Heroes by The Helensburgh Heroes Experience

Described by Third Sector Magazine, as one of the most challenging, complex and inclusive projects attempted by a UK Charity for many years, the Helensburgh Heroes cover version of the classic Bowie/Eno hit 'Heroes' has reached release status.

The final single which is available to buy or download is the end product of six months hard work by over 100 local volunteer singers and musicians.

The project is now beginning to capture the public imagination, particularly among users of popular online social networking service Twitter.

Many Bowie and Eno fan sites have “tweeted” their support and news of the single has featured on the homepage of David Bowie’s official web site, the Thin White Duke lending his support to the unique project.

What started out as a pretty crazy idea back in November 2008, snowballed into an extraordinary celebration of local creative talent.

In a short space of time, the Helensburgh Heroes Charity has formed a record company - which may be of benefit to local musicians in the future - registered a new band 'Helensburgh Heroes Experience' and recorded a video to accompany the single.

Local Helensburgh residents put their talents together in an attempt to raise awareness for both the talented and inspirational people that have hailed from the Helensburgh area, and the need for permanent arts and leisure facilities, both of which are the declared aims of the Charity.

The recording process commenced in January 2009, when over 70 Helensburgh people aged 70 to 80 congregated in a local hall to record the choral elements of the song.

A team of 12 volunteer lead vocalists, who were coached and mentored by Kirsten Easdale, a professional singer and former member of Scottish folk band Calasaig, then laid down the final track for mixing and mastering. Kenny Hyslop, a professional drummer with Scots bands such as SLIK and Simple Minds, was born in Helensburgh and was the project’s musical producer. Both Kirsten & Kenny's biographies can be found in the entertainment section of our Heroes Directory.

The artwork for the single was also created by three Helensburgh primary school pupils who won a local competition to design a cover for the project which attracted over 200 entries.

The single was premiered and released at a musical event in Helensburgh on August 1 2009. All proceeds from the sale of the single will be used by the Helensburgh Heroes Charity to promote the arts within the area.