Proceeds go to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization powered by the United Nations Foundation to support frontline health workers.

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Hooking up virtually between the UK and Los Angeles, Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor and singer Adam Lambert have recorded a new version of Queen’s classic, We Are The Champions. Widely regarded as one of the most instantly recognizable anthems, it was this same song Queen + Adam Lambert played for their first performance together on the May 2009 American Idol finale.

 Brian May and Roger Taylor have been performing pop-up concerts from their respective homes while in lockdown and the seeds of this new May, Taylor and Lambert version of We Are The Champions were sown when May posted a MicroCon invitation to jam with him on the classic Queen track on his Instagram. Taylor was first to respond, followed by Lambert who in his at-home performance changed the lyric mid-song to You are the Champions.

 Overwhelmed with calls for the track to be made available to download the resulting ‘virtual jam’ version now titled You Are The Champions and additionally featuring band bass player Neil Fairclough, is available now on all streaming and download services.

 Proceeds raised from the track will go to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization (WHO), powered by the United Nations Foundation. The Fund providestools and resources to health workers on the frontlines globally, including PPE, testing kits, trainings, and more. Additionally, the Fund supports the rapid development of a vaccine and theraputics.

 As the unfolding coronavirus outbreak has forced Queen + Adam Lambert to reschedule their 27 date UK and European tour to 2021, it’s hoped this new ‘We Are The Champions’ will also provide some consolation for disappointed fans.

 Since its initial release in October 1977, the Freddie Mercury-penned We Are The Champions, has become a victory parade anthem uniting sports terraces and on-field celebrations the world over. This enduring anthemis frequently heard at the winning line of motor races and has also become synonymous with track and field events, soccer and baseball championships and even (without endorsement) at presidential campaign rallies.

 Freddie said of We Are The Champions: “I wanted to write something that everyone could sing along to. And at the same time, I thought it would be nice to have a winning song that’s meant for everyone.”

 “By each playing our part and addressing the difficult times we are all sharing we will win this challenge,” the band say. “During this time our thoughts and thanks are with those dedicated medical heroes standing up to the battle daily on our behalf. They are the champions. You are the champions.”

  Says Brian May: “It seems to me we should dedicate this one to all the front-line soldiers fighting for Humanity against the insurgent coronavirus. Just like our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents who fought for us in two world wars, those brave warriors in the front line are our new CHAMPIONS. That means the doctors, nurses, cleaners, porters, drivers, tea-ladies and gentlemen, and all who are quietly risking their lives daily to save the lives of our kin. CHAMPIONS ALL!!!”

Says Roger Taylor:

“As a father with a daughter in the front line, I am ultra-aware of the vital work they are doing daily to save us and our society. Their bravery and sacrifice must not be prejudiced by anything less than a one hundred per cent effort by our governments to protect them. They are precious to us all and they are truly our champions.”

Says Adam Lambert:

“It is with the deepest gratitude to all those on the frontline all over the world that we dedicate our performance. Thank you for keeping us safe, we are in awe of your bravery and strength.”

“We Are The Champions has always been a rallying cry,” said Elizabeth Cousens, President & CEO of the UN Foundation. “We are grateful to Queen and Adam Lambert for using their talents to support our heroes on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response. Their contribution to this fight will lift spirits and raise critical funds for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization.”

Queen + Adam Lambert’s "You Are The Champions“ will be available from today across all streaming and download services.

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Notes to editors:

Queen and Adam Lambert and the Freddie Mercury Estate are waiving all of their royalties from the worldwide sales of You Are The Champions and Universal Music Group are donating all revenues they receive (after deductions only of sales taxes and third party publishing payments) from the sales of single to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

About COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund: The COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund is a historic opportunity for everyone, everywhere to help support the World Health Organization’s lifesaving work to prevent, detect, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out more: covid19responsefund.org

About UN Foundation:

The UN Foundation brings together ideas, people, and resources to help the United Nations drive global progress and tackle urgent problems. Our hallmark is to collaborate for lasting change and innovate to address humanity’s greatest challenges. Learn more at www.unfoundation.org

Footnote:

We Are The Champions is a highlight of Queen’s sixth studio album, 1977’s ‘News of the World’ and first issued as a single, with ‘We Will Rock You’ on the B-side. It has become one of the band’s most instantly identified anthems and is a regular show closer. It was also one of their biggest hits across the world including the UK, US (where it was a double A-side), and Australia, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Norway, Germany, Austria, Sweden and many other territories. In France, ‘We Are The Champions’ stayed at number one for twelve consecutive weeks, after which - and only because no record was permitted to be number one for any longer than twelve weeks - the chart was published with ‘We Will Rock You’in the top spot.