War Child Marks 30 Years with Reissue of Classic ‘Help’ Charity Album

September 9, 2025

War Child‘s Landmark ‘Help’ album receives 30th Anniversary Reissue

London, England – war Child has announced a special reissue of its groundbreaking 1995 charity album, ‘Help’, commemorating its 30th anniversary. The limited-edition release, slated for October 17th, will be presented as a numbered 7″ boxed set, offering fans a unique chance to revisit a pivotal moment in music history and support a vital cause.

A Musical time Capsule

The expansive reissue will comprise 10 x 7″ vinyl LPs. Each record features two iconic tracks originally found on the 1995 ‘Help’ album. Pre-orders are currently available through the War Child store, with direct orders receiving an exclusive postcard captured during the original recording sessions.

Along with the music, the boxed set boasts three exclusive postcards showcasing previously unseen images captured by Lawrence Watson at Abbey Road Studios three decades ago. These images promise to offer a glimpse behind the scenes of a truly remarkable project.

Origins of a Charity Anthem

Initially released on September 9, 1995, the ‘Help’ album was a rapid response to the escalating Bosnian conflict. Mastered by Brian Eno and adorned with artwork by John Squire, the compilation quickly became a symbol of musical solidarity and humanitarian aid. Within a week of its release, the album had already generated over £1.25 million for War Child’s efforts to assist children affected by the crisis.

Britpop Alliance and Musical Powerhouse

The ‘Help’ album holds a unique place in music history for bringing together rival Britpop giants Oasis and Blur on the same record. This unprecedented collaboration occurred shortly after their highly publicized chart battle. Noel Gallagher famously remarked at the time, “We’ll put aside our differences for the cause – and its the only time you’ll see the two of us agreeing on anything.”

Beyond the Britpop alliance, the album showcased an extraordinary array of talent, including contributions from Radiohead, Orbital, Portishead, Massive attack, Suede, Sinéad O’Connor, The Boo Radleys, and Manic Street Preachers. The latter’s inclusion marked their return to the studio following a difficult period after the disappearance of former lyricist and guitarist, Richey Edwards. Furthermore, collaborations between The Charlatans and The Chemical Brothers, along with a supergroup featuring paul McCartney, Paul Weller, and Noel Gallagher performing a cover of the Beatles’ “Come Together” as The Smokin’ Mojo Filters, added to the album’s legendary status.

A Legacy of Support

This isn’t the first time ‘Help’ has been revisited. A reissue in 2020 marked the album’s 25th anniversary and was the first time the project was made available on streaming platforms.However, the current re-release underscores the ongoing need for humanitarian aid, particularly in a world where, according to recent data from UNICEF, nearly 1 in 5 children globally are affected by conflict – an increase from 10% in 1995.

War Child’s mission has expanded considerably since its initial focus on the Bosnian conflict. Today, the organization provides crucial support to children impacted by crises in regions such as Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine.

Album Title	Release Date (Original)	Purpose	Key Artists
Help	September 9, 1995	Raise funds for children affected by the Bosnian conflict	Oasis, Blur, Radiohead, Massive Attack, and more

Did You Know?: The ‘Help’ album was recorded in a single day at Abbey Road Studios, showcasing the unbelievable willingness of artists to come together for a critical cause.

Pro Tip: pre-ordering directly from the War Child store not only secures your copy of this collectible reissue but also contributes directly to the organization’s ongoing efforts.

The Enduring Power of Music for Social Change

The ‘help’ album demonstrates the powerful role music can play in raising awareness and generating support for humanitarian causes. Throughout history,musicians have used their platforms to advocate for social change,from Bob Dylan’s protest songs to benefit concerts like Live Aid. The continued reissues and recognition of albums like ‘Help’ serve as a reminder of music’s unique ability to unite people and inspire action.

Frequently Asked Questions About the ‘Help’ Reissue

• What is the ‘Help’ album? The ‘Help’ album is a charity compilation released in 1995 to raise funds for children affected by the Bosnian conflict.
• When will the reissue be available? The limited-edition 7″ boxed set will be released on October 17th.
• Where can I pre-order the ‘Help’ reissue? You can pre-order directly from the War Child store.
• Which artists are featured on the ‘Help’ album? The album includes tracks from Oasis, Blur, Radiohead, Massive Attack, Suede, and many more.
• What does the money from the reissue support? Proceeds from the reissue will support War child’s ongoing work to protect and support children affected by conflict around the world.

