Late of the Pier
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For over twelve years now War Child have been a charity on the frontline of every major conflict on this planet, reminding us all of the uncomfortable truth that many of those caught in the vicious crossfire of mendacious politicians are children, who bear the physical and emotional scars of armed conflict until the day they die.
As their website states 'over one and a half million children have been killed in armed conflicts throughout the world in the last ten years' and let's face it you don't have to have seen Mark Wallinger's 'State Britain' to guess at how many thousands in recent years alone have been killed, maimed or burned beyond recognition in Iraq and Afghanistan; just two of the many regions where Warchild have spearheaded life-saving projects.
There is simply way too much activity by War Child going on in every war torn corner of this planet to give all of it the coverage it truly deserves in this article, but perhaps if I were to tell you that at the height of the Iraq conflict they set up a bakery in Nasiyirah that produced some 30,000 loaves of bread a day, you will get some idea of their staggering commitment.
Over the last decade War Child have been supported in their ongoing mission by some of the very best artists working in music, all of whom have contributed without any of the ego massaging, self-aggrandising bullshit that can so often accompany a musician's charity work.
Since their original inception in 1993, itself a response to the horrors of the Balkans conflict, War Child have made millions for their projects worldwide through album sales and live shows and the 'Army of You' project, brought to you in conjunction with Dazed & Confused, is just the latest chapter in that musical continuum.
The fundraising live show at KOKO this month brought together some of the most interesting and vibrant bands of the moment to deliver an artillery blast of contemporary talent; Metronomy, The Noisettes and These New Puritans being just three of those involved that Dazed Digital caught on film for you to enjoy online over the next few weeks. But hey, don't just log on, tune in and wig out to these tunes in your bedroom, hit the link below and get involved.
www.warchildmusic.comText by John-Paul Pryor