UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro release emotive cover of ‘Lean On Me’

From the NME.

Speaking about the song, Campbell explained: “Astro and I have really felt it was the track that encapsulated everything that’s going on at the moment, we’re all needing to lean on our NHS heroes.

“We wanted to make our contribution to this great cause; covering this song was the perfect way to show our appreciation.”

Speaking about other versions of the song which have emerged in recent weeks, Campbell added: “I’m sure Bill Withers would have been happy to see his beautiful song put to such great use.” You can listen to the song below:

Astro added: “I can’t praise our wonderful NHS enough. My incredible mother was diagnosed with leukaemia back in 2003…what made me realise what a different breed our doctors and nurses truly are was, as busy as they were, they’d still somehow find the time to have a chat with my [mum], genuinely making her feel like she wasn’t there on her own and forgotten about.

“I know they didn’t have to, but they did, they’d go that extra mile. The same goes for care workers that helped her to convalesce, all that makes them so special! You can teach people to do almost anything, but you can’t teach people to care! Our NHS, they care.”

Back in 2018, the duo also teamed up with a host of musicians including Nile Rogers, Gabrielle, Guy Garvey and Seal to help celebrate the NHS on its 70th anniversary, recording a version of ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’.

Continue reading on the NME website.

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