Listen to the Sheffield indie icons’ first release in four years, and explore the complete charity album tracklist featuring Fontaines D.C., Depeche Mode, Wet Leg, The Last Dinner Party, Damon Albarn, Foals, Cameron Winter, Olivia Rodrigo, and many more.
Arctic Monkeys Return With New Song on War Child Charity Album ‘Help(2)’
Arctic Monkeys have released their first new song in four years, titled ‘Opening Night’, as part of the upcoming War Child charity compilation album ‘Help(2)’. The track marks the band’s first original material since their 2022 album ‘The Car’.
Speculation around the project began earlier this month when War Child Records teased a major collaboration on social media, with several high-profile artists linked to the initiative. It was later confirmed that Arctic Monkeys would lead the release with a brand-new song.
The album ‘Help(2)’ is inspired by the iconic 1995 ‘HELP’ record, which raised significant funds for children affected by war. The new edition has been produced by James Ford and recorded in close collaboration with Abbey Road Studios, with much of the work completed during a single week in November 2025.
Alongside Arctic Monkeys, the album features an extensive list of artists including Damon Albarn, Fontaines D.C., Depeche Mode, Foals, Olivia Rodrigo, Wet Leg, Pulp, Sampha, Big Thief and many others. Several tracks include special collaborations, continuing the spirit of collective creativity that defined the original release.
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Jonathan Glazer served as Creative Director, shaping the project’s visual identity through a concept titled “By Children, For Children”. Children were given cameras to document studio sessions, while additional footage was captured by young people living in conflict zones.
War Child highlighted that nearly one in five children globally are now affected by conflict, underlining the urgency of the cause. Proceeds from ‘Help(2)’ will support the charity’s work in protecting and supporting children impacted by war.
The album is set for release on March 6 via War Child Records.
