IRISH MUSICIAN and global superstar Hozier is releasing his incredible rendition of 'The Parting Glass' as a charity single.
The Wicklow native appeared on The Late Late Show at the end of March in a remarkable episode which saw Miriam O'Callaghan step in for Ryan Tubridy-- who was suffering from coronavirus at the time-- in front of an empty audience and skeleton staff, to highlight the struggle of children in unsafe homes who are unable to leave for the safety of schools and clubs due to the effective lockdown.
On the show, Hozier spoke of how the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) had reported three times as many calls to its Childline helpline since the lockdown began, and of how the charity needed public support now more than ever to ensure it is available to help every child at any time.
He took to the stage to sing his hit Take Me To Church, followed by Shrike from his newest album, before wowing audiences watching from home with an incredible rendition of The Parting Glass.
Hozier's powerful version of the traditional song went viral at home and around the world for its emotional tribute to the victims of coronavirus-- you can watch it below.
Hozier's appearance was part of a collaboration between multiple Irish artists, including Dermot Kennedy and Gavin James, to create a virtual festival raising money for the child protection charity, and who encouraged people to donate €4 by texting 'CHILDHOOD' to 50300.
Now the musician, whose given name is Andrew Hozier-Byrne, has announced that his Late Late Show version of The Parting Glass will be available to buy as a single this coming Friday-- with all the proceeds going to ISPCC and Childline.
Hozier announced the news on Twitter, stating that the single would be available to buy on all platforms, and thanked RTÉ for their support.
Happy to announce the performance of the Parting Glass from @RTELateLateShow will be out this Friday on all platforms with all proceeds going to @ISPCCChildline. Thanks to @rte for their support. pic.twitter.com/kY8vGY6i3v
— Hozier (@Hozier) April 14, 2020
Earlier today, the artist also announced he would be taking part in the Global Citizen 'One World: Together At Home" virtual concert which will be broadcast around the world on 18 April to show support for the front line workers risking their lives in the battle against coronavirus.
Healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis need our support. That’s why I’m joining forces with @GlblCtzn and the @WHO for One World: #TogetherAtHome — a one-night special event on April 18. Join me and take action now: https://t.co/R31FtciFuT pic.twitter.com/bSKLQqCeoX
— Hozier (@Hozier) April 15, 2020
He will join Picture This and Niall Horan as Ireland's representatives on the global virtual stage, alongside other massive acts such as Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga and Paul McCartney-- you can read more about the One World event here.
