Paul Simon has taken to Facebook to share his admiration for key workers at in Llandudno, north Wales, for their “extraordinary” cover of his 1970 hit Bridge Over Troubled Water. Speaking of the performance, which has recently gone viral, Simon offered some background information in his Facebook post by saying where “the brave men and women from NHS” had recorded the song. He identified “Venue Cymru, which has been turned into a temporary coronavirus hospital. During this process, the facility has been renamed to Ysbyty Enfys, which is Welsh for Rainbow Hospital, as a symbol for hope.”
The video has since been shared on Paul Simon’s official YouTube channel and be seen below.
Since being posted yesterday, the video has received over 11,000 views. Included in the performance, among many NHS staff members, are messages from music personality Jools Holland and the Welsh actors Rhys Ifans and Mathew Rhys. The song is performed both in English and in Welsh, befitting the opening title card offering “A message of thanks” in both languages.
According to a report by NME, the project was spearheaded by local musicians John Williams (no, not that John Williams) and Manon Llwyd after they had volunteered as artistic directors and producers. Speaking of the finished product, Ms Llwyd wishes “to thank all of the performers for sharing their talents and to Venue Cymru for great teamwork and for trusting us in our work and to Paul Simon for his beautiful song and his support.”
Elsewhere, the general manager of Venue Cymru Sarah Ecob, had this to say: “We can’t wait to get back to shows and events but in the meantime we will continue to support the amazing health and support staff working at Ysbyty Enfys.”
The popularity of this new cover is likely due to its very timely lyrics, and their being performed by the present-day heroes that NHS workers have come to represent. “Oh, if you need a friend / I’m sailing right behind / Like a bridge over troubled water / I will ease your mind” – it’s not hard to see how a sentiment like that can communicate so widely, and with so many, at a time like this.
