PC: War Child Records
In September 1995, some of British music’s biggest names came together to record a charity album in a single day. The album was released less than a week after recording and raised more than £1.25 million for War Child. Featuring Oasis, Radiohead, Blur, Paul McCartney and several other artists, ‘HELP’ was created to raise emergency funds for children affected by the Bosnian conflict.
War Child marked three decades of its landmark charity album
In October 2025, War Child marked the album’s 30th anniversary with a limited-edition 7-inch single box set, celebrating its lasting legacy. In 1995, indie and underground acts were reaching mainstream audiences, while Blur and Oasis were competing for the number one spot. In 2020, War Child Records had already reissued the album for its 25th anniversary, making it available on streaming services for the first time.
The project brought together artists, studios, producers and other music industry professionals to support children caught up in the conflict, according to War Child Records. The ‘HELP’ album emerged during a significant period for British music. Despite their rivalries, musicians came together to support children affected by the worsening conflict in Bosnia. War Child sought emergency funding and greater awareness of the crisis. A group of music industry professionals helped assemble the line-up, including Go! Discs’ Tony Crean, publicist Terri Hall of The Stone Roses and Manic Street Preachers, Black Grape publicist Anton Brookes and music publicist Rob Partridge. Studios, producers, engineers, record labels, retailers and distribution teams also contributed. Their combined efforts made it possible to record and release the album within days. The 30th-anniversary edition renewed interest in the original project and its collaboration between prominent musicians and the wider music industry.
