Moseley man’s mission for nationwide rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ to thank key workers

The figurehead behind the idea hopes the joint effort will be another great way to thank key workers on the frontline battling the coronavirus pandemic.

Reuben Penny, from Moseley, Birmingham, has come up with idea of getting people across the country to join in a rendition of the famous Gerry and the Pacemakers song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ as a way to thank key workers.

The 28-year-old, who runs the community music group, Moseley Misfits, first thought of the idea when noticing how the NHS clap was a great way to meet people on his street, while maintaining the government recommended social distancing.

During the first clap, some members of his street took instruments outside to echo their appreciation to key workers and in seeing this community spirit, Reuben felt perfectly placed to provide the materials to create a unified effort to get his street playing together as another way to thank key workers.

With help from his Moseley Misfits colleague, Rob, their community music initiative, Curbside Concert UK, will become a reality on Thursday evening just after the NHS clap.

Reuben chose ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ as it represents “hope and coming together” and “because of how poignant the lyrics have become in these uncertain times”.

Last month, a cover by Captain Tom Moore, who raised over £32 million for the NHS, reached number one in the UK charts.

Many people across Birmingham and Shrewsbury have already got behind the rendition, but Reuben hopes to see as many people as possible join in.

He told Oh My Goodness: “The aim of the curbside concert is to provide a framework which anyone can use to make music and connect with their neighbours.

“So far we have had around 40 people sign up from over 20 streets across the West Midlands [spanning] Stratford-upon Avon, Kidderminster and Shrewsbury as well as many streets in Birmingham.

“We are hoping to reach as many people as possible to come together as communities and celebrate our key workers.”

The joint concert invites people to join in while standing on drives and doorsteps ensuring they maintain the recommended two-metre distance.

Reuben has also provided sheet music on the Moseley Misfits website, so people with a variety of instruments can get involved.

Moseley Misfits is a space for all ages and musical abilities to have fun whilst making music together.

The pair behind the group have moved sessions online after a demand to connect in lockdown.

Reuben has said that he will be playing the ukulele and singing during the Curbside Concert.

On plans to take the rendition further, Reuben added: “We have organised the first event on Thursday 14th but we will make these tools available for anyone to take forward in future. Everything needed is downloadable for free so anyone can organise a curbside concert in their area.”

You can follow the project at #CurbsideConcertUK on Twitter, and if you would like to join in the rendition, you can visit the Moseley Misfits website.

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