WATCH: Nathan James, Geoff Downes, Paul Rodgers & more unite for 'Imagine' charity cover
It also features Wyatt and Toby Jepson
Inglorious frontman Nathan James has enlisted rock royalty for a very special charity cover of John Lennon’s timeless classic ‘Imagine’.
Released as Nathan James and Friends, the powerful cover features ivory tinkling from Yes’s Geoff Downes plus guest spots from Paul Rodgers, Dave Kilminster, Jeff Scott Soto, Michael Sweet, Andrew Freeman, Danny Vaughn, Cormac Neeson, Deborah Bonham, Kris Barras and many, many more.
Planet Rock’s very own Wyatt plays drums on the track, while Toby Jepson also lends his dulcet tones to the cover.
Nathan James came up with the idea of an all-rock charity version of ‘Imagine’ six weeks into lockdown and reached out to his good friends in the music industry, who were only too happy to jump on board.
The cover has had the full blessing of John Lennon’s estate, who have shared it with Lennon’s 14 million Facebook followers.
Watch Nathan James and Friends' cover of 'Imagine':
Nathan explains: "I picked the song as I think that the lyrics are perfect for how some of us are feeling right now, it's a song that everyone can sing and it's a song of hope with the most magic of melodies.
“After Geoff (Downes) agreed to do it, I knew it was gonna be something to be proud of and a great excuse to sing with some of my favourite musicians and my band mates in Inglorious.”
Paul Rodgers enthuses: “I have loved this song all of my life, it is simple and heartfelt. The lyrics are so ahead of their time and it would be a better world if we were to be enlightened by them.
“I am proud to be a part of this reaching out in a new age and a new way, together with my daughter Jasmine, my great friend Deborah Bonham, my new friend Nathan, Calum, Cormac and all of these beautiful, switched on musicians.”
Nathan James has made a list of four charities that people who like the video can donate to if they can. They are Samaritans UK, Women’s Aid, Clic Sargent, and Dots - Dogs on the Streets.
“We are not asking for money as we all understand how tight money is right now,” a statement reads. “We have however made a list of charities that are close to Inglorious’ heart. If you enjoyed the video and can afford to give even a small donation, please do. This is about helping people whatever way you can. If you cannot give, please just enjoy and share the video.”
The music video was directed and produced by Nathan James, mixed and produced by Josiah J, edited by Jamie Scott and features musical direction from Geoff Downes.
The full list of contributors to the Nathan James and Friends’ charity cover is as follows:
Paul Rodgers (Bad Company/Free)
Nathan James (Inglorious/Jeff Wayne's - The War of the Worlds)
Geoff Downes (Asia/Yes/DBA)
Dave Kilminster (Roger Waters/Steven Wilson)
Jeff Scott Soto (Journey/Yngwie Malmsteen)
Michael Sweet (Stryper/Boston)
Andrew Freeman (Last in Line/The Offspring)
Deborah Bonham (Solo artist)
Calum Ingram (Sandi Thom)
Caleb Johnson (American Idol Winner)
Toby Jepson (Wayward Sons)
Danny Vaughan (Tyketto)
Jasmine Rodgers (Solo artist/Paul's Daughter)
Oliver Lewis (Jeff Wayne's - The War of the Worlds)
Olivia Jageurs (Jeff Wayne's - The War of the Worlds)
Phil Beaver (Inglorious)
Danny Dela Cruz (Inglorious)
Wyatt Wendels (Planet Rock Radio DJ)
Cormac Neeson (The Answer)
Dino Jelusić (Animal Drive/Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
Chloe Lowery (Yanni/Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
Vinnie Colla (Inglorious)
Sophie Burrell (Instagram guitarist)
Dan Stevens (Inglorious)
Kris Barras (Kris Barras Band)
Dan Byrne (Revival Black)
Heather Leoni (The Novahawks)
Rob Baynes (The Howling tides)
Shaun Richards (Liberty Lies)
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