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Arctic Monkeys release first song in four years as part of upcoming all-star War Child album

This is going to be special.

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 22nd January 2026

The full track list for the charity album has been released, featuring Fontaines D.C., Pulp, Olivia Rodrigo and loads more.

The legendary Sheffield indie group have been largely silent (as usual) since the release of their last album, The Car, back in 2022.

But today, the monkeys are back with a brand new song titled 'Opening Night' , in support of War Child's upcoming project to provide aid for children living through war. 

That project being 'HELP(2)' - a brand new collaborative album inspired by the landmark 1995 release 'HELP' to engage music lovers globally in support of the charity's vital work.

The new album will be released on Friday 6 March and was brought to life through close collaboration with Abbey Road Studios, recorded predominantly across one extraordinary week in November 2025 under the stewardship of acclaimed producer James Ford. 

There's so me pretty huge names on the album who have contributed, including Fontaines D.C, Pulp, Damon Albarn, Wet Leg, Young Fathers and so many more.

Recorded in a single day in 1995, the original ‘HELP’ album raised over £1.2 million, enabling War Child to provide vital support to thousands of children caught in the Bosnian conflict. 

The full track list to the album is: ‘HELP(2)’ Tracklist:

  1. Arctic Monkeys - Opening Night
  2. Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest - Flags 
  3. Black Country, New Road - Strangers
  4. The Last Dinner Party - Let’s do it again!
  5. Beth Gibbons - Sunday Morning
  1. Arooj Aftab & Beck - Lilac Wine
  2. King Krule - The 343 Loop
  3. Depeche Mode - Universal Soldier
  4. Ezra Collective & Greentea Peng - Helicopters
  5. Arlo Parks - Nothing I Could Hide
  6. English Teacher & Graham Coxon - Parasite
  7. Beabadoobee - Say Yes
  1. Big Thief - Relive, Redie
  2. Fontaines D.C. - Black Boys on Mopeds
  3. Cameron Winter - Warning 
  4. Young Fathers - Don’t Fight the Young
  5. Pulp - Begging for Change
  6. Sampha - Naboo 
  7. Wet Leg - Obvious
  8. Foals - When the War is Finally Done 
  9. Bat For Lashes - Carried my girl 
  10. Anna Calvi, Ellie Rowsell, Nilüfer Yanya & Dove Ellis - Sunday Light
  11. Olivia Rodrigo - The Book of Love

You can pre-order the album here and listen to the new song by the Arctic Monkeys here.

Read more: Arctic Monkeys are releasing new music THIS WEEK as part of an upcoming War Child project

Featured image - Phoebe Fox (Supplied)


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Arctic Monkeys are releasing new music THIS WEEK as part of an upcoming War Child project

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Arctic Monkeys are releasing new music THIS WEEK as part of an upcoming War Child project

Arctic Monkeys are back in business, with new music on the way later this week.

The legendary Sheffield indie group have been largely silent (as usual) since the release of their last album, The Car, back in 2022.

But today, War Child has confirmed that the Alex Turner-fronted group are coming back with a new song, in support of the charity's upcoming project to provide aid for children living through war. 

Arctic Monkeys are the first to be announced for the new War Child Records project, but if you leap to some conclusions based on who the new account is following, there are set to be some BIG names involved.

As well as Arctic Monkeys, War Child Records is also following 32 artists including Fontaines DC, Olivia Rodrigo, Wet Leg, Foals, Damon Albarn, Pulp, Depeche Mode, English Teacher, and Beck - to name just a few.

Based on this afternoon's teaser announcement, the new Arctic Monkeys single will be live at 3pm on Thursday 22 January.

War Child has said: "There is a group of artists who are working on something important in support of War Child. There will be more information coming soon.

"No child should be part of war. Ever. For over 30 years, War Child has worked in some of the world's most dangerous places to protect, educate, support mental health and stand up for the rights of children.

"Today our challenge is bigger than ever.

"When the legendary HELP album was released in 1995, 10% of the world's children were affected by conflict.

"That figure has almost doubled to 19%, affecting 520 million children. Right now, 1 in 5 children worldwide are at risk of losing their childhoods to conflict.

"Help us support children to heal and grow for a safer, brighter future. Donate and sign up to hear more news about forthcoming music releases."

You can sign up for the latest War Child Records announcements HERE.

Read more: You can now apply to play at Tramlines Festival 2026 as part of programme to support emerging artists

Featured image: Publicity picture

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UK punk icons The Stranglers announced as latest headliner of outdoor concert series

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

The Stranglers have been announced as the third headliner of 'Live At Tileyard North'.

The new two-week series of outdoor live music will take place in central Wakefield, with The Stranglers taking to the stage on Friday 21 August at the historic courtyard of Rutland Mills.

Formed back in 1974, The Stranglers quickly made a name for themselves by embracing the punk movement of the late 70s.

Their first three albums (Rattus Norvegicus, No More Heroes and Black and White) were released within just 13 months of each other, scoring hit singles with ‘Peaches’, ‘No More Heroes’ and ‘Walk On By’.

Image: Supplied

In 2024 The Stranglers’ 50th anniversary year featured celebratory sell-out tours across the world and headline slots at festivals worldwide, including a sell-out performance at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall.

The Stranglers will be joined by a full supporting line-up including fellow punk legends Buzzcocks as well as alternative-indie quintet FEET and buzzy Irish garage rock trio Adore.

Previously announced Live at Tileyard North headliners include the Vaccines, who will be in Wakefield performing their critically acclaimed 2011 debut album What Did You Expect From the Vaccines? in full to celebrate 15 years since its release on Sunday 30 August, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor who will headline the outdoor venue on Thursday 27 August.

It's safe to say it will be a very fun two weeks indeed, now we just need to wait until summer arrives.

Postcode pre-sale for residents local to Tileyard North (WF1, WF2, WF3, WF4, WF5, WF6) will open at 10am on Wednesday 21 January here with general sale opening at 10am on Friday 23 January here.

Read more:

Featured image - Supplied

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