Girls Aloud announce "I'll Stand By You - Sarah's Version" to support BBC Children In Need

06 November 2024, 09:44 | Written by Tyler Damara Kelly

(News)

(Girls Aloud)

Girls Aloud have shared details of their forthcoming charity single, "I'll Stand By You", featuring lead vocals from the late Sarah Harding.

In 2004, Girls Aloud released "I'll Stand By You" as the official BBC Children In Need single. Now 20 years later, they will release a new version featuring Sarah Harding exclusively on lead vocals throughout.

The vocals were discovered in the Girls Aloud vault while the band were pulling together archive material for their sell-out The Girls Aloud Show arena tour earlier this year. A version of the track featuring Sarah’s vocal was a highlight of the recent tour and an emotional moment for both the band and their fans.

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The song was originally a single for The Pretenders, written by Chrissie Hynde, Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. The original version is still a staple of The Pretenders live set, with Chrissie often introducing the song with the words “Next we’re going to perform a song by the great Girls Aloud”. On hearing this new version, Chrissie says: “How wonderful to hear I’ll Stand By You with the lovely vocals of Sarah Harding leading the way for BBC Children in Need. Happy Christmas all!”

A one hour special The Girls Aloud Show: Live at The O2 will air later this autumn on ITV1. The full extended arena show will also be available to stream on ITVX.

The new studio version will be released on 15 November as a special charity single to support BBC Children In Need, and is available to pre-order now.