Doctor in Distress (song)
A charity single that failed to chart or raise funds.
"Doctor in Distress" is a pop song related to the BBC television programme Doctor Who, released as an ensemble charity single in 1985. It is notable for being produced during a period when the series faced possible cancellation.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- Who Cares?
- B-side
- "Doctor in Distress" (Instrumental)
- Released
- March 1985
- Genre
- Pop, hi-NRG
- Label
- Record Shack
- Writer
- Fiachra Trench, Ian Levine
Facts from the source article.
Background
The single was written by Ian Levine and Fiachra Trench, who had previously worked together on the theme music for the Doctor Who spin-off pilot K-9 and Company from 1981. Announced in early March 1985, rumours that the recording would include the Village People, Elton John, and Holly Johnson proved unfounded. Organisers Paul Mark Tams and Jeff Weston secured 25 performers, some from Weston's label, who recorded under the name Who Cares?. Four regulars from the TV series participated: Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, Nicholas Courtney, and Anthony Ainley. Proceeds were intended for Cancer Relief, but sales were so poor that no money reached the charity.
Reception
Released on Friday 15 March 1985, the single was universally panned and did not chart in the UK. The BBC refused to broadcast it, citing poor quality. Levine later described it as "an absolute balls-up fiasco" that "almost ruined me." An accompanying video, directed by Keith Barnfather of Reeltime Pictures, was later included as a special feature on The Trial of a Time Lord DVD boxed set. In the documentary Trials & Tribulations on the same disc, Levine stated that the video had been conceived by Gary Downie "in a drunken moment."
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