Ed Sheeran responds to Ukraine band’s appeal to perform remotely at charity gig
Members of MTV EMA-nominated band Antytila want to perform remotely for ITV's Concert for Ukraine fundraiser
Ed Sheeran has responded to one of Ukraine’s most popular bands, Antytila, who appealed directly to the singer to help secure them a remote performance for ITV’s Concert for Ukraine.
The singer-songwriter took to his Instagram Stories to let the bandmembers know that he had received their message sent from Kyiv where they’ve taken up arms against Russian forces.
Sheeran said: “Hey guys, I just watched your video this morning, thank you so much for sending it. Firstly I just wanted to say to all Ukrainians, 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, guys – and I’m sending you lots of love,” he added.
Antytila are currently stationed in the Ukraine capital of Kyiv, which Russia has been attempting to capture since it launched an invasion of the country on February 24.
In Antytila’s video message sent to Sheeran on Tuesday (March 22), the group said: “In peacetime, our concerts gathered stadiums. The war has changed our lives and now we are fighting with weapons against the Russian occupiers.
“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.”
They continued: “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.”
It’s not known at this stage if Antytila will perform remotely for the benefit concert.
Sheeran is joined by Camila Cabello, Emeli Sandé, Gregory Porter, Tom Odell and Snow Patrol for the fundraiser held at Resorts World Arena in Birmingham this Tuesday (March 29).
The show was announced last week by ITV and STV, which will broadcast it live along with the Heart and Capital radio stations. All proceeds will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Humanitarian Appeal, which is supporting the millions displaced by Russia’s war against Ukraine.