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Official Diamond Jubilee song unveiled
Gary Barlow's Diamond Jubilee creation is entitled Sing
The song Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber have co-created for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations has had its first airing on BBC Radio 2.
Sing features musicians from across the Commonwealth, the Military Wives choir - and Prince Harry on tambourine.
The Prince made his contribution - his recording debut - in Jamaica, one of four Commonwealth countries that Barlow visited while compiling the song.
Sing had its first play on Chris Evans' Breakfast Show on Friday.
Barlow (r) described Prince Harry as "a great guy" and "a really nice kid"
The video for the track, credited to Gary Barlow and The Commonwealth Band, will be fully unveiled on The One Show on BBC One on Friday evening.
Asked if Prince Harry had exhibited any musical talent, Barlow said simply: "No."
"He did the tambourine hit and we spun it into the track," the Take That star explained. "He probably hasn't got a clue what he's part of just yet."
The inspiration for the song, the 41-year-old said, had partly come from Prince Charles.
"I was just going to do it in London with the Philharmonic Orchestra," he told the Press Association. "But once I'd met with him I realised we've got to go into the world.
"In my chat with him he said 'If you really want the Queen to like this, find people; go and travel and find people'."
The singer's travels - which also took him to Australia, Kenya and the Solomon Islands - will be charted in BBC One documentary Gary Barlow: On Her Majesty's Service.
Choir master Gareth Malone (l) said the Military Wives felt "honoured" to be asked to participate
Musicians he met and recorded include ska guitarist Ernest Ranglin, reggae duo Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, Jamaican group The Jolly Boys and the African Children's Choir.
Sing, to be released by Decca Records on 28 May, will be performed live at the Diamond Jubilee Concert, in front of Buckingham Palace on 4 June.
It will also feature on a commemorative Jubilee album by Barlow, which includes appearances from Hayley Westenra, Laura Wright and Alfie Boe.
"It has been a great joy to collaborate with Gary on a song for this extraordinary occasion," said Lord Lloyd-Webber.
"I hope it will become a song that is sung in celebration for many years to come."
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Comment number 251.
Verseandchorus18th May 2012 - 18:45
Sing it louder
Sing it clearer
knowing everyone will hear yer!!!
Make some noise
Find your voice!!!!!
Poor lyrics and a very poor song.
I was really looking forward to hearing this song
and expected a lot better from such a decent songwriting team.
Will turn it off every time it comes on the radio (which I'm guessing will be many times).
A great shame for great britain.
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Comment number 234.
RichardC18th May 2012 - 17:24
This song has an African melody. With the visual pictures presented of African Tribes one wonders whether this is supposed to represent Britain or Africa? Or is it the glory of Ye Olde Empire. Either way not very good IMHO.
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Comment number 203.
shanie218th May 2012 - 15:52
Only on this platform can an event of celebration be turned into a moan factory for heavens sake enjoy the extra day off no one is forcing any of you to join in - we do live in a democracy after all!! I for one will be enjoying every bit of it!! Oh and the song-lovely well done Gary and Andrew. Cant wait to see the video.
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Comment number 111.
NorthWealdGirl18th May 2012 - 12:22
When I heard Sing on the Breakfast Show this morning, I wasn't impressed. Like others, I didn't think it was catchy or powerful enough, having it heard it 4 times and seen the video, I've changed my mind. Like the Military Wives single, it's a grower!! The video certainly helps to put it all in context and having seen all the hard work and the diversity involved I am beginning to like it.
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Comment number 61.
Mrs Vee18th May 2012 - 11:10
I really like the Queen, I think we're very lucky to have her and I'm very happy that she has reigned for 60 years; I hope she has a wonderful Jubilee year. I'm sorry to say I think the song is bland and forgettable; it sounds like something from a second rate musical. To be honest I think she deserves better.
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