In 1995, Oasis, Radiohead and Paul McCartney recorded War Child’s ‘HELP’ charity album in a single day; 30 years later, the landmark project returned in a limited-edition box set

In September 1995, some of British music’s biggest names came together to record a charity album in a single day. Featuring Oasis, Radiohead, Blur, Paul McCartney and several other artists, ‘HELP’ was created to raise emergency funds for children affected by the Bosnian conflict. The album was released less than a week after recording and raised more than £1.25 million for War Child.According to War Child Records, the project brought together artists, studios, producers and other music industry professionals to support children caught up in the conflict. In October 2025, War Child marked the album’s 30th anniversary with a limited-edition 7-inch single box set, celebrating its lasting legacy.War Child brought musicians together to support children affectedThe ‘HELP’ album emerged during a significant period for British music. In 1995, indie and underground acts were reaching mainstream audiences, while Blur and Oasis were competing for the number one spot. Despite their rivalries, musicians came together to support children affected by the worsening conflict in Bosnia.War Child sought emergency funding and greater awareness of the crisis. A group of music industry professionals helped assemble the line-up, including Go! Discs’ Tony Crean, publicist Terri Hall of The Stone Roses and Manic Street Preachers, Black Grape publicist Anton Brookes and music publicist Rob Partridge. Studios, producers, engineers, record labels, retailers and distribution teams also contributed. Their combined efforts made it possible to record and release the album within days.Oasis, Radiohead and Blur featured on the one-day charity albumThe album was recorded in September 1995 across multiple studios and released less than a week later. Its rapid production followed an idea expressed by John Lennon around the release of his 1970 ‘Instant Karma’. Lennon described a process in which a record could be recorded, pressed, packaged, and distributed within a week.Those involved in ‘HELP’ followed a similar approach. The album featured a wide range of artists, including Oasis, Radiohead, Blur, Portishead, Massive Attack, Suede, The Charlatans, The Chemical Brothers, Sinéad O’Connor and the Manic Street Preachers. The project demonstrated how musicians and the wider music industry could work together towards a shared charitable goal while producing an album featuring exclusive recordings.‘HELP’ featured rare collaborations and significant recordings by major artistsSeveral tracks on ‘HELP’ marked important moments in the careers of the musicians involved. Radiohead contributed Lucky, a song that previewed material that would eventually appear on their album OK Computer.The Manic Street Preachers recorded their first studio track since the disappearance of Richey Edwards. Oasis and Friends contributed Fade Away shortly before Oasis released (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?.Another notable collaboration was The Smokin’ Mojo Filters, a group formed by Paul McCartney, Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller for the album. They recorded Come Together. Brian Eno mastered the album at Abbey Road Studios, while John Squire of The Stone Roses created its artwork.War Child marked three decades of its landmark charity albumWar Child marked 30 years of ‘HELP’ by releasing a limited-edition 7-inch single box set on 17 October 2025. The anniversary release brought attention back to an album that had raised more than £1.25 million for emergency support for children affected by the Bosnian conflict. The organisation has described the record as a landmark charity project whose reputation continues to reach new generations of music fans.In 2020, War Child Records had already reissued the album for its 25th anniversary, making it available on streaming services for the first time. The 30th-anniversary edition renewed interest in the original project and its collaboration between prominent musicians and the wider music industry.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.