The cover of the RALPH McTELL and ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE standard 'Streets Of London' - relocated on this occasion to Newcastle - was the brainchild of punk couple Tony and Karen Houghton of the band PRETTY ANARCHISTS. They called on members of other punk bands from the region, as well as studios and local service providers, who were only too happy to get involved.
Funds raised by sales of the single will go to Newcastle homeless charity The People's Kitchen.
Recorded at Shagnut Studios in Billingham and BoomChang Records in Newcastle, punks who took part in the sessions included members of LOGOZ from Ashington, Tyneside band THE Vs, Billingham-based ZEITGEIST 77, Sunderland's SPITFIRE BULLETS, Gateshead-based THE BAND FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION and Cramlington's ALL OUT ATTACK.
Says Tony, "When you see people sleeping rough in the snow and rain, it makes you realise how lucky we all are with our warm homes and well stocked food cupboards. I wanted to make people stop and think about the needs of others and for them to buy the CD so that more funds can go to this deserving charity."
Zeitgeist 77's Stephen Chopper Harrison adds, "There was such a nice feel in the studio and it was very humbling when we were joined by people who had once been homeless themselves. I really hope the CD makes a lot of money to help them."
The 3-track CD is available from the bands, local record shops and from their JustGiving page.
Watch the video here.