Ozzy Osbourne, Nick Mason and Noddy Holder are among a group of rock stars who have collaborated on a Christmas song to raise money for a charity supporting people with cancer.
Osbourne, whose wife Sharon was treated for colon cancer, narrates a moving introduction to the track, called This Christmas Time, for The Cancer Awareness Trust’s new Cancer Platform.
The song was recorded at the famous Abbey Road Studios and also features Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor, who has stage 4 prostate cancer.
Former EastEnders actress and singer Samantha Womack, who has recently shared her breast cancer journey, provides backing vocals on the song.
Holder in the recording studio
Slade star Holder, whose bandmates Jim Lea and Don Powell have been treated for the disease, ends the song by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
“It’s an honour and a delight to be asked to play on this record…I mean, what’s not to like? My favourite recording studio, the opportunity to work with great artists on a wonderful track – and for the most worthy cause… Oh, and complimentary lunch in the Abbey Road canteen!” said Pink Floyd drummer Mason.
Womack said: “It’s been an absolute honour to record this beautiful song with the most amazing people, at a time when my own cancer has affected me profoundly. I’m so excited to share this song, and hope it becomes a Christmas classic as it deserves to!”
This Christmas Time is written by scientific entrepreneur Professor Sir Chris Evans and is inspired by the heroism and letters home from British soldiers at Christmas during the First World War.
Womack with singer Nina Lopes and Reebz who also feature on the track
The Cancer Platform is a new online global project providing information to people living with cancer.
The song has been released on Evamore Records and will be available on streaming and download platforms from Friday 16 December.
It is available to play now on The Cancer Platform website here https://thecancerplatform.com/this-christmas-time