Metal Health, <\/em>via Bootzilla Records\/Roc Nation. Released in celebration of Veterans Day, the track arrives in partnership with Guitars for Vets, an organization dedicated to using the healing power of music to support military veterans living with trauma.<\/p>\nA deep groove of gratitude and healing, \u201cTroops\u201d fuses Bootsy\u2019s cosmic funk with hard-rock firepower and emotional resonance. It stands as both a salute and a call to compassion, recognizing the courage of those who\u2019ve served while amplifying the need for continued support through creativity, community, and care.<\/p>\n
Featuring Billy Sheehan\u2014renowned for his groundbreaking bass work with Mr. Big, David Lee Roth, and The Winery Dogs\u2014and Jennifer Batten, known for her tenure as lead guitarist on three of Michael Jackson\u2019s world tours, her acclaimed collaborations with Jeff Beck, and her recent Cirque du Soleil residency (Zumanity), \u201cTroops\u201d brings together three virtuosic forces united by purpose.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur troops have given everything for our freedom, and this song is our way of giving a little love back,\u201d says Bootsy. \u201cI\u2019m so thankful to Jennifer and Billy for joining me on this journey. We put our hearts and souls into it\u2014and we hope it brings some joy and healing, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the heart of the release is Guitars for Vets, a nonprofit that \u201cputs the healing power of music into the hands of our nation\u2019s heroes.\u201d Through a ten-week guitar instruction program, the organization provides veterans with music lessons, meaningful connections, and renewed purpose. Upon graduation, each veteran receives a brand-new guitar to continue their healing journey. To date, Guitars for Vets has served more than 17,000 veterans nationwide, with 1,500 more currently waiting to enter the program.<\/p>\n
To further the cause, Bootsy and Guitars for Vets will host a special livestream event tonight (Tues, Nov 11th) at 7 pm EST. The interactive session will feature Bootsy in conversation with veterans and fans about the inspiration behind \u201cTroops\u201d and the healing mission of Guitars for Vets. There will also be opportunities to donate directly via QR code to support veterans awaiting entry into the program.<\/p>\n
In an added show of support, Bootsy and Batten are each donating a signed guitar to benefit Guitars for Vets\u2014symbolizing their shared belief in the transformative power of music to heal, connect, and inspire.<\/p>\n
With \u201cTroops,\u201d Bootsy continues his mission to use music as medicine\u2014a guiding principle of both his art and activism. Serving as the third single from his forthcoming album, following \u201cMetal Health\u201d and \u201cFree Bucket,\u201d \u201cTroops\u201d expands the project\u2019s theme of emotional healing and social awareness through sound. Together, these songs affirm Bootsy\u2019s lifelong message: that funk is more than music, it\u2019s therapy for the soul.<\/p>\n
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