Arctic Monkeys Lead Star Lineup For Help 2 Charity Album

The music world is coming together once again for a cause that transcends charts, streaming numbers, and even genre boundaries. On January 22, 2026, the much-anticipated charity album HELP(2) was officially announced, bringing with it a wave of excitement, nostalgia, and—most importantly—hope for children caught in the crossfire of conflict zones worldwide. The project, inspired by the legendary 1995 HELP album, has assembled an impressive roster of artists, both established and emerging, to contribute new tracks in support of War Child, the organization dedicated to protecting, educating, and advocating for children whose lives have been upended by war.

At the center of this musical movement is the Arctic Monkeys, the celebrated UK rock band, who have released their first new song since 2022, aptly titled "Opening Night." According to Variety, this single leads the 26-track album, which is set for release on March 6, 2026. The album’s proceeds will directly benefit War Child’s expansive efforts in 14 countries, including Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, and Syria, providing immediate aid, education, specialist mental health support, and protection to children affected by conflict.

But Arctic Monkeys are far from alone in this endeavor. The album features a veritable who’s who of contemporary music: Olivia Rodrigo, Depeche Mode, Cameron Winter, Anna Calvi, Arlo Parks, Arooj Aftab, Bat for Lashes, Beabadoobee, Beck, Beth Gibbons, Big Thief, Black Country New Road, Damon Albarn, Dove Ellis, Ellie Rowsell, English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Foals, Fontaines D.C., Graham Coxon, Greentea Peng, Grian Chatten, Kae Tempest, King Krule, Nilüfer Yanya, Pulp, Sampha, The Last Dinner Party, Wet Leg, and Young Fathers all contribute fresh material or unique collaborations. As Domino Music proudly shared, this project is a testament to the music industry’s generosity and ability to unite for a greater good.

The roots of HELP(2) run deep. Its predecessor, the original 1995 HELP album, was recorded in a single day—September 4th, to be exact—and raised over £1.2 million (about $1.6 million at the time) for War Child’s efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Balkan conflicts. That historic compilation featured the likes of Oasis, Blur, Radiohead, Massive Attack, Portishead, Sinéad O’Connor, Paul McCartney, and Paul Weller, setting a high bar for what a charity album could achieve both musically and philanthropically. As The Line of Best Fit noted, this original release is still regarded as one of the most legendary compilations in music history.

Fast forward to November 2025, when the new album was brought to life over one extraordinary week at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios. Grammy-winning producer James Ford served as executive producer, overseeing a whirlwind of creativity and collaboration. Ford, who has previously worked with Arctic Monkeys and Gorillaz, reflected on the experience with SPIN: "The original HELP meant a lot to me and to have the opportunity, given the current news cycle, to help galvanize our music community into doing something as unarguably positive as helping children in war zones seemed like a no-brainer. The experience of making the album itself has been very powerful, and dare I say life affirming for me personally, against the backdrop of a very difficult year. I’m extremely proud of the results and of the efforts made by all involved. I can’t wait for people to hear this very special record."

In a move that sets this project apart, Oscar-winning filmmaker Jonathan Glazer was brought on as creative director. According to the official press release, Glazer’s concept, "By Children, for Children," involved handing cameras to children in conflict zones—Ukraine, Gaza, Yemen, and Sudan—to document their own realities. These young filmmakers also filmed the recording sessions at Abbey Road, offering a raw, unfiltered perspective that connects the music directly to the children it aims to help. The result is not just an album, but a multimedia project that includes a Glazer-directed film chronicling both the creative process and the daily lives of families living through war. As SPIN highlighted, this film will serve as a powerful reminder of the stakes and the spirit behind HELP(2).

Rich Clarke, head of music at War Child UK, summed up the ethos of the project: "HELP(2) is more than an album. It’s a powerful example of what can happen when the music industry comes together around a shared purpose. It has united a diverse group of artists and creatives in support of War Child’s vital work with children affected by the devastating impacts of war. We are immensely grateful to all the artists and teams who have donated their voices, talent and time to support our mission to ensure that no child is caught up in conflict zones."

Collaboration is at the heart of HELP(2). According to the press release, the recording sessions saw unique partnerships blossom: Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten, and Kae Tempest formed a "super-group" with Johnny Marr, Dave Okumu, Portishead’s Adrian Utley, Gorillaz’ Seye Adelekan, Femi Koleoso from Ezra Collective, and an all-star choir featuring Jarvis Cocker, Carl Barat, Declan McKenna, Marika Hackman, and others. Graham Coxon played guitar for Olivia Rodrigo’s cover of The Magnetic Fields’ "The Book of Love," while Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell joined Anna Calvi, Nilüfer Yanya, and Dove Ellis for the new song "Sunday Light." These collaborations, recorded with little advance notice and plenty of creative spontaneity, are a testament to the spirit of the original HELP album, where magic was often captured in a single take.

The full tracklist, made public by multiple outlets including Variety and The Line of Best Fit, features 26 songs that span genres and moods, from the anthemic to the intimate. Notable tracks include Depeche Mode’s "Universal Soldier," Big Thief’s "Relive, Redie," Foals’ "When the War Is Finally Done," and Pulp’s "Begging for Change." The diversity of voices and styles underscores the album’s central message: when it comes to helping children, unity matters more than individual fame or musical category.

All proceeds from HELP(2) will go to War Child UK, supporting their ongoing mission to deliver not just immediate relief, but also long-term support—education, mental health care, and advocacy—for the world’s most vulnerable children. As the album’s tagline boldly declares, "No child should be part of war. Ever."

In the end, HELP(2) stands as a stirring reminder of music’s power to heal, unite, and inspire action. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Arctic Monkeys, a devotee of Olivia Rodrigo, or someone who simply believes in the power of collective goodwill, this album offers a way to make a difference—one song at a time.