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'Bridge Over Troubled Water' Grenfell Tower song becomes fastest-selling single of the decade and surges to number one on iTunes

'Bridge Over Troubled Water' Grenfell Tower song becomes fastest-selling single of the decade and surges to number one on iTunes

The Grenfell Tower charity single has become the fastest-selling single of the decade and has already rocketed to the top of the iTunes chart.

According to the Official Charts Company, the star-studded cover of Bridge Over Troubled Water racked up 120,000 downloads and streams on its first day of sale.

The number marks a 10-year record for sales on an opening day and makes it almost certain to debut at Number 1 on this week's Official Singles Chart.

The Simon & Garfunkel cover was recorded over the weekend at west London's Sarm studios, half a mile from the devastating Notting Hill tower block fire that killed at least 79 people.

Organised by music mogul Simon Cowell, the song features Robbie Williams, Liam Payne and Jessie J, beginning with a powerful verse by grime artist Stormzy.

Rita Ora, who helped out during the recovery operation, also appears on the track.

The Official Charts Company said it quickly overtook rival Despacito, by Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber, which had enjoyed a six-week run at the top.

It made its debut across radio stations on Wednesday morning and the full tear-jerking video, including footage from the fire aftermath, was broadcast later in the evening.

Money raised by song sales and extra donations will go to support those affected by the disaster and will be distributed by the London Community Foundation.

Other artists who lent their support to the track include Nile Rogers, James Blunt, Carl Barat, RAYE, Bastille, Anne Marie and Ella Eyre.

Mr Cowell shared news of the single on Twitter, writing: “Thank you to everyone for their help and support in making this happen.”

Gareth Malone also organised a choir of local people to sing on the track.

He said afterwards: “I said it has got to have local people involved, voices on the record. It is a fantastic song about helping other people.

“We need something really positive at the moment. There’s a lot of anger, a lot of fear, a lot of pain.”

The Standard revealed on Wednesday that 68 flats in the £2 billion Kensington Row scheme have been acquired to permanently house families from the nearby tower.