Members of The Mission, The Cure and The Smiths all feature in the video for Wayne Hussey’s new charity single ‘ToS2020’, released August 28. This is an all-star cover of the 1988 single ‘Tower of Strength’ by The Mission, reworked to raise money for coronavirus relief charities.
The project is referred to as ‘ReMission International’ and the new single has been called ‘TOS2020’ to distinguish it from the original. The video consists of a combination of live footage, footage of studio sessions, mostly recorded on webcams, and photos. This comes between clips from science labs and hospitals – the coronavirus front-line. These images include people in hazmat suits, videos of test tubes and microscopes, and teams of doctors gathered in their masks. One particularly emotional moment depicts a medical professional at the bedside of a coronavirus patient.
Although the footage of contributing artists is relatively light-hearted, the video has a serious tone and it is honest about the real challenges that medical professionals have faced in the last few months. It also depicts some of the day-to-day realities of coronavirus; there is a lot of mask wearing! You can watch the full video, and hear the reissue of the single, below.
Wayne Hussey declared that the idea for the re-release of ‘Tower of Strength’ actually came from the enthusiasm of others: “When Covid-19 hit I started receiving messages asking ‘why don’t you re-issue ‘Tower Of Strength’ for the front line workers?’” He continued, “The song had apparently been adopted as an anthem by some NHS workers, and it got me thinking that I would like to contribute something to the greater cause at this unprecedented time and the only thing I could really contribute is music.”
As you might spot in the video, ‘TOS2020’ has an exciting line-up, with guests including Gary Numan, Martin Gore, Lol Tolhurst, Midge Ure, Billy Duffy, Rachel Goswell of Slowdive, Andy Rourke and Budgie from Siouxsie and the Banshees. Julianne Regan from All About Eve, said, “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.”
Gary Numan added, “Being given the chance to do some good to raise money for people and animals struggling in these frightening times by singing one of the best songs ever written was such an easy thing to say yes to. An absolute honour to be involved.”
The charities will be “personally chosen” by each respective contributor. There is a list of the current contenders below. In a press release, Hussey said that the single had already raised more than £40,000. ‘TOS2020‘ was released digitally on August 28, and a physical release on 12” vinyl and CDs on October 2.
Charities currently nominated for donations:
NHS UK
St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memphis
Music Venue Trust UK
Covenant House, New Orleans
Disasters Emergency Committee
MusiCares
Plan International
Direct Relief
Alzheimer’s Scotland
Liberty Hill Foundation
The Shrewsbury Ark
Memorial Sloan Kettering Center, NYC
Prostate Cancer UK
The Teddy Bear Clinic
Red Rover
Help Musicians UK
Crew Nation
Venice Family Clinic
The Anthony Walker Foundation
Projeto Cáo Communitário
The City Of San Francisco Covid-19 Fund
