A charity version of Mike Oldfield's popular track, On Horseback, has been released by Foxtales' Gemma Goodey and a host of Irish singers in support of the older community in Ireland amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Originally recorded by Oldfield in 1975, the much-loved song has been reimagined musically and was specifically chosen by CovidAid Ireland for its inspirational and timeless composition to promote solidarity across the generations.
Singer Gemma Goodey delivers the beautiful main female vocal, supported by vocals from Noah Byrne, Robyn Byrne, Emma Burke, Isla Burke, Eoin Burke, Niamh Grant, Moya Grant, Méabha Lynch, Veronica Ricketts, Lauryn Rix and Aoibhe Smyth.
The guitarist on the song is Kyle Tyther, who with Gemma is part of the Kerry music duo Foxtales.
CovidAid Ireland is a charity music project, launched to meet the unprecedented challenges presented by Covid-19 in Ireland. It was devised by RTÉ's Health Correspondent, Fergal Bowers, who provides the spoken word on the song, and producer Gary Grant who is currently based in Canada. Grant worked virtually with all of the artists involved.
All funds raised, through download sales of a special recording and donations will go to the charity, Age Action Ireland's Hardship Fund, established in partnership with the Irish Red Cross.
The single is available for pre-order on iTunes and Google Play and all other music platforms at a cost of €1.99. It will be officially released on Friday, April 24.
