After a long 28-year pause, Pink Floyd is reuniting to release a song that stands in solidarity with Ukraine. The track, titled Hey Hey Rise Up, marks the first new recording from the band since the mid-1990s era, and it features the distinctive voice of Ukrainian artist Andriy Khlyvnyuk from the rock group Boombox, joined by two iconic Pink Floyd figures, David Gilmour and Nick Mason. The project aims to channel support for the Ukrainian people during a time of intense hardship and international attention.
All proceeds from Hey Hey Rise Up are directed to Ukraine Humanitarian Aid, a message confirmed by the band in a social media post. The collaboration embodies a shared commitment to humanitarian relief, with the band using its platform to amplify aid efforts and bring attention to the ongoing crisis. This is more than a musical moment; it is a public statement regarding the impact of conflict on civilians and the role artists can play in mobilizing aid.
David Gilmour, whose family ties extend to Ukraine through a daughter-in-law and grandchildren, spoke through his social channels about the anger and frustration caused by the invasion. He described the aggression as an affront to a peaceful and democratic nation, emphasizing the human cost of occupation. The message underscores the band’s stance on national sovereignty and the protection of human life in conflict zones.
The recording brings together a cadre of longtime contributors, including Nick Mason, a founder of the group in 1965, alongside frequent collaborators such as bass player Guy Pratt and keyboardist Nitin Sawhney. Their collective experience and chemistry add a layer of musical history to the project, making the track resonate beyond its immediate charitable purpose. The studio work reportedly culminated in the final days of last week, with Khlyvnyuk’s voice woven into the new arrangement from a previously captured performance.
Khlyvnyuk’s voice comes from a clip the Ukrainian artist posted during a performance at a Kiev venue on Instagram. The fragment carries the emotional weight of a song associated with peaceful resistance and national pride, and it anchors the new Pink Floyd recording in a moment of real-world immediacy and solidarity. By incorporating this moment, the band aligns a global audience with the urgent call for humanitarian support and recognition of Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for independence and self-determination.
The project title alludes to a renewed spirit of resilience, with the new Pink Floyd work framed as a cultural response to upheaval and a tribute to the people of Ukraine. The cover art, crafted by Cuban artist Yosan León, presents a sunflower—the national flower of Ukraine—a symbol that has widely appeared in displays of solidarity. The imagery complements the melody and lyrics, reinforcing the message of hope amid adversity.
In describing the initiative, the band and its collaborators highlight the power of music to mobilize aid and raise awareness. Hey Hey Rise Up is more than a release; it is a statement about endurance, humanity, and the shared responsibility of the international arts community to respond to humanitarian crises. The collaboration demonstrates how a legendary group can adapt to contemporary events while preserving its artistic heritage and influence.
For fans and new listeners alike, the single offers a moment to reflect on the consequences of war and the ways in which culture can participate in relief efforts. The track invites listeners to listen closely, contribute where possible, and join in a broader conversation about peace, resilience, and the protection of civilian lives. It stands as a reminder that music, in times of crisis, can be a catalyst for action and a beacon of solidarity, linking generations through a common purpose and a shared human concern.