With no signs of the current global pandemic slowing down, more and more people are working together to redefine a sense of community.
While it seems that the current climate is thriving on words like isolation and distance, communities are coming together in ways that they never have before. Across the globe, people are using technology, music and art to convey what we can never lose: our humanity.
Enter Playing for Change.
This foundation is a movement “created to inspire and connect the world through music. The idea for this project came from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people.”
Together, the founders have hit the streets with mobile recording devices since 2002, aiming to capture hearts and passion and instill inspiration.
In 2019, The Band’s Robbie Robertson teamed up with Ringo Starr and musicians across the globe to record the timeless classic “The Weight.”
Two years in the making and spanning 10 separate countries, a wide variety of musicians contributed segments for this beloved 1968 hit.
The video begins comically, with Ringo Starr on the phone with Robertson, checking in to see what key they’re playing in.
From there, the music commences into a beautiful force of transcendence and connection.
The video features additional contributions from musicians Marcus King, Lukas Nelson, Char, Mermens Mosengo and more.
Each vocalist and musician adds another layer, flavor and depth to an already powerful song.
As the video progresses, you’re transported seamlessly around the world to experience a multitude of instruments and an abundance of hope.
This video is offering hope in the bleakest of times!
Although it was posted for the first time back in 2019, the video has experienced a renewed popularity during the pandemic.
A new audience has flocked to the performance, applauding its collective efforts to connect and overcome distance.
Web traffic has surged for the video on YouTube, where it currently has over 12 million views and 147,000 likes.
The video has also been repeatedly featured as a top story on publications like Rolling Stone.
Rolling Stone ventured out to interview with Robbie Robertson of the Band, inquiring as to why he personally thought this video was resonating so deeply with people in our current circumstances.
Robertson responded:
“The number of people that I know that have responded to this, and some people that I barely know that have come out of the woodwork … it’s almost like it’s good medicine. And it’s so suitable right now. I thought to my myself, “This is definitely the ultimate in global self-distancing.” This is a way to protect yourself from anything: playing music with people around the world.“
Just one watch and you’ll see how good this medicine truly is!
The video is a heartwarming compilation of musicians joining forces for one epically inspirational result.
It’s a genuine tour de force, reminding us that unity is within ourselves and can’t be deterred by physical limitations.
Robertson leaves us with a final sentiment:
“When it came out, there was a really nice response to it, but it’s just grown and grown. In the last week or something, it got a million more views on it. And people are sending me messages from Cambodia. I’m just delighted it’s serving a purpose today. This was an idea that I had to write this song many years ago. And so it’s such a blessing that something like this can make a contribution this many decades later. I couldn’t be happier.”
Check this amazing performance for yourself in the video below!
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