Hillsborough charity single to be played for first time for families in Liverpool ahead of push for Christmas number one

John Bishop, Steve Rotheram, Alan Hansen, Kenny Dalglish, and Peter Reid at the recording of 'He Ain't Heavy, He's my brother'

LIVERPOOL musicians will unite with some of the biggest names in pop on Thursday to launch a charity single aiming to top the Christmas charts in support of the Hillsborough families.

The single, a cover of The Hollies’ He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother, will be played for the first time in public for an invited audience of the families and campaigners at St George’s Hall.

Produced by Guy Chambers, it has been recorded by The Justice Collective, which features artists including Robbie Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Paloma Faith, Beverley Knight, Melanie C, Andy Brown from Lawson, Holly Johnson, Mick Jones, Peter Hooton, Chris Sharrock from Oasis, Ian Prowse, Glen Tilbrook from Squeeze, Ren Harvieu, Dave McCabe from The Zutons, Paul Heaton from Beautiful South, John Power, and Gerry Marsden.

Joining the musicians will be comedians John Bishop and Neil Fitzmaurice, chef Heston Blumenthal and football favourites Kenny Dalglish, Peter Reid and Alan Hansen as well as organiser Steve Rotheram, MP for Walton.

Mr Rotheram said: “Some of the biggest UK recording artists have come together to record He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother to support the Hillsborough Families fight for justice and to raise funds for any future legal costs.

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“While we are confident that the campaign for truth and justice is nearing a conclusion, for 23 years the bereaved Hillsborough families have carried the eternal flame of hope that we would one day see those responsible brought to justice.

"All profits from this CD will go towards assisting with any legal costs incurred in that fight.

"The families have suffered enough.”

The Hollies classic He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, was used to great effect earlier this season by Everton at Goodison.

Everton tribute to the 96 who died at Hillsborough by emmysguysandgals

Guy Chambers said: “I am deeply honoured to be asked to produce this record for the 96. If we can help to raise money to support the families’ legal battle so that they finally get their time in court then our job will be done.”

All artists involved are giving their time for free, and all proceeds from the sale of the single will go towards the Hillsborough Families legal costs in their fight for justice.

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