Girls Aloud are set to release a new version of I’ll Stand By You with the late Sarah Harding on lead vocals in support of BBC Children In Need.
The group first released their cover of The Pretenders‘ 1994 ballad back 20 years ago as the charity’s official 2004 single, when it reached No. 1 in the UK.
‘I’ll Stand By You (Sarah’s Version)’ features Sarah on lead vocal throughout using vocals we discovered in the vault from the original recording sessions. The track played a key part in our ‘The Girls Aloud Show’ arena tour this summer & was an emotional moment for us all 🎙
— Girls Aloud (@GirlsAloud) November 6, 2024
Harding’s previously-unheard lead vocals were discovered when they were pulling together material for their 2024 reunion tour, with I’ll Stand By You (Sarah’s Version) due out Friday, November 15.
“The track played a key part in our ‘The Girls Aloud Show’ arena tour this summer and was an emotional moment for us all,” Girls Aloud wrote in a joint statement.
Pretenders frontwoman Chrissie Hynde – who wrote the song with Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly – added: “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!”
Proceeds from the single will benefit BBC Children In Need projects working with children in communities across the UK.
