Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour has revealed that his new single features former inmates from the prison where his son served time.
Gilmour recorded Rattle That Lock with The Liberty Choir, a rehabilitation project that includes former Wandsworth Prison inmates and local singers.
The rock legend said the choir gives prisoners “real hope and optimism”.
His son Charlie did time in Wandsworth in south London in 2011 after being arrested at a tuition fees protest.
He spent four months in jail after being convicted of violent disorder for his part in the 2010 protest, where he swung from a flag on the Cenotaph and threw a bin at a royal convoy.
David Gilmour told BBC News: “Charlie’s experience was something that has impacted on us and has made us more aware of the prison system and what could and should be done to improve it.
“We’re just helping out by being part of this initiative, which will hopefully spread.”
The Liberty Choir, run by vocal coach MJ Paranzino and writer Ginny Dougary, takes members of the South London Choir into Wandsworth Prison for weekly sessions with serving inmates.
They also run regular sessions outside jail, where former offenders can join members of the South London Choir.
Seven of these former inmates were part of the 30-strong choir that sang on Rattle That Lock.
Gilmour and wife Polly Sansom have also donated money to allow The Liberty Choir to expand to other jails.
BBC