EMI 'blocks' Adam Ant charity CD

Adam Ant has been re-admitted to hospital for mental health problems

A five-track CD by 80s singer Adam Ant has been pulled after EMI blocked its Monday release, according to the charity for which it was raising cash.

Jillian Miller, head of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, said EMI told her that the charity needed the record label's permission to release the CD.

"We're gutted and I know Adam, who is in hospital at the moment, would be heartbroken," she told the BBC.

EMI was unavailable for comment on the CD, which reworks one of Ant's hits.

The charity is reported to have paid £5,000 to have 2,000 CDs produced, but says it was forced to stall its release following an e-mail from EMI on Friday.

Jungle theme

Among the tracks on the CD was Adam and the Ants' No 1 hit Stand and Deliver, which topped the charts for 15 weeks in 1981.

"Adam Ant recorded Stand and Deliver, which he re-named Save the Gorilla, along with four jungle-theme tracks for a Christmas CD," said Jillian Miller.

"We had Adam's permission for the CD - he co-wrote the original track and rewrote the words. It was recorded in the middle of October and everyone gave their services for free."

The Dian Fossey Fund helps protect gorillas in Africa

"I haven't been able to talk to Adam about this as he's back in hospital, but I know he will be extremely disappointed," Ms Miller added.

The other four tracks featured on the CD were all covers, including Monkey Man by the Rolling Stones.

All funds raised by the sale of the CD were due to go towards protecting gorillas in central Africa.

"I think the reason why they won't release this is because there is another writer involved who has said no - Marco Pirroni," added Ms Miller.

"I don't what we'll do if they don't let us release this CD. We have to have EMI's permission to release it."