The album was recorded in one day in that year, and released a week later. It was a rapid response co-ordinated by charity War Child UK, which you can now get your hands on 30 years down the line. 

In a statement on their website, the charity said:

“To mark the 30th anniversary of the iconic ‘HELP’ album, War Child Records are releasing a limited edition 7” box set of the original release. Limited to 1000 units, each hand numbered and including unseen images, this is the ultimate collectors edition.”

“The HELP album was the music industry’s response to the Yugoslavian civil war, inspired by John Lennon’s approach to recording ‘Instant Karma’, the ‘HELP’ album was recorded in a single day, mixed and mastered by Brian Eno and released five days later.”

“The album raised over £1.25million and is still widely regarded as the greatest charity album of all time.”

The album was an instantaneous display of how music and its artists can come together at the drop of a hat and rally to help those in need. It displayed the compassionate and delicate tendencies of the industry’s phenoms in the 1990s and set a precedent for future fundraising. 

Most importantly, alongside the money raised for the cause, It increased the awareness of the Yugoslav war at a time of political tension, when social media didn’t brandish the news of the world in front of our helpless eyes. The high profile names and the quality and class of the record made it a global success, drawing eyes to Yugoslavia, which would’ve otherwise turned unknowingly blind. 

The tracklist for the album:

Disc 1
A1. Oasis – Fade Away
B1. The Boo Radleys – Oh Brother

DISC 2
A1. The Stone Roses – Love Spreads
B1. Radiohead – Lucky

DISC 3
A1. Orbital – Adnan
B1. Portishead – Mourning Air 

DISC 4
A1. Massive Attack – Fake the Aroma
B1. Suede – Shipbuilding

DISC 5
A1. The Charlatans & The Chemical Brothers – Time For Livin’
B1. Stereo MC’s – Sweetest Truth (Show No Fear) 

DISC 6
A1. Sinéad O’Connor – Ode to Billy Joe
B1. The Levellers – Searchlights 

DISC 7
A1. Manic Street Preachers – Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head
B1. Terrorvision – Tom Petty Loves Veruca Salt 

DISC 8
A1. The Massed Pipes And Drums Of The Children’s Free Revolutionary Volunteer Guard & The One World Orchestra – The Magnificent
B1. Planet 4 Folk Quartet – Message To Crommie 

DISC 9
A1. Terry Hall & Salad – Dream A Little Dream
B1. Neneh Cherry & Trout – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 

DISC 10
A1. Blur – Eine Kleine Lift Musik
B1. The Smokin’ Mojo Filters – Come Together

“Help- 30th Anniversary Box-Set” is set for release on October 17

“All proceeds will support War Child’s work protecting, educating and standing up for children living through conflict today.”

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You can pre-order the album now by clicking here.

Nordic-Folk singer, AURORA, has been known for her outspokenness on various social and environmental issues. After rising to fame with her hit ‘Runaway’, the 28-year-old has made a mark on the industry by being an advocate for mental health, climate change and LGBTQIA+ rights making her a voice for ostracised communities.

She released her song ‘My Body Is Not Mine’ back in 2024, a song referencing the Gaza conflict, blurring the lines between her personal struggle and a broader human cry for peace. Having never explicitly confirmed this, the singer did perform the song at a Songs for Gaza event, tweaking the lyrics to directly address the conflict which in return showed the Norwegian’s willingness to lend her voice to those caught in the conflict, using her platform to amplify the cries of the Palestinian people.

Speaking about her new role, AURORA said: “War Child is an organisation I’ve always admired. They have always worked in a way I truly respect. To know how to interfere without overstepping, or changing what does not need to be changed. I am incredibly honoured to have met some of the beautiful people working with War Child, so becoming an ambassador is honestly a dream come true. Especially now, when the world needs people to be there for each other. More than ever. There is a lot of work to do, and I am ready to offer whatever I can. Thank you!”War Child is the only specialist charity for children affected by conflict. They’re driven by a single goal – ensuring a safe future for every child living through war.”

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West London born DJ, presenter and radio host, Ellie Prohan has been well-known in her career for being an advocate. She’s always been very verbal about women, LGBTQIA+, intersectionality, marginalised communities and Middle Eastern rights.  Having been last year’s Rio Ferdinand’s Foundation Ambassador, she’s showed her support to the War Child Foundation many times through hosting gigs for the charity’s BRITS Week to leading talks and panels for the their annual Day Of The Girl shows, Ellie happily joins with an already strong connection to the foundation.

