Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan to release single in memory of Harley
Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan and his friends from band SuperEvolver are releasing a charity single to raise funds in memory of a little boy who died of cancer.
Music fan Harley Staples made a big impact on the Leicester star, who visited him at his Blaby home just a few weeks before he died last November, aged just eight.
Harley made Tom a guitar which the singer now treasures.
So when his mates in up-and-coming Leicester band SuperEvolver said they wanted to raise money in Harley's memory by releasing Viva Le Revolution, a previously unheard song they had recorded together two years ago, Tom was all for it.
After a summer of festival headline slots and European shows with U2 and Muse, the Kasabian singer met up with the band to promote the single.
"I think if Harley was around he'd be really proud, he'd be loving it, the fact this song is for him," said Tom. "It keeps his memory alive, it's brilliant."
Proceeds from Viva Le Revolution will go to The Harley Staples Cancer Trust, a charity set up to help other children with cancer by the youngster's parents, Katherine and Jamie, and the Unicef Pakistan Flood Children's Appeal.
"Harley's charity is an amazing charity and we wanted to help out, do it in his memory," said Tom.
"We also wanted to give something to the Unicef appeal as well," added SuperEvolver bass player Tom Bradshaw. "All the profits will be going to charity."
Viva Le Revolution was written by SuperEvolver a few years ago, with Tom Meighan singing vocals.
SuperEvolver singer James Mabbett said: "We didn't want to release it as a song that represents the band because it sounds nothing like us. We played at GlastonBlaby (a festival set up in Harley's memory) so we knew about Harley's fund and we decided to do it for him."
The single also features a remix by DJ and producer Dan Thomas and will be available to download from Monday, September 27. It is the second single to be released in memory of Harley, who recorded a drum track just before he died which was featured on a release by The Screening last year.
Mum Katherine said: "Harley would be chuffed to bits. One CD with his name is something but two is amazing, and with Tom as well.
"We call it the Harley effect – everything that has been done in his memory has just escalated. We're so proud."
Viva Le Revolution, by SuperEvolver featuring Tom Meighan, will be available to download on iTunes, Amazon MP3, Zune, Last.fm, MySpace and Spotify. Visit: www.harleystaples.co.uk
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by Red80, Leicester
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 5:30PM
“I would just like to echo what Becky says and I think anyone who feels the need to write all of these negative comments needs to have a little bit of respect for Harley's parents!”
by Becky, Leicester
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 9:47AM
“I wish more people would use their creativity and talent to help others. We constantly see big name products 'raising money for charity' but when Coca Cola or mcDonald's do it we turn a blind eye. Why? We do not boycott those products, we purchase them all the more. We see them as good, friendly, community focused companies. But really... are they not just raising their profiles and glossing over the fact they make billions and billions in profit, add to global warming through their practices and employ people at a pittance. So why when a local, unsigned band pledges to give ALL profits to two hugely worthwhile charities, are people slating them for it? So what if they raise their profiles a little? The music industry is bloody hard. If they were to put the song out, use Tom's name and keep the profits for themselves, then yes, you might want to slate them for that, and others do similar all the time. But this could raise a lot of money that will go to help people. I really don't understand the mentality that someone will boycott both Kasabian and SuperEvolver for doing something that is wholly not for profit AND raises the profile of the CHARITIES too! We live in a world of networking where cooperation and mutual promotion is beneficial. At least in this instance we see it occuring purely for the good of everyone involved.”
by *.*.*cloud!Tina!*.*.*, Italy
Monday, September 06 2010, 10:55PM
“Think that story is disgusting! my friend dies of cancer, and to hope on this is for band terrible!. dont make your band big from making such rubbish. will not listen to kasabian again and superrevolver definatly not.”
by Daniel, Leicester
Friday, September 03 2010, 8:12PM
“Who's Harvey?”
by Lady, leicester
Friday, September 03 2010, 8:08PM
“Prostitution generally means receiving money for services rendered. I don't believe receiving money for charity qualifies. That said... I think that 'prostituting oneself' in the name of music actually sounds like quite the way forward. And for charity! Awesome stuff.”