Look To The Stars News: Queen

Taylor Swift Surprises Children In Need

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Taylor Swift was a surprise guest at this year’s BBC Children in Need extravaganza in London on Friday night – an event that raised a massive £20,309,747 for charity.

Hosted by Terry Wogan, Tess Daly and Alesha Dixon, the seven hour show featured actors from some of Britain’s favorite shows – including Doctor Who, The Bill and the One Show.

“Another fantastic fundraising effort – we didn’t get quite to £21m but we got pretty close,” said Wogan, referring to last year’s total. “By the time we give you the full total in a couple of months’ time, I bet it’s got to be pretty close to what we made last year.”

The highlight of the show – which featured performances by acts such as Peter André, Spandau Ballet, Westlife, JLS, Stereophonics and Annie Lennox – was the unveiling of comedian Peter Kay’s charity single for the charity. Featuring a medley of songs from The Beatles, Take That, The Jackson 5 and many more, the video consists of over 100 characters from Britain’s television past.

Taylor Swift jetted in for her performance at the show – and donated over US$20,000 to the charity, which provides practical and lasting support to thousands of youngsters aged 18 and under, including those who have experienced homelessness, neglect, abuse or poverty, and those who’ve encountered serious illnesses, disabilities, psychological disorders or addictions.

Other highlights of the show included a preview of the Doctor Who Christmas Special; actors from British soap Hollyoaks performing a tribute to Queen; Terry Wogan in perion costume for Lark Rise to Candleford; and the Dragons’ Den team helping to renovate a community centre in London.

“This year we surpassed all expectations with the amount raised and I am in awe that in these tough times, the British public has shown such tremendous support and generosity,” said Wogan. “I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved and for the extraordinary lengths the country has gone to help raise money for disadvantaged children.”

Highlights from the show can be seen here.

Rock Stars Sign Guitar Amps For Charity

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page joined a host of rock gods in signing a pair of Monitor Audio loudspeakers to be auctioned for charity.

The pair of Gold GS20’s were also autographed by Iggy Pop, Slash, Anvil, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Ronnie Wood, Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) and Brian May and Paul Rodgers from Queen among many others.

The major players of the rock music industry all gathered together at the Park Lane Hotel in London to celebrate the winners of the Marshall Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards 2009. 

The Monitor Audio speakers will now be auctioned to the public via text messaging, with all proceeds being donated to ChildLine – the 24-hour helpline that aids over 500,000 children a year. Bidders simply need to register their lowest unique bid.

Monitor Audio’s Marketing Manager, Michael Johnson, is clearly delighted with the response the project has had from some of rock music’s great personalities, “Once again the event was fantastic and we are especially grateful that some of the evening’s big winners joined with us to help and raise a great deal of money for a very worthwhile charity.”

To take part in the auction, click here.

Animals Matter To Brian May

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Queen guitarist Brian May is supporting an animal welfare petition and asking his fans to do the same.

The rocker’s official blog recently featured a post calling attention to the World Society for the Protection of Animals’ (WSPA) Animals Matter To Me campaign.

“Animals Matter To Me represents the biggest ever global animal welfare initiative, linking the entire animal welfare movement with ONE STRATEGIC GOAL: global recognition that animals are sentient beings, capable of feeling pain and suffering,” reads the blog. “PLEASE sign this petition. The scale of suffering for animals in the world today is unprecedented: Around 60 billion farm animals are used each year globally to produce meat, milk and eggs. The majority are raised in industrial farming systems where their welfare needs are not met. Globally, there are some 600 million dogs, and a similar number of cats, of which an estimated 80% are stray or unwanted. The illegal and often inhumane trade in wildlife and wildlife parts is a soaring black market worth $10 billion a year, exceeded only by arms and drug smuggling. Millions of wild animals are killed, captured or traded inhumanely in this shady business. An estimated 80% of power input on farms in developing countries is supplied by draught animals, however the resources made available are often woefully inadequate, leading to significant welfare issues. Animals are also affected on a huge scale by natural disasters, though seldom considered.”

The petition has so far been signed by 1,987,176 people.

Take That Wins Award And Donates To Charity

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British boy band Take That has made a major donation to charity following winning a coveted award during the weekend.

Singer Gary Barlow announced they would be giving £50,000 to Nordoff-Robbins, the UK’s leading independent provider of music therapy service, after they took home their second Silver Clef award at the Intercontinental Hotel in London on Friday.

Hosted by Denise Van Outen, this year’s Silver Clef event raised more than £400,000 for the charity. As well as some memorable performances, the event featured an auction of one-off music memorabilia items, including a one-off Mini Cooper designed by former Silver Clef recipient Paul Weller, and a £10 note signed by Take That that was sold for £2,000. The annual event has raised over £7.5m for Nordoff-Robbins over the years.

