Ed Sheeran has responded to Ukrainian band Antytila’s request to perform remotely from Kyiv at next week’s ‘Concert For Ukraine’ in Birmingham.
The two-hour benefit show, announced last week, will be broadcast on ITV on March 29 in support of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) humanitarian appeal in Ukraine.
After hearing about the concert’s announcement, the members of Antytila - who are currently fighting Russians in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv – sent a video message to Sheeran via Facebook, asking them to play the concert away from their home country .
Now the singer-songwriter has taken to his Instagram Stories to let the band members know that he got their message from Kyiv, where they took up arms against Russian forces.
Twitter you are amazing! @edsheeran has answered @antytila_offic. Hear from Ed 👇 pic.twitter.com/C4IsB0Un0C
— Benjamin Lim (@ohitsbenji) March 25, 2022
“Hey guys, I just watched your video this morning, thanks for sending it. First, I wanted to say to all Ukrainians: I love you guys, I stand by you guys and I’m so proud to be part of this fundraising event next week,” Sheeran said.
“I can’t wait to try your music guys – and sending you lots of love,” he added.
Sheeran will perform at the show, which will be held at Resorts World Arena Birmingham, alongside Camila Cabello, Emeli Sandé, Gregory Porter, Snow Patrol, Nile Rodgers and Chic, Manic Street Preachers, Tom Odell and Becky Hill.
All sponsorship and advertising revenue from broadcasting the event – which is expected to bring in over £3million – will be donated to the DEC fund by ITV.
The likes of Arcade Fire, Patti Smith and Franz Ferdinand have recently performed at benefit shows in Ukraine, while London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire will host ‘A Night For Ukraine’ tonight (25 March).
Elsewhere, The Cure launched a new charity band t-shirt as Massive Attack confirmed plans to sell special artwork to help victims of the Ukraine invasion.
You can donate to the Red Cross here to help those affected by the conflict, or in a variety of other ways through Choose Love.