Ho Ho Hum

Our new single ‘Ho Ho Hum’, our first since 1986 is released on December 1st 2024 and on all the usual digital platforms from January 24th 2025. The single is free to download at the link https://undeadguitars.bandcamp.com/ but we ask you to make a donation to either of the refugee support charities that we are working with, Breaking Barriers or the Refugee Council. Find out more about the single here.

Thank you everyone who has downloaded ‘Ho Ho Hum’ and donated to the charities we are working with Breaking Barriers and the Refugee Council.

The video has a strong message and some viewers may find the content upsetting. But here’s to more peaceful times to come. 

We all have something to add to the backstory of the single and the video – have a look at the post on our website to find out more: https://redguitarsband.com/2024/12/01/red-guitars-ho-ho-hum/

The track is free to download from our Bandcamp page here: https://tempband.bandcamp.com/track/ho-ho-hum

But please donate to one of the charities we are working with:

Breaking Barriers: https://breaking-barriers.co.uk/get-involved/donate-for-ho-ho-hum/

Refugee Council: https://act.refugeecouncil.org.uk/donation/donate-help-refugees-rebuild-their-lives

We are very grateful for all your thoughtful comments:

‘Such a moving video for such a powerful song. Thank you again, Red Guitars, for all you’re doing to raise awareness and support for refugees.’ Breaking Barriers

‘Thank you Red Guitars for your generous support and for using your music to shine a light on the struggles faced by refugees. “Ho Ho Hum” is a powerful reflection of resilience and hope, and we are deeply grateful for your kindness. Your efforts make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we work with.’ Refugee Council

‘Huge congratulations to Red Guitars on the release of ‘Ho Ho Hum’. And thank you so much to you and your fans for your support. Every donation to Breaking Barriers will help refugees overcome the challenges they face to finding of meaningful work, and help them build new lives.’ Breaking Barriers

Incredible track. The patina of the passage of time on the voice, and the yearnings for ‘home’ on a personal level are deeply poignant … and then the context of the absolute horror of the reality of so many people’s lives … Wonderful sound on this song: refreshing clarity and space to let the instruments breathe; great bass; delicious sounding guitar. Worth the 38 year wait! Junkyard of Silenced Poets

‘Really great video you have for the song – very impactful.’ Chioma, Love Music Hate Racism

‘Good music & good people. This is their first new music since then I think & it’s no surprise it’s an effort at making a difference & supporting people in need.’ Tim Dredge

‘An incredible mix of frailty and heft sung and played with lyricism and underlying anger. Great track Red Guitars, and welcome back! Donation done.’ Bruce Woodcock

‘What a fantastic return and what a heartfelt lyric: can’t wait for the album.’ Nick Tranmer

‘Man, I really enjoyed that song: the high intensity parts contrasted with the quieter parts really pulled me into the song and kept me there! Thanks for sharing it. I will go check out those charities you mention too.’ Chuck E Bluesky

Brilliant. Terrific song from Red Guitars with a powerful message. In the 3rd decade of the 21st century we have learned very little. Needs to be heard far and wide in these troubled times.’ Tony Goodger

‘A beautiful song and Hallam’s vocal conveys the meaning of the song perfectly. Fantastic to hear new music from you. Have donated to both charities as they both do brilliant work and wishing you all the very best for the new era of the band.’ Skylla Ceto

‘A beautiful & poignant song. Great to hear, & great to hear you are still creating tunes. Best wishes to yuz all.’ Kent

‘Ohhh, Its like meeting up with a long lost best friend. What a warm beautiful vibe, & such an important message! I could listen to that all day ( maybe I will). Fantastic composition Hal & the rest of you still sound SO great too.’ (donation incoming)  

‘Its such a lovely tune/composition, really fantastic & Hals lyrics are very touching.’ Manic Bluesky

‘At last, new music from the Red Guitars. A social conscience and a beautiful melody.’ Mike Smith

‘That’s an absolute banger of a track.’ Ian Halstead

‘Made the donation to breaking barriers. A Christmas present to myself (thanks all of you x)’ Captain Manic

‘A beautiful and moving new song. So fitting for Christmas time.’ Janice Van Tonder

‘I’ve rarely ever been interested in bands that reform just to play their old songs; however, when a re-formed band starts writing new material, that makes a world of difference to me. Well done, Red Guitars.’ Andy Roe

‘Simply wonderful. Hallam’s voice seems a perfect match to the sentiments of his lyrics, and I love how the music ebbs and flows to reflect the full range of emotions the subject evokes. A new classic in the Red Guitars songbook!’ Tim Bourne

‘Brilliant and very powerful.’ Fred McNeill Paisley Punk Scene

‘A beautiful and contemplative piece of music that articulates the struggles of refugees around the world.’ Tim Dalton Music Events

‘The song is fantastic and just what we need right now.’ Simon Bristow, Editor The Hull Story

‘Donation duly sent. Well done guys. Such a powerful song/video.’ Clive Parkinson

Cracking song and very moving vid. Will share around!’ Tribes of Europe

‘Brilliant, love it, Hallam’s voice is a great fit.’ Holy Gasoline

‘A touching & wonderful song about the desperate plight of Refugees & all they ask in return for this gift is that you support the charities . . . I have, can you?’ Capt.HB

‘Great to see the new single. Many happy times living in Hull 83/84 and seeing the band locally and even drove up to Glasgow to see them at a club on Sauchiehall Street and even still have a bootleg cassette from Retford Porterhouse gig. Thanks for many wonderful memories.’ Viv Russell

‘Great track a bit of a slow burner and poignant lyrics as well. Love it.’ Paul Hiscoe

‘The Red Guitars and us go way back, and they’ve just announced the release of their first new song since 1986! It’s a charity single and it’s sort of a Christmas single, too. It’s definitely not a darkwave single, but it IS a free BandCamp download, and a fine video, too. Most importantly, it’s all wrapped around a VERY good cause: a request that you donate in support of refugees. The links for donations to the Refugee Council and to Breaking Barriers are in the description below the YouTube video. Listen, watch, enjoy, share, but most importantly, show your support for this worthiest of causes’. Lunar Paths 

‘If refugees needed an anthem, well this is it.’ Ian H

‘We’ve been so thrilled by the generosity of Red Guitars fans, and we love the perspective each member of the band brings to Ho Ho Hum’s backstory. On behalf of Breaking Barriers’ team and the refugees we work with across the UK, thank you so much to everyone who has downloaded and donated!’ Breaking Barriers

With best wishes from Red Guitars, Hal, John, Matt and Lou.

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