Happy Mondays star Bez backing Derby lecturer’s charity song

The Lockdown Rockdown

Happy Mondays star Bez is making a guest appearance in the video for a single organised by a University of Derby lecturer to raise money for healthcare workers, the homeless and those in crisis.

Bez, percussionist and dancer for the Mondays, whose hits include ‘Step On’ and ‘Hallelujah’ from the early 1990s, will feature in the video for a cover of ‘Whiskey in the Jar’, the traditional Irish folk song which was a hit in the early 1970s for rock band Thin Lizzy.

The ‘Lockdown Rockdown’ project is the brainchild of University of Derby Film Production Lecturer Tom Craig, who was inspired to choose the song by a colleague’s research into the history of Derby’s Irish community.

Tom brought together staff and students from the University, as well as friends from his own undergraduate days, to record a version which includes classical guitar, synthesizers, effects and even a rap.

The song will aim to raise £5,000 for two causes:

• The Healthcare Workers’ Foundation, a charity founded by NHS workers for NHS workers to support the physical and mental wellbeing of those on the front lines during the Covid-19 crisis and beyond
• Bez’s chosen charity Coffee4Craig, a Manchester-based support organisation for the homeless and people in crisis

Tom said: “Music so often brings people together, and never more so than at a time when we are locked-down due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Everyone taking part has recorded their own section and filmed their own video, which we have mixed together for what is a fresh and innovative version of a classic song.

“It has been wonderful to call on the talents of my colleagues and students to help bring this together, as well as old university friends of mine from as far afield as Malaysia.

“To have Bez involved is the icing on the cake. He’s been an iconic figure in British music culture for 30 years, but I thought I’d take a chance and ask whether he’d like to be in the video. His willingness to get involved has just been fantastic.”

Bez, who has also just launched a series of lockdown fitness videos called ‘Get Buzzin’ with Bez’, said: “I’m buzzin’ about being asked to help support this fundraiser. The Healthcare Workers’ Foundation is a brilliant charity, these guys do a brilliant job, so let’s show them some love and appreciation. They deserve it!

“My charity, Coffee4Craig, will also benefit from your generosity so let’s Get Buzzin’ and raise some money for these worthwhile causes. Hope you like the track! Keep safe out there. We can get through this together.”

Tom said: “We owe those working on the front line in our hospitals to treat patients with Covid-19, despite the risk to their own health, a huge debt of thanks for their tireless work throughout the pandemic. So, it made sense to choose the foundation as a beneficiary for the money the single raises.

“It also reflects the training and education undertaken by hundreds of student nurses and healthcare professionals at the University of Derby each year, most of whom are guided and mentored brilliantly by NHS staff while on placement.”

Chris George, spokesperson for Healthcare Workers’ Foundation, said: “We were super excited to hear about the University of Derby’s ‘Lockdown Rockdown’ project, especially being a music lover myself.

“The support the University’s team has shown in making us beneficiaries of the project has been incredible, and with further help from the public we believe we can work together in keeping the NHS going mentally and physically as they continue to tirelessly protect the nation during these trying times.”

Donations can be made via the Justgiving.com website

Watch the video for the song, featuring Bez.