HELP(2) charity compilation by War Child: 30-year anniversary
Explore HELP(2) charity compilation by War Child, a star-studded 2026 revival supporting children affected by conflict.
HELP(2) charity compilation by War Child: a star-studded revival for children in conflict
War Child returns with HELP(2) charity compilation by War Child, a benefit album set for release on March 6, 2026. This new compilation honors the original HELP album from 1995, which Brian Eno produced at Abbey Road Studios. That first project gathered Paul McCartney, Blur, Radiohead, Oasis and Massive Attack and raised over £1.25 million after being recorded in just 24 hours.
The upcoming HELP(2) brings about thirty artists together, including Arctic Monkeys, Beth Gibbons, Sampha, Kae Tempest and Depeche Mode. Their tracks aim to spotlight the plight of children affected by conflict, because the crisis has deepened since 1995. As a result, War Child International will receive all proceeds to fund humanitarian aid and education programs.
This introduction previews a full report on the album’s lineup, production and fundraising impact. It explains how benefit compilations sustain charities, how high-profile collaborations boost awareness, and why HELP(2) marks a pivotal 30-year anniversary. With pre-orders live and a major artist roster, the release promises both musical highlights and powerful philanthropy. Read on for a detailed look at HELP(2), its artists, and the fundraising legacy it intends to continue.
HELP(2) charity compilation by War Child: the 1995 HELP origin and its lasting impact
The original HELP compilation arrived in 1995 as a rapid, all-hands project to aid children caught in conflict. Brian Eno produced the sessions at Abbey Road Studios. Major artists contributed, including Paul McCartney, Blur, Radiohead, Oasis and Massive Attack. Producers recorded and mixed tracks fast, and they distributed the album within the same week. As a result, the project raised over £1.25 million for War Child.
The recording process became part of the album’s lore because teams worked against the clock. Engineers tracked songs in a day, and musicians dropped in to record quickly. Moreover, Abbey Road’s technical resources let the project move from session to store in days. For documentation and context, War Child maintains a record of the album’s production and impact: War Child HELP record.
Philanthropically, HELP changed expectations for benefit compilations. In 1995 about 10 percent of children worldwide lived amid conflict. HELP helped focus public attention and funding on those children, and it funded health and education programs through War Child. Consequently, the album’s £1.25 million haul translated into direct aid and program support on the ground. For reporting on the reissue and legacy, see Classic Pop’s coverage: Classic Pop coverage.
Culturally, HELP proved that pop and alternative artists could mobilize for urgent causes. High-profile names lent visibility, and that visibility attracted broad public support. Therefore, HELP set a template for later compilations and benefit concerts. Decades later, Abbey Road and partners again host projects that revive that model and mark anniversaries of musical philanthropy: Abbey Road news.
Overall, the 1995 HELP compilation combined fast production, star power and clear purpose. As a result, it left a measurable fundraising legacy. In addition, it created a blueprint for projects like the new HELP(2) release coming in 2026.
| Artist | Track on HELP(2) |
|---|---|
| Arctic Monkeys | Opening Nights |
| Damon Albarn | Flags (with Grian Chatten and Kae Tempest) |
| Grian Chatten | Flags (with Damon Albarn and Kae Tempest) |
| Kae Tempest | Flags (with Damon Albarn and Grian Chatten) |
| Black Country, New Road | Strangers |
| The Last Dinner Party | Let’s Do It Again! |
| Beth Gibbons | Sunday Morning |
| Arooj Aftab | Lilac Wine (with Beck) |
| Beck | Lilac Wine (with Arooj Aftab) |
| King Krule | The 343 Loop |
| Depeche Mode | Universal Soldier |
| Ezra Collective | Helicopters (with Greentea Peng) |
| Greentea Peng | Helicopters (with Ezra Collective) |
| Arlo Parks | Nothing I Could Hide |
| English Teacher | Parasite (with Graham Coxon) |
| Graham Coxon | Parasite (with English Teacher) |
| Beabadoobee | Say Yes |
| Big Thief | Relive, Redie |
| Fontaines D.C. | Black Boys on Mopeds |
| Cameron Winter | Warning |
| Young Fathers | Don’t Fight the Young |
| Pulp | Begging for Change |
| Sampha | Naboo |
| Wet Leg | Obvious |
| Foals | When the War is Finally Done |
| Bat For Lashes | Carried My Girl |
| Anna Calvi | Sunday Light (with Ellie Rowsell, Nilüfer Yanya and Dove Ellis) |
| Ellie Rowsell | Sunday Light (with Anna Calvi, Nilüfer Yanya and Dove Ellis) |
| Nilüfer Yanya | Sunday Light (with Anna Calvi, Ellie Rowsell and Dove Ellis) |
| Dove Ellis | Sunday Light (with Anna Calvi, Ellie Rowsell and Nilüfer Yanya) |
| Olivia Rodrigo | The Book of Love |
For the official HELP(2) tracklist and pre-order details, see War Child: War Child.
Also, read coverage of Arctic Monkeys’ new contribution at NME: NME Coverage.
Finally, pre-order options are available on the War Child store: War Child Store.
Children at Risk: HELP(2) charity compilation by War Child and the urgent crisis
The world has changed since 1995, and so have the stakes. Today more children live amid violence. Consequently, their need for protection and aid feels urgent.
“Today, our challenge is greater than ever. While the legendary album HELP was released in 1995, 10% of children worldwide were affected by conflict. This has almost doubled in 30 years, to 19%, affecting 520 million children.”
This stark reality demands action. Therefore, HELP(2) charity compilation by War Child arrives as both a cultural statement and a lifeline.
Because the numbers are so large, small acts still matter. War Child will receive all proceeds from the release, and artists have rallied to amplify support. For context and pre-order information, visit War Child’s HELP(2) page: War Child HELP(2) page. Also, high-profile contributions such as Arctic Monkeys’ Opening Nights have drawn attention and media coverage: Arctic Monkeys Opening Nights.
Moreover, music raises awareness and funds in ways other efforts cannot. Benefit albums reach broad audiences, and they convert attention into tangible donations. As a result, funds translate into education, mental health services and protection programs on the ground. Learn how War Child works with children in conflict here: Learn about War Child.
In short, the crisis is immediate and growing. Therefore, HELP(2) matters now more than ever. Support through listening and buying will help turn empathy into real support for vulnerable children.
CONCLUSION
HELP(2) charity compilation by War Child revives a powerful model of musical philanthropy.
It builds on the original HELP’s legacy and channels star power into direct aid for children in conflict.
Released on March 6, 2026, the compilation will donate all proceeds to War Child International.
Fans and DJs can support through pre-orders, sharing tracks and programming HELP(2) in sets to raise awareness.
Pre-orders are live now, and social sharing multiplies the album’s reach.
Artists and DJs can host fundraisers and mixes to boost donations.
As a result, every stream and purchase converts attention into education, protection and mental health services.
The record also invites the electronic music and DJ community to champion change, because clubs and playlists amplify impact.
Therefore, buying, broadcasting and promoting HELP(2) will help translate music into life-saving programs.
Join the movement, spread the music, and turn listening into action for vulnerable children worldwide.
