After three decades since one of the most iconic charity albums in music history, War Child – the UK-based humanitarian organisation dedicated to protecting and supporting children living through war – has launched a new musical project: ‘HELP(2)’. This star-studded compilation album, set for release on 6 March 2026, reflects on the spirit of the legendary ‘Help’ album from 1995 and touches on the global conflicts and humanitarian crises of today.
Recorded over a week in November 2025 at Abbey Road Studios in London, ‘HELP(2)’ was produced by acclaimed musician and producer James Ford, whose vision helped collate an eclectic group of artists across genres and generations. Every contributor donated their time without fee, in alignment with the cause at the heart of the project: raising funds and awareness for War Child’s work supporting children in conflict zones such as Ukraine, Gaza, Yemen, and Sudan.
The album opens with Arctic Monkeys’ “Opening Night”, a new track marking the band’s first release since their 2022 album ‘The Car’. Written by frontman Alex Turner and produced by Ford, the song sets a poignant tone for the compilation.
From there, ‘HELP(2)’ hosts some of the music industry’s biggest names. Contributors include iconic and contemporary talents such as Damon Albarn (with Grian Chatten and Kae Tempest), Depeche Mode, Olivia Rodrigo, Pulp, Beck, Sampha, Foals, Wet Leg, Beth Gibbons, and Fontaines D.C. Among the collaborations are some interesting pairings and reinterpretations that reflect the diversity of the project’s artistry: from Arooj Aftab’s ethereal contributions to a collaborative performance between Ezra Collective & Greentea Peng.
In all, the album contains 23 tracks, each to support War Child’s mission and inspire its listeners to engage with the realities facing millions of children in war zones today. The compilation is as much of a call to action as it is a body of music; War Child once again using their influence in the arts for good.
The project also reflects on its roots. The original ‘Help’ album – recorded in just one day in 1995 and featuring artists like Radiohead, Oasis, and Blur – raised more than £1.2 million for War Child, providing critical assistance to children affected by the Bosnian conflict. ‘HELP(2)’ honours that legacy while acknowledging that the scale of need has only grown. Today, around one in five children worldwide live in areas affected by armed conflict.
‘HELP(2)’ is available for pre-order on vinyl, CD, and digital formats now, The record stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together and make a tangible difference in matters of much more importance than the creative industries.
