Critically acclaimed British folk singer-songwriter Rumer has released her new single ‘Before The Planes’ as a tribute to firefighters ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
The artist, who shot to fame in 2010 with the million-selling Seasons Of My Soul, will release a new studio album due in 2027.
‘Before The Planes’ is out now and focuses on the events of 9/11 in New York City from the perspective of the first heroic firefighter responders, as well as the lasting impact in the weeks, months and years following the tragedy. It is a song of love and hope.
An emotional video accompanying the song features images of 434 brave firefighters who lost their lives.
Every word and image in ‘Before The Planes’ is drawn directly from eyewitness testimony. A combination of fragmented voices, radio calls, observations and courageous acts forms the collective memory of the event that is used to create the song. This includes an excerpt of ‘Danny Boy’, the traditional ballad that was commonly used to honour the memories of those who died in many firefighters’ funerals and memorial services.
The focus of this piece lies with heroes such as Battalion One Chief Joseph Pfieffer, the first NY Fire Department Battalion Chief on the scene, whose brother Kevin, also a firefighter, died in the North Tower. In the song, you can hear a snippet of Joseph calling out for his brother on the radio with no reply.
The song also references the incredible story of the firefighters of Ladder 6, led by Jay Jonas, who stopped to help an older injured lady – secretary Josephine Harris – as they were being told to evacuate the tower. By choosing to stay with her, they all miraculously ended up in the only air pocket, Stairwell B, when the tower went down around them, allowing them to all be eventually rescued.
There are countless stories of heroism – the efforts and sacrifices that were made during and after the event – as firefighters searched the debris for their family members, friends and neighbours.
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