thompson and Howard Gayle, and the watching Hillsborough families, as they mouthed the words to the track.
The poignant video showed the singers in Liverpool’s Elevator Studios with Kenny Dalglish, Alan Kennedy and Bruce Grobbelaar all taking part.
Anfield manager Rafael Benitez also attended the launch and said: “I think it is important to show support for the fans and the families.
“When we went to the ceremony, it was amazing.
“It was very emotional and for me, for all the new players, it was something we will never forget.
“I think you can feel it [the emotion] in every single game, what it means for the fans. It is a very good song and Liverpool fans sing it better than anyone.”
On stage, Benitez hugged Pat Joynes, who lost her son Nicholas, 27, in the tragedy. She said: “He said to me he was pleased to meet me and it was a very good way to remember the 96.
“He said they will always be in Liverpool’s hearts.”
Ex-La’s and Cast singer John Power provided the lead vocal and said: “Musically, I am happy with the way the song came out.
“The most important thing is the 20th anniversary and the injustice which was committed.
“We are not looking to change the world, but it is a fitting tribute and the least we could do.”
The owner of the copyright to both The Fields of Anfield Road and the original Irish classic, Fields of Athenry, both waived a fee for the new single.
All proceeds from the record will go to the Hillsborough Family Support Group.
Denise Horn, who lost her brother Gordon, 20, at Hillsborough, said: “The song is really good and it is important to keep their memory going.
“I will be buying it and I am sure it will get to number one. It is poignant because Gordon would have been 40 yesterday.”
Peter Hooton, of The Farm, was at the forefront of the project and was joined by Mick Head, of Shack, Nick Kilroe, from Echo and the Bunnymen, and Rob Taylor, of the Troubadours.
The idea first came from Lord Mayor, Cllr Steve Rotheram.
The extra Hillsborough verse added to the song goes: “Beside the Hillsborough flame, I hear the Kopite mourning. Why so many taken on that day? Justice has never been done, but the memories will carry on.”
The CD will be sold exclusively at Liverpool FC official stores priced at £2 and can be downloaded from iTunes from April 6 for 79p.
Pete Wylie, Elvis Costello and James Walsh have contributed B-sides.
Former Liverpool player Phil Thompson said: “Listening to the Kop sing this makes the hairs stand on the back of your neck.
“We did enjoy making it, but it was emotional and there were a lot of proud people in that studio.
“It is community – Liverpool FC is a family. We will keep together and stick together. We have not forgotten about Hillsborough and we still have not had answers.”
Former Anfield stars, musicians and families who lost loved ones in Sheffield gathered at The Picket club to listen to the first airing of The Fields Of Anfield Road.
The song, which has a specially-added Hillsborough verse, was played to an emotionally-charged audience.
There were tears in the eyes of ex-players John Aldridge, Phil Thompson and Howard Gayle, and the watching Hillsborough families, as they mouthed the words to the track.
The poignant video showed the singers in Liverpool’s Elevator Studios with Kenny Dalglish, Alan Kennedy and Bruce Grobbelaar all taking part.
Anfield manager Rafael Benitez also attended the launch and said: “I think it is important to show support for the fans and the families.
“When we went to the ceremony, it was amazing.
“It was very emotional and for me, for all the new players, it was something we will never forget.
“I think you can feel it [the emotion] in every single game, what it means for the fans. It is a very good song and Liverpool fans sing it better than anyone.”
On stage, Benitez hugged Pat Joynes, who lost her son Nicholas, 27, in the tragedy. She said: “He said to me he was pleased to meet me and it was a very good way to remember the 96.
“He said they will always be in Liverpool’s hearts.”
Ex-La’s and Cast singer John Power provided the lead vocal and said: “Musically, I am happy with the way the song came out.
“The most important thing is the 20th anniversary and the injustice which was committed.
“We are not looking to change the world, but it is a fitting tribute and the least we could do.”
The owner of the copyright to both The Fields of Anfield Road and the original Irish classic, Fields of Athenry, both waived a fee for the new single.
All proceeds from the record will go to the Hillsborough Family Support Group.
Denise Horn, who lost her brother Gordon, 20, at Hillsborough, said: “The song is really good and it is important to keep their memory going.
“I will be buying it and I am sure it will get to number one. It is poignant because Gordon would have been 40 yesterday.”
Peter Hooton, of The Farm, was at the forefront of the project and was joined by Mick Head, of Shack, Nick Kilroe, from Echo and the Bunnymen, and Rob Taylor, of the Troubadours.
The idea first came from Lord Mayor, Cllr Steve Rotheram.
The extra Hillsborough verse added to the song goes: “Beside the Hillsborough flame, I hear the Kopite mourning. Why so many taken on that day? Justice has never been done, but the memories will carry on.”
The CD will be sold exclusively at Liverpool FC official stores priced at £2 and can be downloaded from iTunes from April 6 for 79p.
Pete Wylie, Elvis Costello and James Walsh have contributed B-sides.
Former Liverpool player Phil Thompson said: “Listening to the Kop sing this makes the hairs stand on the back of your neck.
“We did enjoy making it, but it was emotional and there were a lot of proud people in that studio.
“It is community – Liverpool FC is a family. We will keep together and stick together. We have not forgotten about Hillsborough and we still have not had answers.”
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