Radio stations around Europe are all coming together to play Gerry and the Pacemakers’ You’ll Never Walk Alone at the same time.
Coronavirus is sweeping the globe—with over 1,000 confirmed cases in London alone, it was announced today. Schools have been closed down, cities have been put in lockdown, and people have been told to avoid all-but-essential contact.
In these devastating times, we could all use a little pick-me-up. And, as demonstrated by all the wonderful sing-a-longs and “balcony festivals” across Europe, nothing unites us quite like music.
Wanting to do more to bring people together, Dutch DJ and NPO 3FM presenter Sander Hoogendoorn has urged radio stations to blast the tune as a symbol of unity in these tough times. It started as just a nationwide plan across the Netherlands. Hoogendoorn tweeted on Tuesday morning: “IDEA: we will play “you’ll never walk alone” with all the morning shows in the Netherlands this Friday 08:45? @NPORadio2 is in! who else?”
IDEETJE: zullen we aanstaande vrijdag 08:45 met alle ochtendshows van nederland “you’ll never walk alone” draaien? @NPORadio2 is in! wie nog meer? #youllneverwalkalone #radio @jeroenkidv pic.twitter.com/swhcHrZ3c9
— sander hoogendoorn (@sanderhoogendrn) March 17, 2020
However, it quickly became much bigger than that. Dozens of radio stations all over Europe cottoned on to the idea and will now be taking part, including BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 2.
At times like this, it’s important we look out for each other.
Listen on Friday morning at 7.45 on @bbcsounds as we join forces with radio stations across Europe to play Gerry and the Pacemakers’ ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.@zoetheball | @gregjames | @laurenlaverne pic.twitter.com/gYaMpvZ3pn
— BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) March 19, 2020
The song, by Liverpool band Gerry and the Pacemakers, is full of uplifting lyrics and this lovely idea will serve as a reminder that when you walk through a storm, you should hold your head up high.