Cash For CHAS

Former record label boss releases cover of legendary single for CHAS.

The record boss and manager of former Fife band Draw is donating sales of a previously unreleased track from the group to the Children's Hospice Association Scotland. 

Nicholas Russell, co-owner and managing director of Balbirnie House Hotel, is releasing Draw's cover of American rock band LOVE's single Alone Again Or on iTunes, with proceeds donated to the Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS).  CHAS is the only charity in Scotland to provide hospice services for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions.

Draw recorded the cover in 2003.  The original single featured on LOVE's critically acclaimed album Forever Changes, cited as of one of the most influential albums in history. 

Mr Russell said he was delighted to be releasing the single and that it was supporting CHAS.

"A reason behind releasing this never-before-heard single was to firstly show appreciation for the extraordinary talent of Draw, which had a relatively short but very exciting career within the music industry.

"The song was one of Love's biggest hits from the 1967 album, and we recorded it as a tribute and a very humble show of respect to the legendary Arthur Lee, whom the band had the honour of supporting on UK tour for three weeks. 

"I am really excited to be able to share this unique and exceptional track, which is an absolute gem from the archive. Not even the band themselves ever heard the final mastered version. 

"I've chosen to donate all proceeds to CHAS as they have been one of Balbirnie House's chosen charity partners for a number of years. 

"The Hotel now works annually with some 125 charities and organisations, and we have always done our best to support good causes but now is the time that we are asking for a little something back, and I encourage everyone to please dig deep and spend that 79p to help raise awareness of this fantastic song, as well as contributing positively to CHAS’s great work.”"

Mr Nicholas set up the independent label Empire Records Scotland 15 years ago, specifically to help support and promote Draw. The group was established in 1999 and during its four-year career played to crowds of up to 20,000 at venues around the UK, all the way from Kirkcaldy's The Path Tavern, to London's Royal Festival Hall.'

Ali Kerr, Regional Fundraising Manager with CHAS, said the charity welcomed the support. 

"A huge thank-you to Nicholas, it's a great way to support CHAS and raise money.  CHAS provides invaluable care and support to hundreds of families throughout Scotland and we rely on the creativity and generosity of people like Nicholas to help fund and run our services.

"We hope the public will support Nicholas, Draw and CHAS."