Bridge over Troubled Water

About

Bridge Over Troubled Water was recorded by Robbie Williams as part of the charity ensemble Artists for Grenfell, following the tragic fire at London’s Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017. Organised by Simon Cowell, the project united more than 50 artists to raise funds for survivors and victims’ families, with all proceeds donated to the London Community Foundation. The recording took place over three days at SARM Studios in Notting Hill, half a mile from the disaster site.

The song, originally written by Paul Simon and released by Simon & Garfunkel in 1970, was reimagined for this version with new rap verses and a choir of 300 local residents led by Gareth Malone. Williams opens the performance with the first sung line, “When you’re weary,” before a succession of artists including James Blunt, Leona Lewis, Rita Ora and Paloma Faith continue the verses. Stormzy contributed a poignant 16-line introduction that directly addressed the tragedy.

Released on 21 June 2017, just one week after the fire, the single became the fastest-selling charity song of the decade, debuting at number one on the UK Singles Chart. It also won the Power of Music Award at the 2017 MTV Europe Music Awards for its humanitarian impact. The project revived SARM Studios’ historic role in large-scale charity recordings, following its use for Band Aid in 1984 and 1989.

“It was really important for Rob to be involved. He came in and recorded it on Monday, even though he was in the middle of his tour.”Ayda Field

Bridge Over Troubled Water remains a powerful moment in Williams’ career, symbolising unity through music and his willingness to lend his voice to causes of national importance.