Musicians and Queen Alexandra Hospital workers join forces to produce uplifting tribute song

Covid-19 has brought the world to a standstill but by using every flavour of social media, messaging app and video chat a new song has been made by musicians and Queen Alexandra Hospital staff putting their lives on the line.

Musician Phil Swan, who spearheaded the campaign to raise money towards the Covid-19 fund, has connected those in isolation who have come together to make the song Voices from the NHS Front Line – Lean on Me.

He has been joined by other luminaries including songwriter Barry Upton, production specialist Mike Fowler, radio star Liam Howes and designer Geoff Banks.

Phil created the outline of the track in his home studio and then reached out to music industry friends who added their unique touches.

However, it wasn't until the first NHS voice recordings were incorporated that things became supercharged.

Phil said: ‘It's like a snowball rolling down a hill, it's got bigger and bigger, faster and faster.

‘Word spread from one person to two, to a group of nurses, then ambulance drivers, porters and doctors and it continues.

‘We realise they are super busy working around the clock, across the country treating wave after wave of people suffering from symptoms of the virus.

‘We do not want to get in their way but they have been able to record during breaks, at the end of shifts, in cars and from home to create stunning vocals and beautiful harmonies. They've been ingenious.

‘As each vocal is added, the sound becomes fuller and richer, it lifts my heart. It's such an honour to be able to work with all these amazing people.’

Phil says the song embodies the spirit of NHS staff who are battling Covid-19. ‘Our society has pain and we are leaning on them now more than ever. When we called, they were there, being our friend and helping us to carry on,’ he said.

‘To every single person on the NHS front line we say thank you, keep safe, we love you.’

To donate click here.

The song can be watched here.

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