Guitarist Pete Evick has released a cover of the global smash hit war protest song ‘99 Red Balloons’ originally released in 1983 by German artist Nena, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine.
Pete Evick is an award-winning producer, author, and entrepreneur, but possibly best known as being the musical director and guitar player for rock icon & reality star Bret Michael, of the band Poison, for the last 19 years.
As a child of the 80s, the threat of nuclear war and potential conflict with those behind what was the Iron Curtain has been ingrained in his heart and mind for his entire life. As a child, Evick had to receive therapy to deal with his near-crippling fear that the bombs were dropping at all times.
Now as an adult, the tragedy in the Ukraine has resurfaced all that fear and emotion he had as a child. As, he sadly noted: “I’m consumed with this tragedy to the point that I can’t function in my normal life.”
Channeling all this emotion, he re-recorded the 80s hit, whose lyrics and message are stunningly relevant due to the recent conflict. In the video, Evick is seen wearing a Stand With Ukraine shirt reminiscent of the 80s Frankie Says Relax shirts that were extremely popular during that time.
Evick stated “I have no intention to profit from the song or use it to further my career. I simply want to raise awareness of this tragedy and show the Ukrainians that we care. This is just what I did while I’m figuring out how I can do more and really help.”
You can check out Evick’s new video for ‘99 Red Balloons’ right here at RAMzine.
