English rock band Keane have deliver a special treat to coincide with the re-release of the British film Love Actually today.

The song “Love Actually,” which can be heard below, was originally written for the movie 20 years ago. Keane keyboardist Tim Rice-Oxley said this about the song’s origin:

“In 2002 we were an unsigned band; and our friend and manager Adam was working for the producer of Love Actually. While they were making the film, Adam suggested we should quickly write a song and he’d see if he could get it into Richard Curtis’ hands…and maybe we could sneak onto the soundtrack and get our big break! Needless to say it didn’t turn out that way, but Richard always very graciously said he loved the song and wished he’d put it in the film.
We all loved the song too, but having called it ‘Love Actually’, it was very hard to do anything with it! In fact, for 20 years whenever I’ve played a new demo to my mum, her response has usually been “Hmm…when are you going to record ‘Love Actually’?” Well, the film Love Actually is 20 years old now, which at last gives us a perfect reason to record our song properly.”

Love Actually writer and director Richard Curtis said this about the song:

“Everyone makes mistakes - even if they’re understandable ones. When I first listened to ‘Love Actually’ by this totally unknown combo called Keane, I thought it was beautiful. I tried really hard to put it in the film - but in the end it was a little melancholy and, dare I say, a bit DEEP for the film I’d made.
Of course, I realized what a dreadful mistake that had been when six months later Hopes and Fears was Number 1 in the charts. It is SO wonderful that the song is now being released for everyone to hear. I’ve listened to it a lot over the years and love it even more now than I did then. And this time, myself and my son Spike have made a little edit of the whole film to go with the song. I think I actually prefer that three minute version of 'Love Actually' to the long, chaotic film that’s been doing the rounds now for 20 years.”

On May 10, 2024, Keane will deliver a remastered version of their debut album Hopes and Fears. Keane will also tour North America next September to celebrate the album’s 20th anniversary. Tour dates can be seen below. Tickets are on sale to the general public right now here.