Legendary singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel and System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian have never shied away from political statements in their music, so it should come as no surprise that both artists have contributed songes to a new benefit compilation album titled 2 Unite All, which goes toward funding humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. According to radio.com, the album was produced by Project Peace on Earth and is currently available for purchase.
"Helping to rebuild the lives of Palestinians in Gaza is a necessary and noble worldwide humanitarian prerogative that we must not shy away from," Tankian says about the album in a statement. "It's the least we can do for a people that have suffered under an occupation, embargo, and invasion."
For the album, Tankian contributed a song titled "Spinning Mysteries at the Sacred Grove," which features Police drummer Stewart Copeland.
"Our music may not be able to rebuild homes nor bring back victims of violence, but at least it can soften hearts," says Copeland. "Hard hearts allow violence in the Holy Land and softening up allows persuasion. Even the flinty realpolitik analysis shows that 'Kumbaya' is more credible than 'They Must Go.'"
In addition to his song with Tankian, Copeland also collaborated with Gabriel, who contributed an updated version of an old song titled "Across the River," originally recorded back in 1982 for the WOMAD benefit compilation Music and Rhythm.
"Although I am sure both the Palestinian and Israeli people would benefit enormously from a just and fair two-state agreement based around the '67 borders," Gabriel says in a statement, "we have watched the Palestinians subjected to more and more suffering for far too long, especially in Gaza. Meanwhile, their long-held land is repeatedly stolen by force for illegal settlements."
Gabriel goes on to clarify his stance, assuring that he is "not and have never been anti-Israeli or anti-Semitic," but rather "anti-Israeli government policy, anti-injustice, anti-oppression and anti-occupation."
Other artists who have contributed to the album include Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen and The Cure's Porl Thompson.
You can check out Gabriel's original version of "Across the River" here:
