FILE – Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine performs during Barclaycard Presents British Summer Time Hyde Park at Hyde Park on July 13, 2019 in London, England. (Samir Hussein/Getty Images)
Florence + The Machine dedicated their most recent music video to the people of Ukraine in the midst of the Russian invasion.
“Dedicated to the spirit, creativity and perseverance of our brave Ukrainian friends,” a message read at the end of the music video.
Additionally, the video was shot in Ukraine in November 2021 and utilized the talents of Ukrainian filmmakers and artists “whose radiant freedom can never be extinguished”, the video concludes.
Titled “Free,” the music video features renowned actor Bill Nighy, known for his roles in popular films such as “Love Actually” and Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” series.
Nighy personifies Welch’s anxiety and apparently – as the lyrics suggest – hugs her and then sets her down on a roller coaster of emotions.
Eventually, Welch is able to release some of his anxiety and continues to dance wildly throughout the second half of the video as his anxiety sits nearby but no longer controls his actions.
It ends with a sobering view of a graveyard as Nighy puts her arm around Welch and the pair stare at the graves.
Additionally, in March 2022, the band dedicated another music video to two dancers who had taken refuge in Ukraine at the time of the video’s release.
“Two of the dancers in this video are currently hosted. To my brave and beautiful sisters Maryne and Anastasiia. I love you. I wish I could put my arms around you. Strength,” Welch wrote on Instagram.
The video, titled “Heaven is Here”, was also shot in Ukraine in November 2021.
Florence + The Machine are an English indie rock band that formed in London in 2007 and released their debut single “Kiss with a Fist” in June 2008, according to the band’s iHeart biography.
“The critically acclaimed debut album Lungs followed in July 2009 and quickly became one of the most successful releases of the year in the UK, where Florence hit four top 40 singles in less than 12 months,” the biography continues.
The group is set to release its latest album, “Dance Fever”, in May this year and will begin an international tour at the end of April, according to the group website.
This story was reported in Los Angeles.
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