Also honored at the awards were Queen, Brian Wilson and Madness.

New York To Host First Mandela Day Concert

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:01:00 -0000

New York takes world center-stage next month when the city hosts the inaugural ‘Mandela Day.’

Centered around a massive music headliner concert at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Nelson Mandela’s 91st birthday, July 18, the event is designed as a call around the world for people to honor Nelson Mandela’s inspiration and values, and observe the day annually as a celebration, not as a holiday, but as a day to opt in.

Joining Dave Stewart for this concert celebration will be Aretha Franklin, Wyclef Jean, Queen Latifah, Josh Groban, TLC, Cyndi Lauper and Jesse McCartney, sharing the stage and performances with Angélique Kidjo, Baaba Maal, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Chris Chameleon, Freshlyground, Emmanuel Jal, Loyiso, Sipho Mabuse, Vusi Mahlasela, Thandiswa Mazwai, Suzanna Owiyo and many more.

Further invited guests will include France’s First Lady, Carla Bruni making a rare concert appearance, as well as Italy’s Zucchero, a 46664 ambassador artist who has given support at each of the prior 46664 concerts. Adding to the star value of the day, Hollywood legends and 46664 supporters Forest Whitaker, Sharon Stone, Susan Sarandon and many others have all committed to attend.

President Bill Clinton, who will host a fundraiser dinner with Mr. Mandela’s wife Graca Machel at New York’s Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall earlier in the week on July 15 said, “More than any other human being, Madiba has been the great inspiration for the life I lead and the work I do, especially in the area of HIV/AIDS. The philosophy of my [”Clinton Global Initiative":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/750-clinton-global-initiative] – which has inspired 1,400 commitments improving 200 million lives in more than 150 countries – was built on his enduring example that the power of public good does not require public office, just a well-placed heart and a determined mind. In return for everything Madiba has taught us, we each owe it to him to support his work and legacy by doing and living our own as best we can, not just on this day, but throughout our entire lives."

“The City of New York is honored to host the inaugural Mandela Day,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “Nelson Mandela has spent a lifetime fighting injustice and it is fitting to set aside a day each year to celebrate and recognize his legacy. I am especially pleased that service is playing such a large part in Mandela Day and encourage all New Yorkers recognize this day as a chance to give back to their communities.”

As Robert DeNiro said, “When Nelson Mandela speaks we all must listen.”

Tim Massey, International Director of 46664, said, “Mandela Day is about creating a movement for positive change and establishing one day to reflect upon, celebrate and make manifest the values that guide Nelson Mandela.”

Adding his voice of support, 46664 founding ambassador, Queen’s Brian May said, “It is Nelson Mandela’s ability to forgive that is an inspiration to us all. If Mandela Day can help the world to reconcile its differences then it will have succeeded in its purpose.”

Raising support from friends in the musical community, including Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor and Bono, Dave Stewart helped launch the 46664 global campaign which has since been carried across three continents. A series of historical concerts have taken place in South Africa, Spain, Norway, and most recently in the UK, with last year’s massive outdoor concert in Hyde Park which celebrated Mr. Mandela’s 90th birthday, playing to televised audiences that can be counted in the billions.

To date, the 46664 campaign has raised millions of dollars which have been applied to supporting projects in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa where current needs are deemed greatest, particularly in assisting those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.

New York’s concert for Mr. Mandela will not only further spread the message of 46664 but aims to have a longer lasting purpose – to mark a day in each year as one of which we collectively reflect on Nelson Mandela’s inspiration and guidance and individually strive to make our own contribution.

Many of 46664’s ambassadors will form part of the concert bringing together leading U.S. artists with many of Africa’s foremost performers for Mandela Day, a celebration for Mr. Mandela’s 91st birthday which will be seen as a meeting in music between the U.S. and Africa in a concert for the world. Further artists will be joining the growing line-up and can be expected to be announced in the lead up to the concert.

The concert is the culmination of a week-long series of events in New York City in celebration of the first-ever Mandela Day. The activities include a Ralph Applebaum designed exhibition of Mr. Mandela’s life and the work of his many 46664 ambassadors, as well as the gala fundraising dinner, both at Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall.

Mr. Mandela has been making an imprint on the world for 67 years since he actively became involved in campaigning for the human rights of every South African and now ‘Mandela Day’ calls upon each of us to give 67 minutes of our time to helping others, with the idea that each individual has the ability to make an imprint and make the world a better place.

