Ukrainian band Antytila went viral earlier this week after asking Ed Sheeran to help them perform at a giant televised fundraiser for their home country. Members of the band have stayed in Ukraine to defend the country and posted a video from the frontline, donning combat uniforms and helmets.
In a recorded message to the pop star, they urged him to use his influence to get them onto the bill at tonight's Concert for Ukraine at Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, which will be broadcast on ITV. They hoped to join the sold-out two-hour show via live stream from Ukraine. Their heartfelt message reached the ears of Sheeran who responded saying he "couldn't wait" to check out their music.
The group formed in 2007 and have since released six studio albums while performing many stadium shows in their home country, in fact, they planned on doing another stadium tour in the summer before the war kicked off. Currently, three members of the band are fighting on the frontline in Ukraine with two more working as civilian volunteers.
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Despite their pleas, the group announced on March 25 that organisers had turned down their offer to play at the show. In a post on their social media channels, lead singer Taras Topolya said: "Hello everyone, we’re Antytila. Ed Sheeran got back to us, he said that he’ll be happy to check out our music. So we want to thank him for supporting Ukraine. It’s a big pleasure for us.
“But we also heard back from the organisers of the benefit concert and were told no. The reason is their concert has a purely humanitarian purpose but we are wearing helmets and holding arms. You know first of all we are musicians, helmets, body armour are temporary. But we understand the answer and accept it. So you have to excuse us, we were not expecting it."
Earlier in the week, Ed Sheeran posted a video message for the band, he said: "Hey guys, I just watched your video this morning, thank you so much for sending it. Firstly, I just want to say to all Ukrainians that I love you, I stand with you, and I'm so proud to be playing this fundraising event next week.
"I can't wait to check your music out too guys and sending lots of love."
Speaking to the NME ahead of the fundraiser, frontman Taras Topolia said: “It’s great that someone like Ed Sheeran can help spread the information that we are strong but that Ukraine’s refugees need help. We decided to record that video to show all of the people that we are from Kyiv, we are strong and we are unconquered. That was the main message.”
He admitted the band were “upset” that they would not be part of tonight's gig, but said they respected the decision. “We don’t have the right to push them,” he said.
“For us, it is much more important for us to fight in Ukraine and resist the Russian occupiers. That’s why we are wearing helmets and holding weapons in our arms. We were pushed to do this. The Russians left us no other choice – for European values and for Ukraine’s future.”
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