Today we’re pleased to announce that we release our charity single, a cover version of Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water. This digital-only release is available to purchase or stream on major platforms including iTunes, 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, the UK’s LGBT anti-violence charity that supports victims of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate crime.

Just hours before the attack at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando took place, we recorded Bridge Over Troubled Water in preparation for our forthcoming album to celebrate our 25th anniversary (due to be released in late 2016). Following an unprecedented response to footage posted online from our performance at the Soho Vigil held to commemorate victims of the Orlando Pulse nightclub attack, we decided to release the track early to raise money for victims of this brutal attack and for victims of LGBT hate crime in the UK.

Our 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. We had recorded Bridge Over Troubled Water for our forthcoming album. It’s 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”

Our 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. “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 Symphony Orchestra with Lana Bode on piano.

The single is available to purchase now on iTunes and Google Play.