Paul Hardcastle to re-release 80s classic 19

There have been many songs written during times of war to support soldiers risking life and limb on the frontline, with Paul Hardcastle’s 80s smash 19 being one of the most famous.

To mark the track’s 25th anniversary, he has decided to re-release it and change the lyrics to include references to the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

After watching a documentary on the work British troops are doing in Iraq, he decided the time was right to support soldiers through the medium of music and to raise questions about the war.

Hardcastle said: "I find the similarities between Vietnam and Afghanistan are quite alarming. Every time I read a newspaper or watch the news it all sounds too familiar."

Songwriter Rob Allen recently penned a song called Men of Cymru, a rock-inspired track in tribute to the Welsh Guards, with all profits donated to the guards’ Afghan Appeal, WalesOnline.co.uk reported.

Posted by Samantha Thompson