Drawing its numeric title from Mr. Mandela’s Robben Island prison number (prisoner 466/incarcerated in 1964), 46664 was founded in 2002 when Mr. Mandela gave over the number, under which he served 17 of his 27 years incarceration, to Eurythmics’ founder Dave Stewart, to use call attention to finding solutions to critical social issues such as HIV/AIDS and the social injustices that impact the disease such as poverty, gender inequality and the lack of education.

46664 will also be working with partner organizations, other city authorities and community associations and volunteers across the globe to create a worldwide series of Mandela Day events to honor Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy.

‘46664 – Mandela Day Celebration’ Madison Square Garden concert tickets prices range from $50-$350, with VIP packages at $1,000 and up. All tickets are available beginning Friday, June 5, 9am EST at http://www.ticketmaster.com, livenation.com, thegarden.com and charge by phone: 800-745-3000 For VIP packages visit ticketmaster.com.

Celebrity-Led Fundraising Campaign Supports Charities In Their Hour Of Need

Fri, 22 May 2009 15:00:00 -0000

How would you like to meet some of your favourite celebs, in the flesh? Are you a fan of Daniel O’Donnell or Tim Henman, maybe Raymond Blanc or Rock Legend Suzi Quatro?

Or, maybe celebrities are not your thing, so how about the ultimate behind the scenes day with the Red Arrows or backstage on GMTV? Perhaps even own one of Paul O’Grady’s iconic Lily Savage dresses or a stunning print signed by Ali and Joe Frazier!

All these and a lot more form part of a very timely and innovative celebrity led fundraising campaign which launches on Thursday evening May 21st to provide hard hit charities with much needed revenue at a time when their donation levels are plummeting.

The BIG Bid campaign was created and built by the specialist charity support organisation, Ingenious Fundraising, in partnership with eBay for Charity and supported by the Charities Aid Foundation. It has been two years in the planning and can be found at www.ebay.co.uk/thebigbid. The campaign really is going live at a crucial time for the nation’s voluntary sector.

Campaign director, Paul Sayer, says ‘People seem to be fed up with doom and gloom stories at the moment so we hope they will indulge in a little retail therapy to lift their spirits. By treating themselves to something special they will also get a feel-good factor from knowing they are helping some very deserving causes into the bargain’.

‘We have found some exceptional items such as the ultimate VIP day for the Wimbledon Men’s Final with Tim Henman signing a special memento or how about a flight over London in a vintage airliner with a celebrity guest on board. These are experiences that just don’t come along every day, so should attract some real interest’.

About 25 charities will benefit from the campaign which runs for 10 days until Sunday May 31st including one of the nation’s most popular causes, Help for Heroes, along with Action for Children, CLIC Sargent, the Teenage Cancer Trust and many more.

Going under the hammer are items such as:

The Ultimate VIP Day with The Red Arrows. Really get behind the scenes at their Scampton home base.
Paul O’Grady’s Lilly Savage teddy bear dress
Meet Countdown’s own Rachel Riley
Meet Daniel O’Donnell in person in concert
The Ultimate VIP Day at Haydock Racecourse for The Sprint Cup as guests of Betfred – rub shoulders with a host of celebrities.
Meet Raymond Blanc and a host of celebrity chefs at amazing Gala Gourmet Dinner in Guildhall, London.
Ali v Frazier stunning signed print
Meet Rock Legend Suzi Quatro in concert
Men’s Finals Day VIP package with personally signed memorabilia by Tim Henman at Wimbledon 2009.
Pelé hand signed retro Brazil shirt with photo COA
Fully signed England Football Squad shirt donated by the FA
The X-Factor judges amazing art work Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh crafted in toast – yes toast!
Retro 1966 England Shirt signed by 20 of the World Cup winning squad and photo evidence
Meet the GMTV team – go backstage during a morning broadcast
Glastonbury signed shirts inc Kings Of Leon, The Fratellis and The Verve
Jeff banks own Olympic Bid Team Watch
Jools Holland signed memorabilia
Fly over London in an historic aircraft
Signed Brian Lara mini cricket bat
Stunning signed memorabilia from Lulu, Kylie Minogue, Pierce Brosnan, Michael Schumacher and many other stars of stage, screen, music and sport
Signed sheet music from Queen and Robbie Williams.

Paul Weller To Headline Cancer Research Gig

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Musician Paul Weller will play a special charity gig in London later this month.

The former frontman of The Jam and Style Council will join Lemar and singer songwriter Paulo Nutini at Cancer Research UK’s ‘Sound and Vision’ event at London’s Abbey Road studios on February 26.

“I’m proud to be associated with this event and to be supporting Cancer Research UK’s amazing work,” said Weller.

