Arctic Monkeys share their first new song in four years with “Opening Night”. The track appears on “Help (2)” to benefit children in conflict areas.
The Arctic Monkeys released their first new song in four years today. “Opening Night” is released as part of the charity album “Help (2)”, which the aid organization War Child is releasing on March 6th. A total of 30 artists and bands with 23 songs are taking part in the project, the proceeds of which go entirely to children in conflict areas.
About contributing the song to charity, Arctic Monkeys said in a press release: “We are proud to support the invaluable work of War Child and hope that the record will make a positive difference in the lives of children affected by war.”
However, it remains to be seen whether the band will work on further new songs or an album.
Listen to “Opening Night” here:
Reissue of the 1995 sampler
The album follows on from the legendary “Help” sampler from 1995, with which War Child raised around one million euros for children and victims of the Bosnian War. In addition to the Arctic Monkeys, the current edition also features Damon Albarn, Pulp, Wet Leg, Depeche Mode, Olivia Rodrigo, Big Thief and Beck.
Week-long session at Abbey Road Studios
According to the press release, recording took place in November during a week-long session at Abbey Road Studios. Producer John Ford led the production and director Jonathan Glazer was responsible for the visual concept. Glazer, who won an Oscar in 2024 for his film “The Zone Of Interest,” said he also had children document the studio production. Additional film footage was shot in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, Yemen and Sudan.
From British acts to international line-up
While the original was recorded in a single day in 1995 and featured exclusively British acts such as Radiohead, Oasis, Blur, Portishead and the Chemical Brothers, the new edition relies on an international line-up and a longer production phase. The participation of the then feuding bands Blur and Oasis was considered a special symbol at the time. In 2005, another charity album for the victims of Hurricane Katrina followed, “Help!: A Day In The Life”.
Proceeds for children in conflict areas
According to UNICEF, almost one in five children worldwide is currently growing up in crisis and conflict areas. War Child uses the proceeds to finance emergency aid, educational programs, psychosocial care and protective measures for affected children.
Participating artists
Anna Calvi / Ellie Rowsell / Nilüfer Yanya / Dove Ellis / Arctic Monkeys / Arlo Parks / Arooj Aftab & Beck / Bat For Lashes / Beabadoobee / Beth Gibbons / Big Thief / Black Country, New Road / Cameron Winter / Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten, Kae Tempest / Depeche Mode / English Teacher & Graham Coxon / Ezra Collective & Greentea Peng / Foals / Fontaines DC / King Krule / The Last Dinner Party / Olivia Rodrigo / Pulp / Sampha / Wet Leg / Young Fathers