George Michael to record antiwar song

Out British pop star George Michael, who angered Americans last year with a single that lampooned President Bush, is to record an antiwar song that will be broadcast to more than 100 million homes across Europe. The singer is recording a cover of Don McLean's "The Grave" as a "hard-hitting and provocative personal statement about the issue of war," MTV Europe said in a statement. It was scheduled to air on MTV across Europe on Monday. McLean penned "The Grave" in 1971, and it was included on his acclaimed American Pie album. The lyrics will remain largely unchanged in the Michael version, MTV said. "George Michael has a history of expressing strong personal views, with inimitable creativity and conviction that resonates with MTV Europe audiences," the television station said, adding that it has no political standpoint. Last month Michael allowed Brit award-winner Ms. Dynamite to rework his hit "Faith" and include an antiwar rap during her performance of the song at the Brits, the annual awards ceremony for the British music industry. "The Grave" is the second protest song Michael has released since "Shoot the Dog," his infamous satire on Bush and the U.S. president's "war on terror."