What are your favorite memories of the 1995 ‘Help’ album? Do you think charity albums still hold the same power today?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What is the primary purpose of reissuing the ‘Help’ album after 30 years?

The Legacy of ‘Help’: A 30-Year Milestone

War Child,the leading charity dedicated to protecting children affected by conflict,is celebrating its 30th anniversary of the iconic ‘Help’ album. Originally released in 1995, this compilation album featuring some of the biggest names in music is being reissued, offering a renewed prospect to support the association’s vital work. The ‘help’ album reissue aims to raise awareness and funds for War Child’s current programs supporting children in Ukraine, Yemen, and other conflict zones. This anniversary edition isn’t just a nostalgic trip; it’s a call to action.

A Star-studded Lineup: Remembering the Original ‘Help’

The 1995 ‘Help’ album was a landmark event in music and philanthropy. It boasted an incredible roster of artists, donating their time and talent to support War Child’s mission.

Here’s a glimpse of the original tracklist:

oasis – “Live Forever”

Blur – “Country House”

Radiohead – “Fake Plastic Trees”

Pulp – “Common People”

Suede – “Stunning Ones”

Manic Street Preachers – “Stay Warm”

The Verve – “history”

The album captured the spirit of Britpop and alternative rock at its peak, becoming a commercial success and a powerful symbol of solidarity with children impacted by war. The original album sold over 500,000 copies in the UK alone, raising important funds for War Child’s early initiatives.

The 2025 Reissue: What’s New?

The 30th-anniversary reissue of ‘Help’ isn’t simply a repackaging of the original. While the core tracks remain, the 2025 edition includes:

Remastered Audio: The original tracks have been remastered for improved sound quality, offering a fresh listening experience.

Bonus Tracks: Several previously unreleased demos and alternate takes from the original recording sessions have been added.

Updated Artwork: The album artwork has been updated with a contemporary design while retaining the iconic imagery of the original.

Digital Availability: The album is available on all major streaming platforms and digital download stores, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Limited Edition Vinyl: A limited-edition vinyl pressing is available for collectors and audiophiles.

War Child’s Impact: 30 Years of Protecting Children

For three decades, War Child has been working tirelessly to protect children living through the horrors of war. Their approach is multifaceted, focusing on:

Direct Aid: Providing food, shelter, and medical care to children and families affected by conflict.

Education: Establishing safe learning spaces and providing educational resources to ensure children can continue their education despite the disruption of war.

Child Protection: Working to prevent child recruitment, exploitation, and abuse in conflict zones.

Mental Health Support: Offering psychological support and counseling to children traumatized by war.

Advocacy: Lobbying governments and international organizations to prioritize the protection of children in conflict.

War Child’s work extends to countries like Ukraine, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan, and the democratic Republic of Congo. They adapt their programs to meet the specific needs of each context, ensuring that their interventions are effective and sustainable.

How Your Purchase Helps: Supporting War Child’s Mission

Every purchase of the ‘Help’ album reissue directly contributes to War Child’s ongoing efforts. Funds raised will be allocated to:

Emergency Response: Providing immediate assistance to children and families affected by sudden crises.

Long-Term Programs: Supporting sustainable progress initiatives that address the root causes of conflict and build resilience in communities.

Innovation: Investing in new technologies and approaches to improve the effectiveness of War Child’s programs.

beyond purchasing the album, ther are other ways to support War Child:

Donate Directly: Visit the War Child website (https://www.warchild.org/) to make a donation.

Fundraise: Organize a fundraising event to raise money for War Child.

Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support War child’s work.

Spread Awareness: Share facts about War Child’s mission and the ‘Help’ album reissue with your friends and family.

The ‘Help’ Album and the Power of Music for Social Change

The success of the original ‘Help’ album demonstrated the power of music to raise awareness and mobilize support for significant causes. It set a precedent for future charity albums and inspired countless artists to use their platform to advocate for social change. The reissue serves as a reminder that