The Wanted has re-released one of its hit songs in memory of late band member Tom Parker to raise money for a brain tumour charity.
Bolton-born Parker – who was known for being one fifth of The Wanted since 2009 – was diagnosed with an inoperable terminal brain tumour known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) back in October 2020, and had since been undergoing a number of treatments in an attempt to prolong his life.
But it was sadly confirmed that he passed away peacefully with his family, loved ones, and bandmates by his side on 30 March 2022.
Tom left behind his wife Kelsey, and two children – Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one.
Now, just weeks after his tragic passing and after Parker’s family requested that the band’s 2011 single Gold Forever be played at his funeral memorial service on 20 April, band members Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness and Nathan Sykes have decided to create an updated version of the track titled Gold Forever (for Tom).
The re-recorded version was played to attendees at Parker’s funeral.
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We are profoundly grateful to The Wanted that donations from the sales of this single will help us fund world-class research and vital support services for anyone affected by brain tumours. ❤️#AcceleratingACure#ACureCantWait#TheWanted
— The Brain Tumour Charity (@BrainTumourOrg) April 27, 2022
Gold Forever was originally released in 2011 as the lead song from The Wanted’s second studio album, Battleground, and was the official Comic Relief single, before it went on to reach number three on the Official Chart Company’s UK singles chart – which made it the band’s third top 10 single.
This time around though, Gold Forever (for Tom), has been made available for download and on streaming services in memory of Parker, and crucially, to raise funds for a worthy charity.
The Wanted, Island Records, and the writers and producers of the song have confirmed that they will be donating all net proceeds to The Brain Tumour Charity – a UK-based organisation that is dedicated to funding research, raising awareness, and providing support and information to people with brain tumours.
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The charity said the re-release of the single is “a moving tribute” to Tom, and has said it is “profoundly grateful” that donations will help it fund world-class research and vital support services for anyone affected by brain tumours.
Tom Parker alongside his bandmates in The Wanted / Credit: The Wanted
Tom’s devastating passing was first announced by his wife Kelsey on Instagram, who said in an emotional tribute: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side.
“Our hearts are broken, Tom was the centre of our world and we can’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence.
We created a very special version of Gold Forever for Toms memorial service,the reaction the track has had has been beautiful.We’ve decided to release the track in Tom’s memory with ALL proceeds going to @BrainTumourOrg You can download it from iTunes here https://t.co/vLnqqs34W7
“We are truly thankful for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we all unite to ensure Tom’s light continues to shine for his beautiful children. Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout, he fought until the very end.
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“I’m forever proud of you.”
Featured Image – The Wanted
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Ole Gunnar Solskjær says just three players have spoken to him since leaving Manchester United
Club legend and ex-Manchester United player turned manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, has revealed that just three of his former players have been in touch since leaving Old Trafford.
Solskjær was sacked from the role as Man United head coach back in November 2021 after having been given the job permanently following an impressive winning run as interim manager.
The practically perfect start back at the helm of the club – where he starred as the ‘super sub’ during his playing days – was followed by a big slump, and the final decision was ultimately made in the wake of a 4-1 loss to Watford.
However, the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’s’ popularity among the players and the fans alike was never in question, so it’s come as somewhat of a surprise to many fans that Solskjær has said only a specific trio of United players have got in touch with him since his dream job came to an end.
At least two of the names read out might not surprise fans, as not only was then-club captain Harry Maguire one of his first statement signings, but so was Bruno Fernandes, who now has the armband, and both have remained key players and leadership figures pretty much ever since.
Speaking to BBC Sport on the senior duo, Ole said, “For me, Harry has always been a leader and a fighter”, and never had any doubts about him deputising for him on the pitch, before going on to label both the centre-back and Bruno as “top human beings.”
As for the third, although Victor Lindelöf looks set to leave the club this summer, he’s actually been a long-serving squad member, having joined back in 2017 and been a seemingly popular figure around the dressing room, even if injury problems have sometimes hampered his minutes.
He also went on to discuss other matters regarding the club, including confessing that it’s “hard to watch” United amidst their present struggles, both under previous manager Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim – even with a potential Europa League trophy consolation on the cards.
The retired striker also stated that he found the decision to let midfielder Scott McTominay go more than surprising, especially given the incredible performances he’s put on display since moving to Serie A.
Despite a rocky opening month or so, Manchester’s Co-op Live made the ultimate instant recovery and has now been named the number one arena not just in the UK but all of Europe.
Manc music venues being best in class? Sounds about right.
Yes, even despite some obstacles, delays and early hiccups, Co-op Live‘s debut year as a live music and indoor entertainment venue has seen it beat out the likes of the long-established and iconic O2 in London to take the top spot.
The inaugural 12 months of the arena have not only seen it welcome all manner of music legends, as well as live sporting events such as the UFC and WWE, but the arena welcomed more visitors than any other venue across the continent during that time.
Names to have graced the industry-leading stage so far include Liam Gallagher, Stevie Nicks and Take That; Peter Kay, Elbow, Sabrina Carpenter, Paul McCartney, and so many more.
Commenting on the successful start, Tim Leiweke (CEO and chairman of the Oak View Groupbehind the venue) said: “Our ambition was to bring the world’s best music arena to one of the world’s greatest music cities and we are thrilled with the reaction from fans and artists alike over this past year.
“Co-op Live’s revolutionary acoustics investment has already attracted some of the world’s biggest artists and events to Manchester, with many more to come. And our sustainability commitment will ensure we remain responsible contributors to Manchester and the planet for years to come.
“We believe that amazing venues can transform cities for the better, and Co-op Live has done just that.”
It’s fair to say we’ve had some truly unforgettable nights in there already – and that’s just in the last month alone. Case and point:
With a continued commitment to achieving ‘Net Zero’ status too, the venue’s carbon reduction technologies, solar panels, heat pumps and rainwater harvesting, not to mention the recently refreshed CityLink walking in partnership with the Climate Pledge, are all things we can be proud of.
Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, went on to add: “We are delighted with the success of Co-op Live’s first year, and to see it taking the top spot off London.
“It shows Manchester is the home of live music in the UK, with Co-op Live bringing so many exclusives from artists like Bruce Springsteen to the city and Oasis playing massive hometown shows this summer – 2025 is going to be one of the biggest ever for our city’s music scene.”
Meanwhile, things are feeling less fortunate at the grassroots end of the spectrum, as the Music Venue Trust is imploring people to get behind a vulnerable Manc music institution.
Emily Sergeant -
27th April 2022 
