Matt Goss is releasing an “emotional” new single to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on May 8.
The track – supporting British service men and women and honouring his late grandfather, who was a gunner in World War II – will raise funds for The Not Forgotten organisation, which offers support to veterans and service personnel living with injury, illness or isolation.
Speaking at a playback event for the track, the Bros singer said: “My grandad was a gunner in the Second World War, my father has just retired from the police force, so my family’s been in the forces, and I feel like it’s such a deeply important thing for me.
“I feel like we have to start, hopefully, we can start creating more awareness of – certainly during these troubling times – how important our military is to feel like a robust country, to be prideful of our country, it doesn’t mean that you’re in favour of war, it means you’re actually, probably, in favour of peace.
“We have to be allowed to be patriotic of all the flags, and the Union Jack. It should have no other connotation except trifle.
“Tradition is a beautiful thing, and we shouldn’t allow any other rhetoric to come on board and make us feel uncomfortable.”
An accompanying video for Not Forgotten features British military personnel and Matt admitted to being incredibly moved by their reaction to the project.
“It’s emotional for me. I’ve bonded with so many people over this, throughout my career,” he elaborated.
“Just to see your emotions, it’s a real honour for an artist. You’re not quite sure, and it’s quite intimidating when you’re writing about something so personal… The song Not Forgotten is all about how fractured we all are, but we’re not; we can mend ourselves, and I think we can move beyond the convenience of one in the perfect relationship, or the perfect situation.”
He added: “Working with veterans and being accompanied by royal military bands and orchestra has been one of the most humbling experiences of my career … No other charity, in my eyes, delivers the support needed for people of all ages who have fought tirelessly for us all, those with life-changing injuries and with PTSD – no one should ever be forgotten.
“I hope everyone can support the song, sing it loud and proud and celebrate these incredible heroes.”
