Universal Music Ireland has announced full details of The Joshua Tree – New Roots, the Irish artists update of U2’s classic album, which is benefitting the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.
Out on October 27, it will feature: Gavin James ‘Where The Streets Have No Name’, Imelda May ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’, Picture This ‘With Or Without You’, All Tvvins ‘Bullet The Blue Sky’, Kodaline ‘Running To Standstill’, Aine Cahill ‘Red Hill Mining Town’, The Academic ‘In God’s Country’, The Strypes ‘Trip Through Your Wires’, The Coronas ‘One Tree Hill’, Fangclub ‘Exit’ and Lyra ‘Mothers Of The Disappeared’.
If that wasn’t enough of an incentive, there’s an exclusive U2 bonus track of the chaps performing ‘Red Hill Mining Town’ on their current tour.
“The songs on The Joshua Tree have travelled well with us over the past 30 years, it’s been a privilege to take them out on tour around the world again this year,” Larry Mullen reflects. “And what an honour to hear them revisited on The Joshua Tree – New Roots in support of the important work of LauraLynn.”
The idea is the brainchild of 2fm whose Deputy Head, Paul Russell, says: “The station has long been associated with U2. This special album is a 2fm Music initiative showcasing our support of Irish music by inviting some of our favourite acts to connect with one of the most famous Irish albums of all time. While highlighting the incredible work of LauraLynn, we are especially indebted to Larry Mullen for joining the dots together in the early stages.”
Adds Universal Music MD Mark Crossingham: “When 2fm came to us with this idea, we immediately thought it was a complete winner that could be very beneficial to the chosen charity. I’ve always been astounded by the work that LauraLynn Children’s Hospice do, especially as they are so dependent on fundraising to provide their vital care. Choosing them to be our charity partner was a very easy decision.”
Explaining the work they do, the charity’s CEO, Sharon Morrow, adds: “LauraLynn is Ireland’s only Children’s Hospice caring for children from birth to 18 years old, with life limiting conditions and helping their families to cope. We are thrilled to have been chosen as the charity partner for this fantastic initiative by 2FM and Universal Music Ireland; not just because it will help raise vital funds to allow us provide hospice care and support families who desperately need it but also because the children have had so much fun in the process, designing artwork… making precious memories. And that’s what it’s all about!”