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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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 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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I’m forever proud of you.”
Featured Image – The Wanted
Trending
Dispute over Manichester now ‘resolved’, say Mounfield family
Danny Jones
The family of the late, great Manchester musician, Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, have said that the drama surrounding the highly-anticipated tribute festival in his name, Manichester, has now thankfully been settled.
Now the focus can once again return to remembering him as best as possible.
Following plenty of talk about the project following his passing late last year, a live music festival honouring Mani was finally confirmed in March, and the reaction following the event’s announcement has been unsurprisingly phenomenal.
Well, at least for the most part, as there was also some confusion over whether or not Manichester was still a charitable effort as advertised, with son Gene Mounfield disputing claims online. Fortunately, it all seems to have been put to bed now.
On behalf of the boys, and as their legal guardian, I want to thank everyone for the kind messages and concern for their wellbeing. There was a misunderstanding regarding the upcoming Manichester tribute concert, but we’re pleased to share that everything has now been resolved. pic.twitter.com/j8jEMrFzsD
Being organised by Madchester.com and locally-founded fashion label, GIOGOI, the debut edition was said to have the total blessing of Mani’s family, including his brother, Greg Mounfield.
It was also said that the funds raised by the show would be going to the legendary Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassists’ twins, George and Gene, but the latter recently argued that “nothing” was going to either him or his brother and that the news was “dropped” the plans just a fortnight prior.
Gene also said that “if it was a charity gig it would be at Co-op [Live] or Heaton Park, and it would be done by SJM [Concerts]”: a Manchester-based promoters and events company.
All of this was also wrapped up in ever more paper talk and sensationalism, as some were reporting that Noel and Liam Gallagher, as well as other members of Oasis, would be surprising fans as the still yet to be revealed ‘major headliner’.
These rumours have since been quashed, as has whatever miscommunication caused the misunderstanding between the parties concerned, and we are now back to simply looking forward to seeing an already stacked lineup here in the city centre this May.
Damon Minchella of Ocean Colour Scene (a fellow bassist who also tours with Richard Ashcroft) is helping organise and will also be performing on the night itself. As for the surviving Mounfields, they went on to add in an accompanying Instagram post: “We would also like to express our gratitude to PH.
“It means a great deal to all of us that so many people loved Mani enough to give their time and energy to honour his memory in this way. We are genuinely touched by the support.
“It has been an incredibly difficult few years for the boys and for our whole family. We hope this event will bring some much‑needed joy and create new, positive memories for everyone who cared about him.
“With love and thanks – The Family”
It goes without saying that we can’t wait for this city and Greater Manchester as a whole to honour a Manc icon and are looking forward to another year celebrating the thing that never fails to bring us all together: music.
Featured Images — livepict.com (via Wikimedia Commons)/Publicity pictures (supplied)
Trending
Sara Cox tipped to replace Scott Mills for Eurovision 2026
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester’s very own Sara Cox is reportedly set to replace Scott Mills at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest following his sacking from the BBC.
Mills was axed by the news and entertainment corporation on Monday, 1 April, for ‘misconduct’, which has now been revealed to involve a historic relationship with a boy aged under 16.
While the fallout surrounding Scott Mills is only just beginning, the task of finding his replacement in multiple roles has already begun – though it looks like one may have already been decided.
Now reported by multiple outlets, it appears as though Bolton-born Sara Cox is first in line to pick up Mills’ co-hosting duties for this year’s Eurovision show.
Having already been involved with coverage of the event on multiple ocassions in the past, it now appears that she’ll be in post for the Grand Final too.
As a long-standing radio and TV staple, it only takes a quick look at social media to see how much backing she has already received in the past, with a post from last year reading, “Great to have Sara Cox back commentating on Eurovision“, and others from over a decade ago praising her past presenting.
In fact, it might not end just here either, as many are already calling for her to replace the 53-year-old breakfast show host.
From her days as a Radio 1 favourite to becoming a BBC mainstay across the board, her popularity only seems to have grown over the last decade, especially thanks to her charity fundraising efforts.
While an official announcement is yet to be made, the feeling is that it is all but confirmed for her to take over from Mills as part of the Eurovision commentary team.
As for the now vacant early morning slot on BBC Radio 2, the likes of Claudio Winkleman, Vernon Kay, fellow Manc Nick Grimshaw, the aforementioned Rylan, and several others have all been floated as potential stand-ins/future full-time hosts.
Do you think both should be given to Sara Cox, and if not, who would you like to see replace Scott Mills?
Emily Sergeant -
27th April 2022 
