British band Queen launched a new version of their “We Are The Champions” rock classic on Friday to raise money for health workers battling coronavirus outbreak.
The single switches the chorus to “You Are The Champions” at the end and is followed by a video of healthcare workers around the world and COVID-19 lockdowns throughout.
Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor — whose daughter is a doctor and features on the video — recorded it at their separate London homes, where they took part in virtual jams.
The vocals recorded in Los Angeles were recorded by Singer Adam Lambert, who rose to fame on US talent show American Idol and toured with the band.
Proceeds are to go to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund of the World Health Organization.
“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,” May said in a statement.
“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!!!”
He railed against shortages of protective equipment for healthcare staff in Britain in an interview with the BBC, saying it made him “angry and sad.”
“I think we as a nation have to be ashamed that we were not prepared,” he said.
Taylor’s daughter Rory works in the state-run National Health Service (NHS). Her experience made him “ultra-aware of the vital work they are doing daily to save us and our society”.
“Their bravery and sacrifice must not be prejudiced by anything less than a 100 per cent effort by our governments to protect them,” he said in a statement.
“They are precious to us all and they are truly our champions.”
In 1977 the song “We Are The Champions” was released and became a global anthem.
It was written by Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, who died in 1991.
He said of the song: “I wanted to write something that everyone could sing along to. And at the same time, I thought it would be nice to have a winning song that’s meant for everyone.”
