Proceeds will benefit FireAid
Def Leppard has released a cover of Ben E. Lee’s 1961 classic, “Stand By Me.” Proceeds from the track will be donated to FireAid, which will assist in short-term relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California.
“Los Angeles and its surrounding area have always played a central role in Def Leppard’s career, from it being where some of us are based to it being our U.S. hub for rehearsals to being the city where we played our first-ever American gig,” frontman Joe Elliott says in a statement. “We feel blessed to be able to dedicate this song and give all the royalties to the amazing heroes in Los Angeles helping those affected by the fires. No better song.”
“In times of devastation, standing together is more important than ever,” guitarist Phil Collen adds. “As a resident of Southern California for 35 years, I’ve witnessed the impact of wildfires as they continue to ravage communities across California. Our cover of Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me’ is a tribute to resilience, unity, and hope. All proceeds from our version ill go directly to wildfire victims, helping those who need it most. Let’s stand by each other and make a difference–because no one should face hardship alone.”
The song is featured in the Netflix film Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger, which was released on January 10th. The band performed it before the credits.
“Stand By Me” is the band’s first new music since “Just Like 73” was released in June 2024. The band is expected to release another box set in March, although details are unclear as of press time.