This year’s War Child BRITS week shows will see artists such as Cat Burns, Essence Martins, Joy Crookes, Rachel Chinouriri, Frank Turner, Kasabian and Blossoms grace the stages of different London venues.

The Secret 7” initiative first launched in 2012, with the goal of amalgamating the interests of vinyl collectors and art enthusiasts by merging both artforms. Each year, seven different artists will release a different track which will each feature on 100 different 7” vinyl pressings. The 700 vinyls are all unique, as each sleeve is designed by a different creative, whether that be a renowned artist or a newcomer. Each version will only be available to purchase via auction, where the artist’s identity will be revealed after each record is sold.

Last year tracks from ‘War Child Present Secret 7”’ featured many legendary musicians: from Celeste’s ‘Stop This Flame’ to Paul McCartney’s ‘Pipes of Peace’ it was an unforgettable year for the initiative, as Aurora, Hozier, Siouxsie & The Banshees, The Chemical Brothers and The Specials all joined forces to raise money for the charity.

War Child presents #Secret7 is back!

This year you can design artwork for unique vinyl releases from @thecure, @frankturner, @GregoryPorter, @JessieWare, @keaneofficial, @scissorsisters and @SophieEB

Listen to the 2025 tracks and submit your design: https://t.co/OybXHXQrU5 pic.twitter.com/tO5NEu5v2H

— Secret 7” (@Secret7s) January 13, 2025

This year joining The Cure and Sophie Ellis-Bextor are Frank Turner, Gregory Porter, Jessie Ware, Keane and Scissor Sisters.

The forthcoming Secret 7” will include:

The Cure – ‘Warsong: Troxy Live 2024’

Frank Turner – ‘Be More Kind’

Gregory Porter – ‘Merchant of Paradise’

Jessie Ware – ‘Beautiful People’

Keane – ‘Black Rain’

Scissor Sisters – ‘Return to Oz’

Sophie Ellis-Bextor – ‘Devotion’ (Brand new exclusive track for War Child’s Secret 7”)

The unveiling of this year’s musical contributions for Secret 7” marks the opening of public submissions for each track’s artwork. All creatives are invited to submit their digital submissions between January 13 and February 28, here. Last year saw submissions from Stanley Donwood (renowned for creating cover art for Radiohead’s LPs), fashion designer Paul Smith, Gorillaz visual creative Jamie Hewlett and more.

Charlotte Nimmo, the Fundraising Engagement Director at War Child UK revealed motivations from this year’s Secret 7”: “This year has been horrendous for children caught up in conflict, but the money raised here will help us provide immediate emergency aid, and specialist long term support where it’s needed most”.

Continuing: “We pride ourselves on working with the best in music and creative arts to create something brilliant that ultimately changes the lives of some of the most vulnerable children around the world, and we can’t wait for everyone to see and hear, what has been created this year for Secret 7”. We are so grateful to the artists, both musical and visual, for supporting our work, and everyone that donates to help us do what we do”.

Secret 7″ brings together 7 iconic tracks from 7 of the world’s top musicians, each pressed just 100 times onto 7” vinyl.

Creatives everywhere are invited to reinterpret these tracks, producing 700 one-of-a-kind sleeve designs.

Find out more: https://t.co/JmnBcyvBHn pic.twitter.com/UXEh9gSkAQ

— Secret 7” (@Secret7s) January 13, 2025

This year’s Secret 7” edition reveals the music industry and War Child’s ongoing collaboration to raise funds for children in war stricken locations. Just recently Kate Bush released the anti-war animation ‘Little Shrew’ (which features her track ‘Snowflake’) to raise money for the charity, while The Lumineers are set to play an intimate gig at London’s Hoxton Hall on January 17 in partnership with War Child. The presence of music and art has been fundamental for War Child to bring their ethos and charitable initiatives into mainstream consciousness.

The 1975 have once again teamed up with War Child UK, releasing a limited edition set of signed prints in an effort to raise funds for Children in Conflict.

The band have created prints in collaboration with Soundwaves Art, a non-profit organisation that creates art using the soundwaves of artists’ songs to then sell in support of various global charities.

Soundwaves Art was established in 2005 by Tim Wakefield, a British artist with a passion for music. He has collaborated with over 500 artists since Soundwaves Art’s conception, raising in excess of $7.5 million for a number of charities. Tim creates his art pieces through a multimedia process to capture the soundwaves of iconic songs.

