Earlier this month, Post-Punk reported that Wayne Hussey (The Mission, Sisters of Mercy) had enlisted help to create a benefit re-recording of The Mission’s Tower of Strength to assist key workers around the globe. Now a video for the new version, titled ToS2020, has been released. All proceeds from sales will go directly to help frontline workers.
Hussey consulted bandmates Craig Adams, Mick Brown and Simon Hinkler about the idea — and they all agreed to give up any income from the re-recording to COVID charities. Hussey’s friend Michael Ciravolo joined the cause, and soon the pair were able to enlist the help of numerous friends and acquaintances. Initially they wondered if recording a more well-known song might have greater reach, but failed to find the magic combination of lyrical fit “without getting too corny.” They settled on Tower of Strength, The Mission’s 1988 hit single, which charted twice in the UK Top 40 and remains their most successful release.
“It is anthemic,” says Hussey.
Original 1988 Release:
The proceeds will be split among COVID-related charities chosen by each of the participants. (A full listing of charities benefitting from the sales of the single are below.)
The track and video features a number of famous faces including All About Eve’s Julianne Regan, The Cult’s Billy Duffy, Depeche Mode’s Martin Gore, Budgie from Siouxsie & The Banshees, The Twilight Sad’s James Alexander Graham, The Cure’sLol Tolhurst, Evi Vine, Gary Numan and The Wonder Stuff’s Miles Hunt.
The single, out now digitally, will be available on gold-colored 12-inch vinyl and CD — on Oct. 2. TOS2020 has been renamed to divert funds from the original version.
Wayne says: “Now pre-orders for ToS2020 and ReMission International have started, I wanted to give a quick update because we’ve been completely blown away by the response, with orders worth over £40,000 to date. That is incredible and I want to thank everyone for their support – especially as it’s a hard time financially for people. Please keep it going. Spread the word, share, tweet, post it everywhere to tell others about it. Shout it from the rooftops and tell your friends, tell everyone.”
The digital bundle contains five tracks for just £2.99. It all helps those that need it most and the proceeds will be divided and distributed equally among all the beneficiaries.
Julianne Regan adds: “I’ve seen and heard Tower Of Strength played often and I’ve experienced its effect and the impact it has on others. It’s an anthemic song of hope, comfort and joy, with a message that now seems more relevant than ever. I hope this project, in which I am privileged to be involved, brings a little light into the shade, and allows us all to, albeit momentarily, focus on an ‘afterwards’.”
Twilight Sad vocalist James Alexander Graham says: “To be among these amazing artists that I’m a huge fan of and have so much respect for is a true honour, especially for such an important cause. The sacrifice that all the amazing NHS staff and key workers have made is truly humbling and inspiring. To be part of an incredible group of people that want to give something back and show their gratitude is something I’m extremely proud of.”
“Whilst all the versions will be available to listen to on all streaming platforms I’m gonna ask you to help the cause by buying at least the digital package which is priced at only £2.99,” Hussey says. “It’s not much, is it? For the price of a coffee you’ll receive all five versions. Come on, help us to help others.”
The tracks is available at the The Mission’s site here.
Cold winter’s journey Oh your soul keeps bleeding on Through the storm and the war…
Untie The few and far behind Interest informant redefined Form a feed within and without…
Lost in a dream again Tell me that you want me, no need to pretend…
You can’t believe what they say, they’ll treat you like a fool It hurts me…
Did you feel afraid to whisper? It’s such cold comfort but it’s real The weight…
When light has gone Snow angels will turn to grey Dark veil of our embrace…