Gary Kemp, Pete Townshend, Hank Marvin and Tony Hadley were among the music stars who sent messages of support to a charity album launch at the offices of Cure Parkinson’s in London last night.
Think Loud 4 Parkinson’s - the album featuring some previously unreleased tracks by legends like Procol Harum’s Gary Brooker, Paul Carrack and Hank Marvin - celebrated its launch ahead of a release tomorrow. The album release shortly follows news that Ozzy Osbourne has chosen Cure Parkinson’s to receive part of the proceeds from Black Sabbath’s farewell show at Villa Park this summer.
At the album launch last night, media in attendance gathered to watch video messages from the stars, culminating in a music video for a version of the 60s hit Let There be Drums by British guitar legend Hank Marvin, featuring an introduction from Marvin himself. The Shadows’core member appeared in his studio control room wearing a red stratocaster and spoke about the importance of the project, “We’re doing this today to raise money for Parkinson’s awareness and research”.
On the album, the heartbreaking lyrics of The Beatles’ ‘Eleanor Rigby’ meet the classic groove of ‘Billie Jean’ on just one of the eye-catching highlights.
Leo Sayer, who fronts three tracks on the compilation, including the reimagined, R&B version of ‘Eleanor Rigby, said “I actually made two versions for my album - one of them was almost a grunge style cover, believe it or not. I put a Michael Jackson inspired version on in the end.
“The song felt fitting: ‘’Ah, look at all the lonely people.’ Well, people who are going through Parkinson’s will tell you it can be one of the loneliest experiences in the world.’
Pete Townshend and The Who have shown their support with a generous donation. Ian Grant, on behalf of Cure Parkinson’s, secured a £20,000 donation from the band’s Double O Charity in support of the Think Loud 4 Parkinson’s album.
Speaking about the cause, Townshend said “My interest in Parkinson's arose because my beloved father-in-law Edwin Astley, composer, died in great distress of Progressive supranuclear palsy which is loosely related to Parkinson's.
“Then, a very close friend, James Morgan, another composer, revealed he has Parkinson's. Since then I have tried to help raise awareness around this awful illness, and the really terrible side effects of the large amount of necessary drugs every day, and the incredible pain they ameliorate. Many people don’t realise how much pain Parkinson's can cause."
The project was put together by esteemed manager Ian Grant, who helped steer the careers of iconic talent Big Country, The Cult, The Stranglers, Elizabeth McGovern and many more. Grant was motivated to begin the project, alongside music producer Paul Mitchell and two others, in response to his own experience living with Parkinson’s disease for the last nine years. Of the four organisers involved in Think Loud 4 Parkinson’s, three have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
Speaking about Think Loud 4 Parkinson’s, Grant said: “To quote the words Pete Townshend said to me: ‘Ian, it’s not easy asking for favours for charitable stuff. It can be demeaning. But when it all works out, it makes it feel worth it.’
“I was determined to put this project together. It hasn’t been an easy journey but the contribution I’ve received from the talented people involved has kept this alive. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and Cure Parkinson’s have been unwavering in their support”.
2024 saw the release of the album’s first single, featuring lead vocals by Leo Sayer.
‘Think Loud’, the single, came out alongside a heart-warming, DIY style video featuring famous faces Glen Matlock of Sex Pistols, Blondie’s Clem Burke, British football legend Stuart Pearce, former England cricketer Mark Butcher, tennis star Pat Cash and the Golden Globe nominated Elizabeth McGovern. SEE HERE. The soulful, Pop/ Rock track was written by Strictly Come Dancing theme co-composer and organist Josh Philips, Paul Mitchell and Ian Grant. Among the artists featured on the track were John Illsley of Dire Straits and Marcella Detroit of Shakespears Sister.