War Child UK is celebrating its 30^th anniversary of offering invaluable support to children caught in war zones, and in honour of this, Soundwaves Art will be releasing 30 artworks throughout the year to raise proceeds for the charity.

The team at Soundwaves Art said, “We’re starting off with a banger!”

“The guys signed artwork of “I’m In Love With You” a few weeks back and were so excited to release them today to raise money for War Child’s programs with children displaced by war.”

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The prints are available to purchase here.

A limited selection of signed and unsigned prints are available, as well as the one-of-a-kind original artworks hand signed by Matty Healy, Adam Hann, Ross MacDonald, George Daniel and Soundwaves Art creator, Tim Wakefield. Lead singer Matty Healy has also written ‘I’m In Love With You’ on the originals with added framing optional for each version.

The 1975 have paired up with War Child UK on various occasions, most recently playing an intimate show on 1^st February on their home turf at Gorilla in Manchester to raise money for the charity. Matty took to social media to publicise the show and to raise awareness for War Child UK’s efforts.

New show announce – 1 Feb 2023 – Manchester @thisisgorilla for @WarChildUK Capacity is around 550 #The1975 #BFIAFL pic.twitter.com/EBCHQ08gZe — The 1975 Updates (@The1975_Tour) December 13, 2022

The show was part of Brits Week 2023 which saw artists including Sugababes, The Hunna and Years & Years also staging intimate shows in partnership with War Child UK. The charity does incredible work, offering life-saving aid, psychological support and education to children caught in war-torn countries.To learn more about War Child UK, click here.

The Soundwaves Art proceeds will go to Children in Conflict, a non-profit that’s working with War Child UK to provide aid to children in need. They are currently providing emergency relief to those affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. You can learn more about their efforts here.

PRIZE DRAW OPEN

HELP! We are collaborating with Cross Town Concerts and an incredible line-up of artists to bring a huge fundraising concert for our Ukraine Crisis appeal to Bristol.
Enter the prize draw here: https://t.co/Lp636ur7O7#Ukraine #Bristol #WarChild pic.twitter.com/ZBbhRvZY9u

— War Child UK (@WarChildUK) April 7, 2022

All donations and proceeds from the concert will be given to War Child UK to aid in their ongoing mission. Until 31st May 2022, any donation made will be matched by the UK Government as stated via the ticket site, “Your donation will help the unfolding crisis in Ukraine, and match funding from the UK Government will also go to Yemen where millions of children are still in desperate need of protection from conflict.”

Those billed to perform at the War Child benefit show include IDLES, Billy Nomates, Katy J Pearson, Heavy Lungs, Wilderman, Willie J Healey and British icons Portishead. The growing line-up also includes Boca 45 along with guest DJs and Raffle, further announcements will be made to confirm additional acts.

Head of War Child Records Rich Clarke has released a statement thanking all acts involved, within the statement Clarke also describes the organisation’s mission and how the benefit show will provide support, “We deliver life-changing services and support in communities affected by conflicts to keep children safe and help them to heal and learn for the chance of a better future. The impact of the situation in Ukraine will affect an entire generation and there will be acutely vulnerable children who need our help to stay safe. The money raised by this gig will make sure that we can respond quickly to children who need that support right now.”

The benefit show will mark Portishead’s triumphant return to the stage, the HELP! Concert will be the group’s first and only live performance in seven years. The British pioneers had this to say about their upcoming appearance, “We are really pleased to be able to support the people of Ukraine by performing a few songs at this event in collaboration with the amazing War Child charity”

Bristol rockers Idles will be performing at their only hometown show for 2022 at the War Child UK event. The band are currently on tour and will continue their European tour dates after the concert. Frontman Joe Talbot has also spoken concerning the one-off show, “We have been kindly invited to play this show for the benefit of War Child. Please donate or sign up to this charity. We believe that nobody should endure war, especially children. Thank you,”

We are very excited to be part of this lineup for @WarChildUK All funding goes to Ukraine. The government matches the amount. 2nd May pic.twitter.com/YRDAUD4b9s

— Heavy Lungs (@Heavylungsband) April 7, 2022

Fellow Bristol rockers Heavy Lungs will also be performing alongside Idles at the benefit show, the two groups’ connection runs deeper than matching hometowns. In 2018, IDLES released the single “Danny Nedelko”, named after the Heavy Lungs’ frontman. The single tells a story of strength and is regarded as a tribute to multiculturalism. Originally from Ukraine, Nedelko has given the following statement concerning the fundraising event, “Hailing originally from Odessa, this is a cause very close to my heart. It’s incredibly special being a part of this show. We are going to bring our absolute best.”