As previously reported by Look To The Stars, the event will feature champagne and canapés, access to the recording studios where The Beatles recorded, a stunning exhibition and auction of images featuring iconic musicians by famous photographers, the opportunity to purchase a piece of music history in a live auction – featuring an Epiphone guitar signed by Paul Weller, ex-Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, Queen’s Brian May and former The Darkness guitarist Justin Hawkins – live performances, and the chance to rub shoulders with celebrity guests.

More information about the event, including how to purchase tickets, can be found here.

Rare Queen Memorabilia Up For Grabs For Charity

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Queen fans are in for a big treat this weekend as a special piece of merchandise goes under the hammer for charity.

As part of the Smile4Rich charity auction, a framed copy of Queen’s 1976 album A Day At The Races – signed by the entire band, including Freddie Mercury and Brian May – will be sold at a gala later tonight, October 24.

The auction will also feature a DVD of Pirates of the Caribbean 3 signed by Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom, and a framed Formula One picture and cap signed by Lewis Hamilton.

“We had some signed Elvis memorabilia up for grabs at last year’s ball and we never imagined we would match that, but this is phenomenal,” said Neil Westbrook, who is coordinating the auction. “I’m totally blown away by the quality of the items and we really want to raise as much as possible so we’re inviting sealed bids from any fans out there.”

Smile4Rich is the fundraising arm of the Wessex Neurological Centre, the provider of specialist neurological services to over 3 million people across central southern England. More information on the gala – which will be held at the NV Restaurant & Cabaret Lounge in Southampton – can be found at their website.

Queen Rocks Ukraine For AIDS Awareness

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Classic British rock band Queen has performed to tens of thousands of Ukrainians in a charity concert to raise money and AIDS awareness in the ex-Soviet republic.

The band – whose singer, Freddie Mercury, died of an AIDS-related illness in 1992 – are known for their support of HIV/AIDS causes, and timed the concert to coincide with the release of their latest album, “Cosmos Rocks”.

“We’ve been asked to come here and we are very happy to do what we can to raise the awareness of AIDS and also to kick off a new tour,” singer Paul Rodgers told The Associated Press before the concert last week. “Awareness is the first step towards defeating the problem.”

Proceeds from the concert will go to an orphanage in Kiev that specializes in HIV positive children, and the event was organized by activist Yelena Franchuk, the wife of Viktor Pinchuk – organizer of AIDS charity concerts in the country by Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Deep Purple.

According to the Associated Press, Government officials say nearly 77,000 people have been registered in the Ukraine as HIV-positive since the first reported case in 1987, but some experts believe the epidemic there is far greater, with as many as a half-million people — 1 percent of Ukraine’s population — infected.

Celebs Sign Mercedes for 46664 Auction

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Jennifer Beckmann

There was a lot of action backstage at the 46664 Concert Honouring Nelson Mandela at 90 last Friday night. In addition to performing and giving interviews, celebrities were asked to sign a new Mercedes-Benz C350. Mercedes-Benz, a lead sponsor of the Mandela concert, then presented the vehicle to 46664, which will put it on the auction block.

Celebrities whose autographs now decorate the car include Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, Queen and Paul Rodgers, Annie Lennox, Simple Minds, Peter Gabriel, the Sugababes, Razorlight, Jamelia, Zuccero, Geri Halliwell, Eddy Grant, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Quincy Jones, and Lewis Hamilton.

Earlier in the day, tennis legend and Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador Boris Becker – who is also a representative of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation – took the vehicle to visit socially disadvantaged children in London. The children decorated the sedan with multi-colored handprints; they were also invited to attend the concert later that evening.

“It is a great honor for us to be able to support a public figure like [”Nelson Mandela":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/543-nelson-mandela] who has influenced entire generations and has inspired people," said Dr. Olaf Göttgens, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars. “In recognition of Mandela as a symbolic figure for the next generation, and in appreciation of his efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, children have decorated a new Mercedes-Benz C 350 with their handprints.”

Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday Party Rocks London

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Jennifer Beckmann

Hyde Park was transformed into a giant birthday bash Friday night as 46,664 people joined “birthday boy” Nelson Mandela and a stellar lineup of entertainers to raise funds and awareness for his 46664 charity.

It had been raining on and off all day in London, but the skies cleared just in time for the once-in-a-lifetime lineup of musicians and entertainers to take the stage in honor of Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday. The event was hosted by an enthusiastic Will Smith, and performers included Jivan Gasparyan, Razorlight, the cast of Into the ’Hoods, Sipho Mibuze, Leona Lewis, Zucchero, Suzanna Owiyo and D’Gary, Sugababes, Annie Lennox (who performed with the Agape Children’s Choir), Emmanual Jal, Vusi Mahlasela, Jamelia, Loyiso, Johnny Clegg, Joan Baez, Eddy Grant, Kurt Darren, Simple Minds, