Comic Relief sings...

Comic Relief is upon us once more and they have produced yet another classic song (Barry) Islands in the Sun with Ruth Jones and the clever and funny Rob Brydon of Gavin and Stacey fame. Although nothing can beat the Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers version, this is a treat and well supported by Robin Gibb in the video and Tom Jones who plays along with some comic style. It's a bit like the Mamma Mia film, not brilliantly sung, but who cares - it's a laugh.

Charity is important to most people who perhaps give a quid on Poppy Day, do something daft for Children in Need or donate for the privilege of being heartily entertained on the Beeb for an evening of fun for Comic Relief, and to prove it: before the show on Friday 13th March 2009, Comic Relief has raised over £35M for UK and African good causes.

For the last seven years, the Comic Relief song has been number one in the charts. How many comic songs can you name (there were some pop songs too)? I struggled, but cheated to list them here for you...

• 2008 - 'I'm gonna be (500 miles)' - The Proclaimers, Brian Potter and Andy Pipkin;
• 2005 - 'Is this the way to Amarillo' - Tony Christie and Peter Kay;
• 1994 - Absolutely Fabulous' - Pet Shop Boys, Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley;
• 1992 - 'I want to be elected' - Smear Campaign, Bruce Dickinson, Angus Deyton, Rowan Atkinson;
• 1991 - 'The Stonk' - Hale and Pace backed by David Gilmour and Brian May;
• 1989 - 'Help' - Bananarama and Lanananeeneenoonoo - French and Saunders with Kathy Burke;
• 1987 - 'Rockin' Round the Christmas Tree - Mel Smith and Kim Wilde;
• 1986 - 'Living Doll' with Cliff Richard and the cast of The Young Ones.

Let's not forget why we give to charity because behind the facade presented to persuade us from parting with our cash, there is the serious business of saving life or making the quality of life more bearable for disadvantaged and vulnerable people around the world. What else can we do in our everyday lives to bring the world into peace, make less opportunity for war and provide comfort for those who have just a tiny fraction of what we have and enjoy without thinking too much about. Individually we can't put the world to rights and to think we can is delusional. But the efforts of celebrities who entertain and the hundreds of thousands who will work to raise funds is very worthwhile and I salute them all.

Have a great Comic Relief Day

Chat soon

Ta-ra