Music fans will be able to get their hands on tickets by entering the prize draw, there are 600 pairs of tickets up for grabs. The draw opened today and all winners are chosen at random, and the competition closes at midnight on 24th April 2022. You can enter for free or pay a £10 donation fee which supplies three entries, donations can be made online or through a postcard.

There is no limit to the number of times in which you may enter and winners will be notified by email from Ticketmaster on Monday 25th April 2022. Due to the limited number of seats, tickets are very exclusive but all entrees will receive access to watch a stream of the event.

Click here to enter into the prize draw.

Out today on #WarChildRecords! We have re-released the classic albums ‘1 Love’, ‘Hope’, ‘Help! A Day In The Life’ and ‘War Child Presents Heroes’, all available now on digital.

A limited vinyl run of each album will also be available. Pre-order now!https://t.co/Fn56VdSZ47 pic.twitter.com/S47f0HDJDZ

— War Child UK (@WarChildUK) September 10, 2021

The first of the four albums, 1 Love, was originally released in 2002 in a collaborative effort with NME, to celebrate fifty years since the magazine debuted. The album featured the likes of Oasis, Muse, Prodigy, Jimmy Eat World and Stereophonics, all of whom were asked to select a number one song to cover. The second album, Hope, saw War Child teaming up with the Daily Mirror to create an artistic response to the Iraq war. Unlike 1 Love, this album did not just include covers, it featured re-imagined original songs as well, such as Cat Stevens’ re-recording of Peace Train with the inclusion of the Incwenga Singers, a South African choir.

Help! A Day In The Life was the third compilation album released by War Child, this time to celebrate the tenth anniversary of a previous compilation record entitled The Help Album and to help fund the charity’s efforts in countries ravaged by war. The album featured twenty tracks- both original music and covers- by various artists including Radiohead, Bloc Party and Coldplay. The fourth and final album, 2009’s War Child Presents Heroes, was recorded over a period of six months and was intended to carry the theme of “placing faith in the next generation”. This album exclusively featured cover songs, however in this case, the original artists were called upon to nominate newer artists to re-interpret their songs. The compilation included musicians such as Rufus Wainwright, Lily Allen and Beck.

The four re-issued albums were released on streaming platforms on September 10^th, and are presently available for pre-order on limited edition vinyl.

The album is a recording made of the band performing live at the Royal Albert Hall in London and features a setlist which spans the several invocations of the band which have been seen so far. Fan favourites from the band’s smash hit first two albums include ‘I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor,’ ‘From The Ritz To The Rubble,’ alongside newer its such as ‘Do I Wanna Know?’ and ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?’

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The Arctic Monkey’s have come a long way since breaking through with a self recorded first album back in the noughties. Having seen the band go through so many transformations already in their still relatively short career and lives so far, it isn’t pleasant to see the band looking back at their older material and deciding to bring it back to life with the medium of live performance. Since it has been so long since the band first outed  the high energy songs on their first album ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not,’ it is in fact quite an impressive feat that they are still able to play them to  such a high standard, since their style as become noticeably  more relaxing and laid back as time has passed.

This live album comes two years after the band’s most recent studio album ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino,’ which is so far detached from their original sound, with tracks like ‘Star Treatment,’ sounding more like the mature songwriting of later David Bowie than the pugnacious punk snarl of ‘I Bet That You Look Good On The Dance Floor.’ However, the uniqueness and change in style which is present on the latest studio album is refreshing, while previous albums like ‘Humbug,’ and later ‘AM,’ saw the Monkeys adopt new images and persona’s each time, it is not until ‘Tranquility…’ that the real transformation is made in the sound, not just the band’s image.

The Albert Hall gig was recorded in 2018, On June 7,  and all proceeds from the concert where donated to War Child UK ‘in support of the vital work they do protecting, educating and rehabilitating children who have experienced the trauma of conflict and the horror of war.’ The release of the concert as an album is a continuation of this fundraising for War Child UK as the band themselves say ‘The situation that was bad in 2018 is now desperate and those children and their families need our help more than ever.’