British music legend Hank Marvin of The Shadows has joined forces with Queen’s powerhouse drummer Roger Taylor in aid of a project raising funds and awareness around Parkinson’s disease. Together, Marvin and Taylor breathe new life into a 60s gem, ‘Let There Be Drums’, made famous by Sandy Nelson.
The rendition of the surf classic, which also features a breathtaking contribution by the Kodo Drummers of Japan, is part of the compilation album ‘Think Loud 4 Parkinson’s’, put together by former manager to the stars, Ian Grant, who has lived with Parkinson’s disease since 2016.
The single is accompanied by an impressive, montage style video, directed by the man behind Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ video, Nigel Dick. Speaking about receiving the call up, Dick said, “I knew it was an opportunity too good to pass up. I contacted every drummer I knew, pitched them the idea, and every one of them said yes without hesitation.”
The video’s premise sees a number of iconic drummers performing the track. Alongside the Kodo Drummers and Roger Taylor, it features the likes of Vinnie Colaiuta (Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa) Eric Manegold (Chuck Berry) and Simon Phillips (The Who). See HERE.
‘Think Loud 4 Parkinson’s’, which also features exclusive tracks by the likes of Paul Carrack, The Waterboys, John Cooper Clarke and Leo Sayer, has received support from a number rock legends including Ozzy Osbourne, and Pete Townshend (who donated £20,000 toward the project through The Who’s Double O Foundation).
Speaking about the track, Ian Grant, who helped steer the careers of The Stranglers and Big Country, said “Man, this was so cool. I've met many a hero but Hank is extra special because he is a hero’s hero.”
Ozzy Osbourne and Cure Parkinson’s
Funds raised by the project go toward the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The project caught the eye of Ozzy Osbourne earlier in the year who subsequently chose Cure Parkinson’s as one of three charity sponsors for Black Sabbath’s farewell show at Villa Park this summer