Music

Simon Cowell releases charity single for victims of London fire

A star-studded version of Simon and Garfunkel’s 1970 classic “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to raise money for those affected by the Grenfell Tower disaster has been released.

Simon Cowell’s charity single was recorded only a half-mile from the 24-story building in west London where 79 people lost their lives.

More than 50 artists from across the music industry collaborated on the cover, including grime artist Stormzy, Brian May and pop stars Ella Eyre and Robbie Williams, Sky News reported.

Singer Rita Ora, who lives close to the tragic site and helped victims, also contributed.

The song opens with a rap by Stormzy, who sings: “That could have been me up there, waving my white, plain tee up there, with my friends on the ground trying to see up there, I just hope that you’re resting and you’re free up there.

“That could have been my mum’s house or that could have been my nephew. I don’t know where to begin, So I’ll start by saying I refuse to forget you. I refuse to be silenced, I refuse to neglect you.”

Cowell, the reality TV judge and producer, thanked everyone who supported the effort.

“As well as buying the single, we hope people can support those affected by the Grenfell fire by donating,” he said.

All proceeds collected by Artists For Grenfell will be distributed via The London Community Foundation.