God Only Knows launches BBC Music

A new version of the Beach Boys song God Only Knows has been played on BBC radio stations to promote the launch of BBC Music.

The song features original writer and performer Brian Wilson alongside more than 25 musicians, including Pharrell Williams, Sir Elton John, Paloma Faith, Kylie Minogue and Dave Grohl. Classical violinist Nicola Benedetti and folk musician Eliza Carthy also appear on the track.

The accompanying film is set in Alexandra Palace Theatre, where the BBC first broadcast from, and several BBC personalities including Jools Holland and Lauren Laverne also appear.

The song will be released as a single in aid of BBC Children in Need this week.

In 1997 the Lou Reed song Perfect Day was performed by a line-up including Bono, David Bowie, Suzanne Vega, Boyzone, Emmylou Harris, Tom Jones and others to promote the BBC’s music offering. It was also released as a single for Children in Need that year.