Pink Floyd collaborates with injured Ukrainian singer on new track
British rock legends Pink Floyd are making a significant impact with their latest release, a new song titled “Hey Hey, Rise Up,” set to hit the airwaves this Friday. The song, created to raise funds for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, features the vocal talents of Andriy Khlyvnyuk, a Ukrainian singer who bravely chose to leave an international tour to defend his homeland, eventually sustaining injuries in the process.
The idea for this collaboration was sparked when Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour saw a poignant Instagram video of Khlyvnyuk singing in a deserted square in Kyiv amidst the ongoing conflict, with the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of a gold-domed church. Gilmour was deeply moved by this powerful moment and felt inspired to turn this raw emotion into music, ultimately leading to the creation of “Hey Hey, Rise Up.”
Speaking about the track, Gilmour shared that he had a heart-to-heart conversation with Khlyvnyuk while the Ukrainian singer was recovering from wounds sustained in the line of duty. Gilmour played a snippet of the song over the phone to Khlyvnyuk, who extended his blessings for the collaboration and expressed mutual hopes of future in-person endeavors.
In addition to featuring the vocals of Khlyvnyuk, known for his work with the Ukrainian band Boombox, “Hey Hey, Rise Up” also incorporates a sample of the singer performing a World War One protest song, adding layers of historical significance and emotional depth to the track. Joining Gilmour and Khlyvnyuk on this musical journey are Nick Mason, a founding member of Pink Floyd, as well as other talented musicians.
For Gilmour, the decision to work on this project was deeply personal, as he revealed his Ukrainian connections through his daughter-in-law and grandchildren. As he witnessed the unfolding events in Ukraine and the impact of Russia’s incursion, Gilmour was driven by a sense of fury and frustration, emotions that are reflected in the music and lyrics of “Hey Hey, Rise Up.”
The upcoming release of this new song from Pink Floyd marks a significant moment in the band’s history, marking their return to original music after nearly three decades. With a powerful message of solidarity and support for Ukraine, “Hey Hey, Rise Up” stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire change and promote humanitarian causes in times of crisis.