It’s been 20 years since Black Eyed Peas stormed the charts and released their iconic politically-charged song Where Is The Love? but, despite all the time that has passed, the band feels we’re no closer to finding it.
Where Is The Love?, featuring vocals from former band member Fergie, powerfully took aim at political and social injustice issues around the world, such as terrorism, racism, government hypocrisy and war.
It reached number one on charts around the world including the UK and propelled the Black Eyed Peas – currently comprised of Will.i.am, Apl.de.ap and Taboo – to superstar status.
In 2016, they re-released an updated version of the iconic track to reflect the social injustice being highlighted by the Black Lives Matter movement.
Reflecting on the ever-lasting importance of their song, the group told Metro.co.uk ahead of their Brighton Pride performance next month: ‘We wrote Where Is the Love when the world was in turmoil after 9/11, and refreshed it during a surge in the unjustified killing of Black men by police.
‘It’s been 20 years since Where Is The Love? was first released, and it remains a song that many people turn to in times of tragedy, turmoil and unrest.’
In a bittersweet way, the song is still relevant today proving the longevity of Black Eyed Peas, but also exposes just how much progression is still needed when it comes to those social and political issues.
They continued: ‘In the current state of affairs in many parts of the world, war, famine, refugee crises, oppression of women and LGBTQ+ communities, political divides and such, collectively around the globe [we] still have a long way to go in terms of “finding the love” where everyone can co-exist harmoniously, and we treat our fellow humans with respect and dignity.’
It’s a particularly momentous year for the Peas as they will also be headlining Brighton Pride next month, with the likes of Zara Larsson, Mae Muller and Jax Jones also on the line-up.
Having collaborated with a range of artists including Snoop Dogg and Shakira, it’s entirely possible the Peas might just bring some of those recognisable friends with them.
Notably, frontman Will.i.am, 48, has just released a new song with Britney Spears and fans will no doubt be wondering if this will mark her return to the stage.
Just weeks ago, speculation was rife that Britney, 41, would share the stage with Sir Elton John when he headlined Glastonbury, but it wasn’t to be as the popstar was busy sunning herself on holiday.
So this time round, can we expect any surprise guests to join Black Eyed Peas as they headline the festival?
‘Yes, we do love bringing on special guests, but if we told you then it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?’ the band teased.
They went on to reassure festival-goers: ‘It’s going to be an amazing show, to crank up the festival party atmosphere. Look for a mix of our top global hits, and some newer tracks from Translation and Evolution.’
Black Eyed Peas will be headlining Brighton Pride on Saturday, August 5 with Zara Larsson, Mae Muller and Jax Jones among the acts set to perform.
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