In a "musical message of worldwide solidarity with the people of Iran," Bon Jovi, Iranian singer Andy Madadian, superstar producers Don Was and John Shanks have re-recorded the Ben E. King classic "Stand By Me."
The song was recorded last Wednesday (June 24) and started making the round on the internet this weekend.
"This version of the old Ben E. King classic is not for sale - it was not meant to be on the Billboard charts or even manufactured as a CD.....it's intended to be downloaded and shared by the Iranian people...to give voice to the sentiment that all people of the world stand together," reads a message on the YouTube video.
We love that Jon Bon sings part of the track in Farsi. What we're a little lost on is audience.
As most everybody knows, Iran has gone through a very troublesome post-election crisis, with nationwide protests calling for reform of how elected officials are selected and how the state is run. Is this a track for solidarity for all peoples in Iran? If so, I have my doubts one of the most popular Western singers is going to help bring everybody together just by rehashing a Western hit, even if it's co-sung by one of Iran's biggest stars. If it's a call for solidarity amongst protesters... well, let's hope this isn't a video the government there will block.
What do you think this means for Iran?
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