Ukrainian band Antytila have urged Ed Sheeran to let them join a huge benefit concert that is raising funds to help those fleeing the conflict in the war-torn country.
The MTV EMA nominated band, which consists of singer Taras Topolya, keyboardist Serhiy Vusyk, bassist Mykhailo Chirko, guitarist Dmitry Acorn, and drummer Dmitry Vodovozov, want to take part at the upcoming Concert For Ukraine in Birmingham next week by performing remotely from Kyiv.
The two-hour benefit concert is due to air on Tuesday 29 March on ITV in aid of the Disasters Emergency Committee‘s (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
Ed Sheeran along with the likes of Camila Cabello, Emeli Sandé, Nile Rodgers and Chic, Manic Street Preachers, Tom Odell, Becky Hill and Snow Patrol are taking part in the event.
While advertising revenue and sponsorship from the event is expected to reach at least £3 million with the funds being donated by ITV to the DEC fund.
Antytila have taken up arms in their home country as the help the war effort to push back the invading Russian forces – and the boys have asked if they can perform next week to support the concert.
Taking to Facebook on Tuesday, the group appealed to Ed Sheeran to let them join the cancer.
The band wrote: “Hello Ed Sheeran, greetings from Kyiv!
“We are musicians of the Ukrainian band Antytila – one of the most popular Ukrainian bands with a lot of fans in Ukraine and all over the world. In peacetime, our concerts gathered stadiums.
“The war has changed our lives and now we are fighting with weapons against the Russian occupiers. We thank you, and all the British people for their support. Believe me, we are grateful, and we will always, always remember this.
They added: “Today we learned about your charity concert for Ukraine, which will take place in Birmingham. And we offer to make a live broadcast between Kyiv and Birmingham with Antytila temporary joining the gig remotely.
“Our band will play our music in Kyiv, a city that has not surrendered and will never surrender to the Russian occupiers. You will play in Birmingham.
“We are not afraid to play under the bombs. Through music, we want to show the world that Ukraine is strong and unconquered. We will fight and sing for victory in front of the whole world that supports us.
“So on March 29, we are ready.”
ITV’s Concert for Ukraine was announced last week, with Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at ITV, saying: “Music is a very powerful tool when it comes to showing support and solidarity, and at ITV we are proud and privileged to be working with Livewire Pictures, Global, M&S and the DEC on such an important and necessary fundraising event.”
While Saleh Saeed, chief executive of the DEC, added: “It is heart-breaking to see the deepening crisis unfolding in Ukraine as more refugees cross the borders each day with nothing more than what they can carry. The situation for those inside the country is becoming increasingly precarious.
“But there is something we can all do to bring hope. Funds raised by this concert will make a real difference to those affected by the conflict, sending a strong message of love and enabling DEC charities to help now with urgent aid as well as helping to rebuild lives in the months and years ahead.”
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