East 17 to release special edition vinyl of Stay Another Day for charity and 30th anniversary celebration

On 13^th December, East 17, the renowned British pop band, will release a special edition 7” vinyl of their iconic Christmas hit Stay Another Day to mark its 30^th anniversary. This release, in collaboration with Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity, aims to highlight the therapeutic benefits of music. The vinyl will be launched by London Records and will feature new artwork along with a previously unreleased live version of the song from the band’s 1995 Letting Off Steam arena tour.

Stay Another Day first topped the charts in 1994, spending five weeks at number one and achieving double-Platinum status. It outperformed Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You, becoming a festive staple across multiple generations. The song, written by band member Tony Mortimer, was originally a tribute to his brother’s life, which was tragically cut short. Over the years, the track has been covered by various artists and continues to be a significant presence in Christmas playlists, amassing 20 million streams in 2023 alone.

The partnership with Nordoff and Robbins underscores a commitment to using music as a medium for healing and social connection. The charity utilises music therapy to assist individuals facing life-limiting illness, disability, social isolation and mental health issues. Mortimer expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Through this collaboration with Nordoff and Robbins, I really want to raise awareness of how music can offer hope, expression, and healing to people everywhere. This 30-year anniversary is more than just a celebration of a song – it’s a call to remember the profound impact that music can have on our lives, particularly in moments of struggle. By raising money for life-changing music therapy, I’m also looking forward to making a difference to young people who are living with mental health problems. Together, we can ensure that the power of music continues to uplift and support those who need it.”

In addition to the vinyl release, Mortimer will perform at the Nordoff and Robbins Carol Service in London on 10^th December, an event that will also feature performances by Jamie Cullum and Lemar. The special edition vinyl is currently available for pre-order, and for each sale made through the official website, London Records will donate £1 to Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy, further supporting the charity’s initiatives.

This anniversary release not only celebrates a significant milestone for the song but also aims to harness the power of music for a greater cause, reinforcing the impact of musical therapy and the ongoing relevance of Stay Another Day in the lives of many.

The editorial unit
Photo: Courtesy of East 17

Stay Another Day is released on 13^th December 2024. For further information or to order the album visit East 17’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Stay Another Day here: