Celebs give New Mills studio ‘A Little Help’ with charity single

Milltown Studios called on well-known musicians they have worked with over the years for guest appearances on the song - all featured in its video.

Among celebrities who took part in the charity release are Happy Mondays’ Rowetta Idah, Dodgy drummer Mathew Priest, Bowie guitarist Gerry Leonard, and Embrace drummer Mike Heaton.

Other household names include Emmerdale’s Tony Audenshaw, Cold Feet’s John Thompson, and Pete Salisbury - drummer for The Verve and The Charlatans.

Over 200 people are featured in the stunning video - including - last but not least - well over 100 of the studio’s music students - the youngest being just five years old.

Milltown owner John Patterson told how work on the song and its video - beautifully produced by Jenni Lees of JL Visionography - began during the first lockdown.

He said: “It was just something positive to work on with all these actors and musicians who ended up with nothing to do while isolating.

“And it gave all our pupils something to practice and work hard on as well.”

The studio had all their students learn various parts of the song - performed in the unforgettable style of legendary singer Joe Cocker - so they could play along in the video.

John told how he chose the Cocker version of the classic tune to give it a more emotive tone.

He said: “I’m a massive Beatles fan but Joe Cocker’s version is more powerful - it just feels more hard-hitting when he sings it.”

Proceeds from the single will be split between the Christie and NHS Charities.

Speaking about Christie Hospital John said: “We’ve all known people who the Christie have helped.

“Covid has touched us all and they do an amazing and a tough job - but their funds have been cut during lockdown as people haven’t been able to raise money through coffee mornings and other events."

The song has been released by Classic Album Club Records and is available on iTunes and Spotify

You can donate to the Christie at www.facebook.com/TheChristiecharity/ and you can watch the video on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbsDuKmwRAs.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.