Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders has addressed the possibility of a live show to promote the charity album Help(2). The project features the band's first new song in four years and supports War Child's efforts for children in conflict zones. Helders expressed excitement about the all-star collaboration but noted no plans are confirmed yet.
Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders recently shared his thoughts on the potential for a one-off charity concert tied to the upcoming War Child album Help(2). In an interview on Radio X, Helders said, “I mean, there’s, there’s nothing that I know about at the moment, but I had the same thought that […] I’m sure the people behind the scenes are thinking about doing something like that.” He added, “This kind of thing often comes hand in hand with some special occasion, but nothing that I know about at the moment.”
Help(2) serves as a spiritual sequel to the 1995 charity release HELP, announced last month. It includes Arctic Monkeys' 'Opening Night', marking their first new track in four years. Produced by James Ford, the 22-song album was recorded in collaboration with Abbey Road Studios during one week in November 2025. Contributors span a wide array, including Damon Albarn, English Teacher, Fontaines D.C., Johnny Marr, The Last Dinner Party, Wet Leg, Olivia Rodrigo, Pulp, and Depeche Mode. The full tracklist features tracks like Black Country, New Road’s 'Strangers', The Last Dinner Party’s 'Let’s Do it Again!', and Olivia Rodrigo’s 'The Book of Love'. Set for release on March 6, all proceeds will aid War Child in protecting and supporting children affected by wars in places like Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, and Syria.
Helders revealed he hasn't heard the full album yet, as organizers are keeping it under wraps, but he's “really excited” about it. “There was no one [who] had to get their arm twisted to get involved in this,” he noted. The band has prior ties to War Child, having performed a memorable 2018 show at the Royal Albert Hall, later released as a live record in 2020 with proceeds donated.
Reflecting on recording 'Opening Night', Helders described it as a “great time” to reunite. “Sometimes we might not see each other for six months, but when we do it’s like we were never apart,” he said. “That’s just how we are with people, with each other. It translates musically as well.” While there are no immediate plans for a new Arctic Monkeys studio album, Helders emphasized that making music is “something we love to do.”
Producer James Ford highlighted the project's selective nature, noting some artists declined involvement, viewing it as “too political.” This album underscores the music industry's willingness to engage with global issues through collaborative efforts.
