The London Gay Men’s Chorus (LGMC) are today releasing a cover version of Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water in aid of those recently attacked at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando.
The LGMC’s version of Bridge Over Troubled Water, distributed by Horus Music, is available as a digital-only release. It can be purchased or streamed on all major platforms including iTunes, Amazon Music, Google Play, Spotify, Deezer and Tidal.
Proceeds from the sale of the charity single will be split equally between the Orlando Victims Fund, organised by Equality Florida and Galop, UK LGBT anti-violence and abuse charity.
Just hours before the attack at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando took place on June 12th, LGMC recorded Bridge Over Troubled Water in preparation for their forthcoming album, which celebrates the chorus’s 25th anniversary and is due to be released in late 2016.
Following an unprecedented response to footage posted online from their performance at the Soho Vigil on June 13th in London, held to commemorate victims of the attack, the LGMC decided to release the track early to raise money for victims of the attack and for victims of LGBT hate crime in the UK.
Speaking about the release, LGMC Artistic Director Simon Sharp commented: “The attack on the Pulse nightclub in Orlando sent shockwaves through the whole LGBT community. The LGMC responded in the only way we could: through song.
“We were truly overwhelmed by the public response to our performance at the Soho Vigil and want to do everything we can to raise money for the victims of the Orlando attack and for victims of LGBT hate crime in the UK.
“Bridge Over Troubled Water is a song that has taken on new meaning for us as a chorus, but we hope it sends out a message of love and support to all of our LGBT brothers and sisters and our straight allies across the world.”
simon sharp, lgmc
“Bridge Over Troubled Water is a song that has taken on new meaning for us as a chorus, but we hope it sends out a message of love and support to all of our LGBT brothers and sisters and our straight allies across the world.”
Chairman of the LGMC, John D. Carrion, added: “The LGMC believes passionately that music has the power to heal and to inspire, to lift souls and to unite people in times of joy and sorrow.
“We understand how vital it is that the LGBT community has access to safe and supportive spaces – community groups such as the LGMC, bars and clubs – as a sanctuary. A place to express yourself and your identity. A place to call home.
“The Orlando attack was an act of hatred directed towards the LGBT community and we want to combat this hate with a message of love, hope and solidarity.”
john d. carrion, lgmc
“The Orlando attack was an act of hatred directed towards the LGBT community and we want to combat this hate with a message of love, hope and solidarity.
“The response to our performance at the vigil has been incredibly overwhelming and humbling for all of our members. We would like to take the opportunity to send our thanks to all those who shared this moment with us, and sent us messages of thanks and love.
“It helps spur us on to continue singing – for equality, and for those who have gone too early. We hope you will consider purchasing this single to send a message of support to the victims of this horrific attack.”
Arranged by Fred Broom, with orchestrations by Simon Nathan, Bridge Over Troubled Water features the Orion Orchestra with Lana Bode on piano.
Formed in 1991 by nine gay men coming together to sing at Angel Tube Station, the LGMC has grown to over 200 singing members.
They regularly performs at concert halls around London as well as conducting education workshops in schools to combat homophobia.Music Business Worldwide
