Queen + Adam Lambert Release ‘You Are The Champions’ As Covid-19 Charity Single

May 1, 2020|Michele Amabile|

Queen + Adam Lambert are honoring heroic healthcare workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic with the official release of a new composite of “We Are The Champions,” reframed as “You Are The Champions.”

A “virtual jam” video of the song recorded separately in their homes–with Brian May on guitar in one screen, with Roger Taylor on drums and Lambert in the middle–made a massive impact, and fans overwhelmed the band with demands for a recorded version for download. The completed track, ‘You Are The Champions“ –additionally featuring band bass player Neil Fairclough–is available now on all streaming and download services.

Queen + Adam Lambert Release ‘You Are The Champions’ As Covid-19 Charity Single

“By each playing our part and addressing the difficult times we are all sharing we will win this challenge,” the band said in a joint statement. “During this time our thoughts and thanks are with those dedicated medical heroes standing up to the battle daily on our behalf. They are the champions. You are the champions.”

The song was re-born after Lambert changed up pronouns mid-lyric at May’s suggestion.

“I just sang it in my office to a blank white wall,” Lambert told the BBC in an interview.

In a previously released statement, Lambert said the band recorded the song as an expression of “the deepest gratitude to all those on the front line all over the world that we dedicate our performance. Thank you for keeping us safe, we are in awe of your bravery and strength.”

Added May: “t seems to me we should dedicate this one to all the front-line soldiers fighting for Humanity against the insurgent coronavirus. 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. 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!”

Taylor, who has a daughter working on the “front-line,” said he is “aware of the vital work they (healthcare workers) are doing to save us and our society.”

“Their bravery and sacrifice must not be prejudiced by anything less than a one hundred per cent effort by our governments to protect them,” he said.

Proceeds raised from the track will benefit the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization (WHO), powered by the United Nations Foundation. The Fund provides tools and resources to health workers on the frontlines globally, including PPE, testing kits, trainings, and more. Additionally, the Fund supports the rapid development of a vaccine and therapeutics.

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