The BBC could have simply sent out a press release to let everyone know that it was launching BBC Music today, but instead the news giant decided to do things with a little style and a lot of star power. For what is reportedly the first time that it has ever happened, the corporation used every one of its TV and radio stations to air a new music video and single for the Beach Boys classic “God Only Knows” at the same time today, and included in this prerecorded and spectacular rendition of the beloved song were artists like Elton John, Pharrell, Lorde, Chris Martin, Florence Welch, Kylie Minogue, Stevie Wonder, One Direction, Chrissie Hynde, Dave Grohl (obviously), Sam Smith and, of course, Brian Wilson, among others.
But it’s not simply about the launch of a network. In addition to supporting BBC Music, the single for this collaboration will be sold to raise money for BBC Children in Need.