Liverpool Boss Benitez Offers Public Support At Launch Of Commemorative Hillsborough CD

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was today attending an event to launch the release of a special CD - recorded by Liverpool-based musicians - that hopes to further raise awareness of the terrible incident that took place at an FA Cup semi-final almost exactly 20 years ago.

Nottingham Forest faced Liverpool at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough ground, and a horrifying terrace crush at the Leppings Lane end of the stadium resulted in the deaths of 96 people, a tragedy that changed the face of English football, leading directly to the creation of the Premier League and the advent of all-seater stadia.

Now, Liverpool musician Peter Hooton, formerly of 90's group The Farm, along with other Scouse musical luminaries such as John Power (formerly of The La's and Cast) and members of Echo & the Bunnymen, and Starsailor, have released a version of 'The Fields of Anfield Road', itself a reworking of the Irish folk song 'The Fields of Athenry', that includes a reference to the disaster amongst its verses paying tribute to Reds legends. All profits from sales of the track, also available in digital formats, will be donated to The Hillsborough Families' Support Group.

Featured on the single is the 'Kop Choir', consisting of former Liverpool players Kenny Dalglish, Phil Thompson, John Aldridge, Bruce Grobbelaar, Howard Gayle and Alan Kennedy, all adding their vocal talents to the choruses.

Benitez was on hand today to lend his support to the release, saying, "I think it’s important to show support for the fans and the families."

The Spaniard also recalled the first time he attended a remembrance ceremony relating to the disaster, adding, "It was very emotional for me, for all the players, it was something we will never forget.

"I think you can feel it (the loss) in every single game, what it means for the fans."

Musician Hooton, a noted Reds fan of many years, was a keen follower of the club home and away in the 80's, also highlighted the project's positive aspects, saying, "A lot of people have volunteered to get involved. It is a reworking of a Kop classic and I hope it raises awareness of the Hillsborough disaster and is a fitting tribute to the 96 and the survivors."

The idea to produce the track came from the city of Liverpool's Lord Mayor, Steve Rotherham, who was at the game in Sheffield where the tragedy occurred, and he indicated his hopes for the project, stating, "Hillsborough affected so many lives, not just on Merseyside but across the whole of the UK. I attended the match 20 years ago and the passing years do not diminish the poignancy of the occasion.

"I approached a number of Liverpool’s music legends and they immediately offered their services for free.

"The Lord Mayor’s charity is funding the production costs and we aim to raise a much bigger sum to benefit the families of the 96 who died."

The single will be available from Liverpool's club shop and in digital formats online.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com