Ex-Pogues drummer releases charity single to raise money for St Joseph’s Hospice

Andrew Ranken (far right) with The Mysterious Wheels and Nikki Akinjinmi. Photograph: courtesy St Joseph’s

Former Pogues drummer Andrew Ranken has released a charity single in support of St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney.

‘Take me down to St Joe’s’ sees Ranken trade the sticks for the microphone, as he belts out lyrics specially crafted in honour of the local hospice.

His gravelly vocals are accompanied by his rhythm and blues band, The Mysterious Wheels, along with guest appearances from singer Nikki Akinjinmi and trumpeter Dan Gale-Hayes.

Ranken suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and was inspired to write the song, which is a reflection on life’s near misses, after attending a rehabilitation class at Homerton Hospital.

A nurse from St Joseph’s gave a talk that day about the work it does for the community.

Joe Korner, pianist for The Mysterious Wheels, came up with the melody, which “perfectly captures” the tranquil atmosphere of the hospice’s gardens, according to St Joseph’s joint chief executive Tony McLean.

Ranken and the band decided to offer the song to St Joseph’s to help raise money and awareness for its services.

The single is available to download today for 99p, with all proceeds going to the hospice.

McLean said: “It is an absolute honour to have a song written about St Joseph’s Hospice by such a talented group as The Mysterious Wheels and we truly hope that everyone downloads the song and helps us in our mission to raise money for the hospice.

“The song has perfectly captured the peace and serenity one feels while sitting in the hospice garden, far away from the hustle and bustle of life in Hackney, which is as it should be.”

Find out more at stjh.org.uk/the-mysterious-wheels.