Ed Sheeran sends message of support to Ukrainian band

Ed Sheeran sends message of support to Ukrainian band after their video asking to play charity concert goes viral on TikTok

Ed Sheeran has sent a message of support to a Ukrainian band who offered to play a charity concert via video link from Kyiv.

Rock band Antytila went viral on TikTok when they asked the singer, 31, to appear at the Concert for Ukraine due to take place in Birmingham next week. 

Taking to his Instagram stories, the Grammy award winner said: ‘Hey guys, I just watched your video this morning, thank you so much for sending it.

Support: Ed Sheeran has sent a message of support to a Ukrainian band who offered to play a charity concert via video link from Kyiv

‘Firstly I just wanted to say to all Ukrainians, I love you, I stand with you and I’m so proud to be playing this fundraising event next week.

‘I can’t wait to check your music out, guys – and I’m sending you lots of love.’  

Lead singer Taras Topolya, 34, recorded a message thanking Brits for their support and explaining how he copes with fighting on the front line.

Asked about his most difficult moments he said: ‘One of the most difficult things that we have had to become accustomed to is the most important rule in war – always shoot first.’

Viral: Rock band Antytila went viral on TikTok when they asked the singer, 31, to appear at the Concert for Ukraine due to take place in Birmingham next week

‘I love you’: Taking to his Instagram stories, the Grammy award winner said: ‘Firstly I just wanted to say to all Ukrainians, I love you, I stand with you and I’m so proud to be playing this fundraising event next week’

The two-hour gig will take place on March 29 and will air on ITV in aid of the attacked nation.

Ed Sheeran is due to perform alongside Emeli Sande, Gregory Porter and Snow Patrol. 

Taras and his bandmates have been fighting for their nation in Kyiv for weeks.

In a message recorded on Friday, he said: ‘We just want to make it clear that despite the great tragedy that the war has brought to our country – we are strong, united and ready to fight for our victory.

Band: Members of the band Antytila, singer and bandleader Taras Topolia (C), keyboardist Serhii Vusyk (L), and guitarist Dmytro Zholud (R) pose for a portrait in Kyiv

He explained they started to fight ‘as soon as [we] woke up to the sounds of air alarm in the morning in the capital’.

‘We did not consider any other option than to fight together with all the people of Ukraine,’ he added.

‘The future of our children, the future of Ukraine and the whole of Europe is at stake’.

Before the war, the group played at numerous international concerts, in the US, Canada and France. 

The MTV EMA nominated band also includes keyboardist Serhiy Vusyk, bassist Mykhailo Chirko, guitarist Dmitry Acorn, and drummer Dmitry Vodovozov.

Lineup: The two-hour gig will take place on March 29 and will air on ITV in aid of the attacked nation

They have only been able to perform their music once since the war broke out – in a hospital to support the ‘brave doctors in Kyiv’.

The band are determined to play remotely in ITV’s Concert For Ukraine to use their music as a tool in order to convey their ‘necessary message’.

He said: ‘If we are in the concert, through the music we will try to convey the main message that Ukraine did not surrender to the aggressor.

Thank you: Lead singer Taras, 34, recorded a message thanking Brits for their support and explaining how he copes with fighting on the front line

‘We are strong. We believe in the victory of Ukraine and everyday we do everything to make sure that victory comes.

In a direct message to the people of the UK, he said: ‘We thank the people of UK for their support.

‘In our hearts are have same values as other people’s of Europe – when a person is about all, and freedom, dignity, mutual respect, tolerance and love for life.’ 

Soldiers: They have only been able to perform their music once since the war broke out – in a hospital to support the ‘brave doctors in Kyiv’

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