UB40 release stunning cover of Bill Withers’ ‘Lean On Me’ as NHS charity single

20 April 2020, 14:36

UB40 have released a cover version of the late Bill Withers’ ‘Lean On Me’ to help raise money for NHS charities.

Ali Campbell and Astro’s version of the hit 1972 song aims to help raise money for NHS Charities Together Urgent Covid-19 appeal.

Ali 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.”

He continued: “I’m sure Bill Withers would have been happy to see his beautiful song put to such great use.”

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Lean On Me (In Aid Of NHS Charities Together)

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.

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“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.”

It comes after Bill passed away aged 81 on March 30 following heart complications.

In a statement, his family said: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father.

“A solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other.

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“As private a life as he lived close to intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world.

“In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones.”