23 September 2016
VVN Music
“Peace and Love”. There has rarely been an appearance by Ringo Starr in the last few decades where he didn’t make his favorite declaration.
On Thursday, he took that message to a brand new song, Now The Time Has Come, which was written for the U.S.’s International Day of Peace.
While Ringo does appear in the video and sings one verse of the song, he also gives up the lead to three others, Richard Page of Mr. Mister, Colin Hay of Men at Work and Billy Valentine.
Singing backup on the recording are social media stars Christian Collins, Maddi Jane, Casey McPherson, James Maslow and Wesley Stromberg.
Starr said in a statement “Making this record was incredibly personal for me. Against the backdrop of war or social unrest, I always turned to music as a refuge. I hope this record can offer people solace and inspire them to do all they can to bring peace to their communities.”
The full U.N. press release:
Today legendary musician, Ringo Starr, in partnership with the United Nations debuted “Now The Time Has Come”, a moving anthem to commemorate the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, recognized annually on September 21. Co-written with producer Bruce Sugar, “Now The Time Has Come”, with verses sung by Richard Page, Colin Hay and Billy Valentine, the record also features backing vocals from social media superstars Christian Collins, Maddi Jane, Casey McPherson, James Maslow and Wesley Stromberg.
“I worked on this record with Peace & Love,” said Ringo. “It was a joy to be part of this project.”
The song is part of the massive social media campaign #HugForPeace, a combination call-to-action and hashtag that promotes 24-hours of non-violence on the International Day of Peace through a simple act: a hug. The campaign was launched at the annual Ringing of the Peace Bell ceremony hosted at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on September 16 by UN Assistant Secretary-General Ray Chambers.
To ensure that young people play a leading role in the campaign, Chambers has enlisted the support of top social media stars including Christian Collins, Crawford Collins, Melvin Gregg, Maddi Jane, Chloe Lukasiak, James Maslow and Wesley Stromberg – all lending their voices in support of #HugForPeace. Partners include Facebook, Influential Network, Sprinklr, the U.S. Institute of Peace, Princess House and Religions for Peace, among others.
“Each and every one of us has an important role to play in championing peace within our communities,” said Ray Chambers, UN Assistant Secretary-General. “I am so grateful to Ringo Starr for lending his talent to unite people through the gift of song. I hope people across the world from Colombia to Syria will heed this call for peace—now.”
In 2001, the United Nations General Assembly designated September 21st as the International Day of Peace, devoted to strengthening the ideals for peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The day was also established as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire. The Secretary-General has asked partners to lend their voices to this call for a laying down of arms, in order to bring about a 24-hour cease fire on September 21st.
