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Sam Fender soundtracks 2026 John Lewis Christmas advert with cover of The Rolling Stones’ ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’
Developing story first seen 3 hours ago
Sam Fender has covered the Rolling Stones’ 1969 song ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ for the 2026 John Lewis Christmas advert. The collaboration brings together the South Shields musician, his former school choir and a local brass band, while continuing the advert’s tradition of drawing attention to well-known songs and artists.
The advert stars Dame Kristin Scott Thomas as a grandmother searching for gifts for her grandchildren. Fender’s recording features pupils from John Spence Community High School in North Shields and the Easington Colliery Band; Mick Jagger said he was pleased with the cover. The single will be released on 7-inch and CD with Fender’s cover of Lindisfarne’s ‘Winter Song’, with net profits from his online store sales going to Teenage Cancer Trust and John Lewis record-sale profits going to Action for Children.
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In short
- Sam Fender covers a Rolling Stones classic for the John Lewis Christmas advert.
- His former school choir and a local brass band perform on the track.
- Record profits support Teenage Cancer Trust and Action for Children.
How this story developed
- 23 minutes ago Sam Fender has covered the Rolling Stones’ 1969 song ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ for the 2026 John Lewis Christmas advert.
Explained simply
John Lewis is a British department store whose Christmas adverts have become a familiar part of the festive season. They often feature a story-led film and a prominent song, sometimes bringing an older track to a new audience.
Sam Fender is a singer and songwriter from South Shields in north-east England. The Rolling Stones, the band behind the original 1969 song, are one of Britain’s best-known rock groups; Mick Jagger is their lead singer.
The advert also brings together young singers from Fender’s former school and a local brass band. Its soundtrack links a national retailer’s seasonal campaign with musicians and groups from the north-east, while record sales are set to support children’s charities.