Foy Vance Joins Forces with Ed Sheeran, Elton John, and Keith Urban for the Special Edition of 'Guiding Light'
- by Adam Bailey
- in Latest
Foy Vance has unveiled an extraordinary single announcement, boasting a collaboration with three music industry giants. "Guiding Light (Anniversary Edition)," featuring the legendary Ed Sheeran, iconic Elton John, and the ever-talented Keith Urban, is set for release on Gingerbread Man Records on November 16.
Originally crafted as a part of Vance's breakthrough album in 2013, "Joy Of Nothing," "Guiding Light," co-sung by Vance's close friend Ed Sheeran, has played a pivotal role in Vance's career. Not only have Vance and Sheeran collaborated on various writing projects, including tracks like "Blue" on Sheeran's "Autumn Variations" album and "A Beautiful Game" for Apple TV+'s 'Ted Lasso,' which earned a 2023 Primetime Emmy Award nomination, but they have also been touring partners for a decade. This song has been a beacon of hope for Vance's extensive global fanbase. To celebrate this milestone, Vance has revisited the song, enlisting the talents of three iconic musicians who have been an integral part of his musical journey and continue to be a source of inspiration.
Produced by Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid, the new Anniversary Edition of the song includes fresh vocals from Sheeran, in addition to the musical prowess of Elton John, a long-time supporter of Vance, and Keith Urban, who has both written with Vance and covered his 2016 track "Burden." The backing choir on this new rendition features notable artists such as Anderson East, Patrick Droney, Devin Dawson, Bonnie Bishop, Lisa Gray, Etta Britt, Bob Britt, and NEEDTOBREATHE's Bear Rinehart, Josh Lovelace, Seth Bolt, Tyler Burkum, and Randall Harris, recorded at Anderson East's studio in Nashville.
In Vance's own words, "When I wrote 'Guiding Light,' I was feeling lost in my life due to a loss of family, friendships, and reason. The music lit up the darkness. Melody reminded me to keep going no matter how long the road or how pointless it seemed. 'Guiding Light' is the person or thing that brings you back to a safe space, somewhere to lick your wounds and convalesce. To see this song resonate with so many people over the years has truly been a beautiful thing."
The "Guiding Light" (Anniversary Edition) precedes Vance's upcoming UK tour. His career milestone includes the inaugural Northern Ireland Music Prize, and his breakthrough album was recorded in Donegal on Ireland's west coast.
Vance's journey in the music industry has been closely intertwined with Ed Sheeran, who signed him to his Gingerbread Man Records label in 2015. Subsequently, Vance released two critically acclaimed studio albums, "The Wild Swan" (2016) and "Signs Of Life" (2021). As a sought-after songwriter, Vance has collaborated on various projects, including co-writing four tracks, including the hit "Galway Girl," on Ed Sheeran's 2017 album "Divide." He has also worked with a diverse array of artists, such as Alicia Keys, Rag'n'Bone Man, Keith Urban, Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, Plan B, and Rudimental, effortlessly navigating through different musical genres. Vance currently resides in the Scottish Highlands with his family.
UK & IRELAND DATES:
December 2 Killarney INEC Club
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December 5 Galway Róisín Dubh
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December 8 Bangor City Church SOLD OUT
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December 11 Leeds Brudenell Social Club SOLD OUT
December 12 Bristol The Fleece SOLD OUT
December 15 Manchester Band on The Wall SOLD OUT
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December 18 Glasgow St. Luke’s
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