Following the FireAid benefit concert on January 30, which raised money for those impacted by the fires that swept through Los Angeles throughout the month, Def Leppard has released their cover of Ben E. King‘s 1961 classic “Stand By Me.” All proceeds from the song will go to FireAid.
The band delivers a faithful version of King’s original, with its sweeping orchestration and enduring message of hope: If the sky that we look upon / Should tumble and fall / Or the mountain should crumble to the sea / I won’t cry, I won’t cry / No, I won’t shed a tear / Just as long as you stand / Stand by me.
“Los Angeles and its surrounding area has always played a central role in Def Leppard’s career, from it being where some of us are based to it being our U.S. hub for rehearsals to being the city where we played our first-ever American gig,” said Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott in a statement. “We feel blessed to be able to dedicate this song and give all the royalties to the amazing heroes in Los Angeles helping those affected by the fires—no better song.”
Guitarist Phil Collen, added, “In times of devastation, standing together is more important than ever. As a resident of Southern California for 35 years, I’ve witnessed the impact of wildfires as they continue to ravage communities across California. Our cover of Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me’ is a tribute to resilience, unity, and hope. … Let’s stand by each other and make a difference because no one should face hardship alone.”
For decades, Los Angeles was also home to guitarist Vivien Campbell, who joined Def Leppard in 1992. “Having spent most of my adult life living in L.A., it’s beyond heartbreaking to see the devastation wrought by the fires,” said Campbell. “I’m familiar with each and every neighborhood affected and know so many who have lost their homes and livelihoods.”
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During the ’80s and ’90s, Los Angeles also became a “home away from home,” for bassist Rick Savage. “To see the devastation caused by the wildfires is heartbreaking,” said Savage. “To everyone affected by the tragedy, our hearts go out to you all. May you find a way forward physically, mentally, and spiritually. It’s hard to comprehend the incomprehensible but there’s a chance if we stand by each other.”
Drummer Rick Allen, who lost his left arm in a near-fatal car accident on New Year’s Eve 1984, also has a deep connection and respect for first responders. “I have continued appreciation for the L.A. firefighters and all of the first responders,” shared Allen. “I know how important first responders are in states of emergency, especially given my history.”
In addition to the band’s version of “Stand By Me” supporting the FireAid campaign, Allen’s Raven Drum Foundation will offer five signed guitars benefitting First Responders Resiliency Inc., which offers free resiliency and trauma training to first responders and their families across California.
Written by King and the legendary songwriting duo of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, “Stand By Me” was released in 1961 after King parted ways with his group the Drifters to pursue a solo career. once released, “Stand By Me” went to No. 4 and has been recorded nearly 500 times, by everyone including John Lennon, Julian Lennon, Warren Zevon, Otis Redding, Sonny & Cher, Cheap Trick, Tracy Chapman, Florence & The Machine, and Muhammad Ali on his 1963 spoken word album, among many more.
For King, who died in 2015 at age 6, “Stand By Me” stood the testament of time since its release more than six decades earlier.
“The song has been covered by many great artists, and I feel honored to have been one of its writers,” said King of his classic in 2014. “I believe that their versions have helped keep the song alive for such a long time.”
Stream Def Leppard’s “Stand By Me” here.
Photo: Ross Halfin
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