About the Legion
The Official Poppy Appeal single for 2012
23 October 2012
Released
today, the official Poppy Appeal single for 2012, 'Landlocked'
combines soulful vocals with poignant lyrics written by Tim Rice
and music by Pete Hobbs and James Fox. All profits from the sale of
the single will go to The Royal British Legion's annual Poppy
Appeal which launches tomorrow.
Performed by James Fox, the single is available to download now, from the following retailers:
This year the Poppy Appeal is focusing on Armed Forces families and it is hoped that sales from the single will help boost the much needed funds that enable the Legion to do its important charitable work - work that sees the Legion spend £1.7 million per week on direct, practical care to over 165,000 people a year.
The Legion is hoping that 'Landlocked' will emulate the success of the Military Wives Choir 'Wherever you are' single, last year's Christmas number one, by topping the charts this Remembrance Sunday.
The single, which was co-written by multiple award winning theatre legend Tim Rice, tells the story of a soldier deployed, isolated and away from his family.
Tim Rice said: "I have an enormous amount of respect for our Armed Forces; I think what they do, the way they conduct themselves, their stoicism is just incredible, which is why when James approached me about this project, I didn't hesitate."
Tim continued: "Trying to imagine what our troops go through when they are on operations is impossible, unless you have been through it first hand, so speaking to James - who has spent an awful lot of time performing for the Forces in places like Afghanistan - was important. I needed to get a sense of how they feel and what's important to them."
James Fox, who has had two top twenty UK chart hits and represented the UK at The Eurovision Song Contest, was also a finalist on the BBC's Fame Academy. He has performed on Broadway, London's West End and is currently starring as Paul McCartney in the new West End Beatles musical, 'Let it Be'. The singer has over ten years experience in entertaining the British Armed Forces around the world and has completed over 50 tours, taking him as far away as Afghanistan, Iraq, The Falklands, Bosnia and Kosovo.
James Fox said: "'Landlocked' presents a unique insight into the life of a soldier in combat, and the affect this has on them and their families, and I think through Tim's lyrics, we have captured that feeling of isolation. It's a message that speaks perfectly to what the troops feel when they're away."
Songwriter Pete Hobbs, member of the indie band 'The Boy Least Likely To', who co-wrote the track said: "This has without a doubt been one of the most artistically rewarding projects I have worked on. The added feel-good factor - knowing that the profits of the single are going to a good cause - makes it all the better. I'm extremely proud to be associated with this project"
Russell Thompson OBE, the Legion's Director National Events and Fundraising said: "Such is the universal support for the Poppy Appeal, I am always asked by people, 'how can I do more?' Well buying this year's official single is an excellent way to do just that."
Thompson continued: "James is a fantastic supporter of the Armed Forces and 'Landlocked' is a fitting tribute to the brave men and women for whom it was written."
James publicly performed 'Landlocked' for the first time at a free concert to launch this year's Poppy Appeal in Trafalgar Square on Wednesday 24 October. Also performing at the concert was pop sensation Pixie Lott alongside Britain's Got Talent judge and R&B superstar Alesha Dixon. There was also a performance by the Military Wives Choir. More details on the Poppy Appeal launch are available here.
Media contact:
Liam Maguire, PR Consultant, The Royal British Legion
T: 0203 207 2487 M: 07568 367 995 E: lmaguire@britishlegion.org.uk
The music video of the single can be viewed below or on our YouTube channel.