To mark the 100th Anniversary of the outbreak of World War One, The Armistice Pals project brings together a wide selection of distinctive voices from the folk world in a recording of classic anti-war song 'Where Have All The Flowers Gone'. Since Pete Seeger’s original recording in 1960, many different versions have been produced in dozens of different languages, reflecting the fact that the suffering of war recognises no frontiers. The song was also chosen for inclusion in the funeral of Harry Patch, the last surviving British soldier to have taken part in World War One
Peggy Seeger talks about Armistice Pals
The name chosen for the project is intended to reflect both the agreement at the end of the First World War and the ‘Pals Battalions’, which were made up from communities around Britain where groups of friends and acquaintances from the same town enlisted together, fought together and all too often died together, leaving whole towns and villages shorn of a large proportion of their young men.
In releasing the song in the year of the 100th Anniversary of the start of the First World war, the project is intended to recognise the appalling and often senseless sacrifice of so many young lives and the suffering this brought to their loved ones in what should have been 'the war to end all wars'. In choosing to record a version of 'Where Have All The Flowers Gone' we celebrate the life, songs, contribution and inspiration provided by Pete Seeger in his commitment to the cause of peace and the development of a better world for all, rather than a controlling minority. By bringing together singers from across the folk spectrum we aim to reflect the importance of community in bringing about positive change. By purchasing the download you will be making a valuable contribution to a worthwhile cause but there are many anti-war organisations who can benefit from your energy, spirit and belief.
The Armistice Pals is a community, not just of the fine musicians involved but also of anyone else who wishes to be involved – even those of us who can’t sing or play but do love the idea and the music. Folk clubs around the country are committing to Armistice Pals nights in varying forms the week starting Sunday November 9th. More details to come but if you’d like to be involved in any way, get in touch – be an Armistice Pal. It's not just your country that needs you – together we can work to make the world a little better.
Fing out more on our News & Events page.
'Where Have All The Flowers Gone?' will be released on Sunday 9th November as a cd single and a limited edition 7" vinyl single. It will be available to pre-order from the usual outlets!
You can now listen to the track and buy a digital download.