Russia announced a war on Ukraine on 24th February 2022 sending in troops of Russian soldiers as they bombed parts of Kyiv and started to disrupt the lives of many Ukrainians - soldiers and civilians, alike. 

In these 2 months, countless lives have been lost and cities uprooted. 

While many countries have outrightly condemned Russia’s actions, several others have chosen to abstain from taking a stand. But among those who have chosen to look at the bigger picture and come together for a cause as worthy as saving Ukraine, is the legendary band Pink Floyd.

Here is the official video for 'Hey Hey Rise Up', Pink Floyd’s new Ukraine fundraiser feat Andriy Khlyvnyuk of Boombox. Stream / download from midnight. https://t.co/4U3P3WAQOZ

— Pink Floyd (@pinkfloyd) April 7, 2022

A step to shake people who had gotten comfortably numb during this situation of a crisis, Pink Floyd has decided to release its music 28 years after their last single, as a protest song against the Ukraine war.

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‘Hey Hey, Rise Up!’ features David Gilmour and Nick Mason alongside long-time Floyd bassist Guy Pratt and Nitin Sawhney on the keys, who hadn’t played together in years.  

Gilmour shared that the song is a show of, “anger at a superpower invading a peaceful nation", but at the same time, it is also a call “for peace”. 

Inspiration struck when Gilmour saw Khlyvnyuk's Instagram feed, where a video showed Khlyvnyuk dressed in tactical gear with a rifle on his shoulder, singing "Oh, the Red Viburnum in the Meadow," a song that had become a rallying cry during the first world war. 

Leave it to Floyd to get the message out for Ukraine, I hope it helps the people of Ukraine.

— Ron Heller (@RonaldHeller17) April 7, 2022

Gilmour told BBC 6, "It just struck me that, as it is a capella, one could turn this into a beautiful song.” He managed to track down Khlyvnyuk who was in a hospital bed with a tiny quarter-inch piece of shrapnel pierced in his cheek and decided to come up with this song.  

Moreover, the band also removed all its works from 1987 onward and all of Gilmour’s solo recordings from all digital music providers in Russia and Belarus.  

In a post shared by Gilmour on his social media, it was mentioned how this was done, “to stand with the world in strongly condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.” 

Awesome, brilliant that the best Rock Band stands with the Ukrainians.

— Dennis_G6YBC (@Dennis_G6YBC) April 7, 2022

I can't describe how beautiful it is. You are great.

— volnoscioviec (@volnoscioviec) April 7, 2022

All the proceeds from the song “Hey Hey! Rise Up” will be donated to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, as organized by the United Nations.

Absolutely beautiful! I've known this song since I was a little girl, but it has extra special meaning now. Thank you!

— JustryNJ (@JustryNj) April 8, 2022 

Fans on Twitter have already started raving about the new song, many of whom have been Ukrainians, thanking the band for giving meaning to a song that they’ve known since they were little. 

Thank you! This is perfect. It is such a sad time, but this song has power, and sends a strong message of hope. My wish is that all your fans in Russia rise up, as the song pleads, and they put a stop to this invasion.

— Rosey (@Rosey_St) April 7, 2022

I have goosebumps listening to this. Thank you

— Angelo Burchielli (@aburchio) April 7, 2022

Pink Floyd, this is why you are one of the most important bands in history.

— Dean Plumley (@LB130) April 7, 2022

I’ve been in love with @pinkfloyd for more than 30 years. You’re, guys, not only one of the greatest bands ever but people with great hearts! Thank you for siding with Ukrainians. We highly appreciate it!

— Alexander Khara (@alexanderkhara) April 8, 2022

Thank you, David, thank you, Pink Floyd! This means so much to us, especially to those who've loved you for years and decades!

— Anastasiia Gavryliuk (@AnastasiiaVG_UA) April 8, 2022 

One user wrote, “Thank you, David, thank you, Pink Floyd! This means so much to us, especially to those who've loved you for years and decades!” while another one commented, “Music often expresses what words alone cannot express. A call to peace. The world is with Ukraine.” 

Source: The Guardian

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