Music label COP International Records is pleased to announce the release of “Come Together (We Will Stop You),” a new single by the supergroup Lifeline International that features an all-star lineup of alternative rock musicians.
Created as a “mission of humanity” to help the millions of people who are suffering in Ukraine and beyond, this modern spin on The Beatles’ classic “Come Together” is the brainchild of COP International Records founder Christian Petke and the legendary music producer John Fryer. The single is now available for purchase on COP International’s Bandcamp page, and soon followed by other major digital music services, with 100% of the proceeds will donated to UNICEF. You can listen to the song below.
“This song is a simple and direct message to the millions of people who are currently suffering in Ukraine and beyond,” said Petke. “You are not alone. We see you.”
Added Fryer, “I’m shocked, stunned, dismayed, angry, horrified and saddened by the situation in Ukraine. I don’t how one man’s insane ego can cause this much death and destruction.”
Petke and Fryer, both of whom were born in Europe, were inspired by the multi-faceted and forward-thinking work that Bob Geldof once did to raise money for the African famine in the mid-80’s.
Geno Lenardo says, "As soon as John Fryer called me about playing guitar on 'Come Together' for Ukrainian relief and UNICEF I was so activated and energized to participate and help in any way I could. I'm extremely grateful for my musical friends who stepped up to participate.”
“The success of songs like ‘We Are the World’ and ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ directly spawned the Live Aid concerts, which raised millions of dollars for those who desperately needed it,” explained Petke. “So, while we are obviously excited about this new song’s immediate ability to raise awareness and money, we’d like to think that ‘Come Together’ is only the first step of many. The simple act of supporting one song can help spread a message of hope and compassion around the entire world.”
John Fryer, who has worked with such seminal musical artists as Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, Stabbing Westward, This Mortal Coil, and Cocteau Twins, was in charge of the music end of the project. After sketching out the track with Stephen Lam of Deathline International, Fryer enlisted friends Geno Lenardo (ex-Filter), Rod Såez Chåvez and Marija Buljeta to help him coordinate an all-star cast of musicians from bands such as Faith No More, Stabbing Westward, Rammstein, The Hardkiss (from Ukraine), Revolting Cocks, Filter, Pigface, The Joy Thieves, Agnostic Front, Basement Jaxx, Gravity Kills, The Cassandra Complex, Mesh, blackcarburning, Deathline International, Vaselyne and Black Needle Noise.
The idea of recording a song for this purpose immediately resonated strongly with many of the musicians who were asked to participate. Vocalist Chris Connelly (solo artist/Ministry/Pigface/The Joy Thieves) wanted to be a part of “Come Together” so badly that he recorded and sent his vocals for the song within 24 hours of receiving the instrumental track, despite fighting COVID-19 at the time. “The establishment has failed the people and acted like a spoiled child with a box of matches and a Slurpee cup full of gasoline,” said Connelly. “We musicians will do what we do best, COME TOGETHER and play LOUD! We will carry the torch. Not because it's ‘trendy,’ or we are ‘draft-dodging longhairs,’ but because it is the right thing, and it is what we HAVE!”
Jeff Scheel from Gravity Kills added, “As an American, and a citizen of the world, I initially felt like I didn’t have the means to make a difference all by myself. But contributing to this project feels like a way that I can truly help the people around the world who are suffering.”
The number one goal for “Come Together (We Will Stop You)” is to directly and quickly help the people who need it the most. One of the most crucial parts of that process is ensuring that every last dollar that we raise is used properly, which is why we have chosen to donate 100% of the proceeds to UNICEF. Not only are they a long-standing organization that people already know and trust, but they are famously transparent when it comes to the money that passes through their organization. We have been in touch with them, and we’re pleased to report that we can designate every last dollar raised specifically for the people of Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
Keeping this affordable is also important to us, so the minimum donation is only $1. But because the cause is so important, we are actively encouraging everyone to donate up to their comfort level.
Now there’s only one thing left to do, friends… but we need YOUR help to get it done. Let’s ALL “Come Together” and show the people of Ukraine and Eastern Europe that we hear them and that we truly care.
The full list of contributors on “Come Together (We Will Stop You)” is as follows:
- John Fryer (Black Needle Noise)
- Chris Connelly (solo artist/Ministry/Pigface/The Joy Thieves)
- Bill Gould (Faith No More, Brujeria, Wayne Kramer’s MC5)
- Richard Kruspe (Rammstein)
- Jeff Scheel (Gravity Kills)
- Christopher Hall & Walter Flakus (Stabbing Westward)
- Mark Hockings (Mesh/blackcarburning)
- Rodney Orpheus (The Cassandra Complex)
- Roger Miret (Agnostic Front)
- Geno Leonardo (ex-Filter)
- Lisa K (Basement Jaxx, The Bellrays, The Crystal Method)
- Matt Walker (Filter, The Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, Morrissey)
- The Hardkiss (award-winning Ukrainian band)
- Lukas Rossi (“Rockstar: Supernova” winner)
- Ginny Luke (recorded with Britney Spears, Black Eyed Peas, Will.I.Am, Foo Fighters, Snoop Dogg, Dave Matthews Band, Stevie Wonder and more)
- John Vaughn (TV and Movie scores)
- Talon Majors
- Eric Tomes (Awaiting Eli)
- Mari Kattman - (Mari Kattman /Helix)
- Stephen Lam & Th3Count (Deathline International)
- Diana Noir (Junksista)
- Dan Milligan & James Scott (The Joy Thieves, The Burying Kind)
- Ania Tarnowska (I Ya Toyah, The Joy Thieves)
- Yvette Winkler (Vaselyne, Black Needle Noise)
- Jim Semonik (Red Lokust)
- Steven Archer (Stoneburner, Ego Likeness)
- Tom Berger (Johnny Tupolev)
- Joe Virus (Solemn Assembly)
- James & Michelle Perry (Ashes Fallen)
- Sean Hazebruck (Sick Jokes)
- GW Childs IV (GW Childs IV)
- The E-Men Peace Choir
- Matt B Thorns
- Daniel Cartes
- Rod Saez Chavez
- Soledad Cáceres
- Marisol Calderón
- Cesar Reyes
- Matt B Thorns
- Rammstein
- ESP RZK
- Andrea Marino
- Tobias Ortmann
- Tom Baker
- Greg Rolfes
- Angelyka Wild
- Greg Young
Fans are also encouraged to donate directly to UNICEF here, and/or here.
