Sean Paul Joins Dua Lipa, Chris Martin and more for BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge Cover Of Foo Fighter’s ‘Times Like These’ To Benefit COVID-19 Charities

GRAMMY® Award-winning, multi-platinum selling Island Records artist Sean Paul has taken part in BBC Radio 1’s biggest and most ambitious Live Lounge, in support of the global effort to stay safe and stay home during the coronavirus crisis.

The BBC Radio 1 Stay Home Live Lounge performance features Sean Paul, alongside some of the music industry’s biggest stars collaborating on an emotionally-charged cover of Foo Fighters’ “Times Like These” to raise money for those in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Recorded and filmed by artists from their own homes, and produced by Ivor Novello and GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Fraser T. Smith (Adele, Stormzy, Sam Smith), the performance was broadcast across Radio 1, Radio 2, 1Xtra, 6Music and Asian Network, as well as on demand on BBC Sounds, the accompanying video premiered The Big Night In on BBC One and is available to watch on Radio 1’s iPlayer and YouTube channels. Check it out HERE.

The BBC has also released the song as a single, with UK net profits to be combined with any funds raised by The Big Night In. These funds will be split equally between BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief to provide essential support to vulnerable people of all ages and backgrounds across the UK who will be significantly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. International net profits will go towards the WHO’s COVID-19-Solidarity Response Fund. Listen to it HERE.

Artists featured on this special track in alphabetical order include, 5 Seconds of Summer, AJ Tracey, Anne-Marie, Bastille, Biffy Clyro, Celeste, Coldplay’s Chris Martin,  Dermot Kennedy, Dua Lipa, Ellie Goulding, Grace Carter, Hailee Steinfeld, Jess Glynne, Mabel, Paloma Faith, Rag’n’Bone Man, Rita Ora, Royal Blood, Sam Fender, Sean Paul, Sigrid, YUNGBLUD and Zara Larsson.

Speaking about his involvement, Sean Paul reveals, “It is such an unprecedented time on earth right now that we all have to come together to help each other.  All of the artists in this song are probably very comfortably quarantined in our homes, I just can’t imagine what it’s like for the less fortunate who are struggling at this time. I hope the song gives hope to people who are in the midst of lock down in more difficult mental and physical situations. It’s in sad times that we must pull together!”

The track’s producer, Fraser T Smith adds “It’s humbling to have been asked to produce this amazing single, taking the Foo Fighters’ classic, ‘Times Like These’, with the Radio 1 Live Lounge team and the incredible collective of artists who have come together to record whilst in isolation. Our vision was to create a stay at home version using phones, pots, pans and acoustic guitars that would honour the brilliance and honesty of the artists and song, rather than the trickery of an expensive recording studio. We tried to make this single in a totally different way artistically, relevant to today. The lyrics particularly resonate with us all at this challenging time, and I sincerely hope that money raised can help the plight of the unified battle against COVID-19 around the world.”

And from Chris Price, the Head of Music for Radio 1, “Thank you to Fraser T Smith, Foo Fighters and every single artist who threw their energies into this extraordinary collaboration. ‘Times Like These: BBC Radio 1 Stay Home Live Lounge’ sends a simple message to the world: that the power of music and human creativity can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to build a sense of community, togetherness and determination, even when we are forced apart.”

“Times Like These” follows the release of Sean’s last single, “Calling On Me” with Tove Lo, which released earlier this year on Island Records. The video received its broadcast premiere on MTV Live, mtvU and the Times Square Viacom billboard in New York City, Watch the Andy Hines-directed music video for ‘Calling On Me’ HERE and catch both super star artists performing the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live HERE.

With close to 2 BILLION combined global streams and 23 MILLION monthly Spotify listeners, Sean Paul remains without a doubt, one of the most beloved and instantly recognizable voices in music. Responsible for global hits such as “Body” featuring Migos, “No Lie” featuring Dua Lipa, Clean Bandit’s “Rockabye,” and the Billboard Number 1 “Cheap Thrills with Sia,” the Jamaican dancehall artist, singer and record producer is showing no signs of slowing down as he kicks off the new decade with an undisputable hit featuring one of the most respected and critically acclaimed pop artists around.

Having collaborated with some of the worlds’ biggest stars including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Sia, Dua Lipa, Nicki Minaj, Kelly Rowland, Migos, David Guetta, J Balvin, and DJ Snake, Sean Paul is proud to join GRAMMY^® Award nominated Tove Lo for his latest undeniable smash. Speaking on the new track, Sean Paul revealed: “Calling On Me’ is a dope song reflecting the real side of love. If you love someone, the energy doesn’t ever change. They are able to call on you at all times. I’m proud to have such an amazing vocalist like Tove Lo be on the track with me.”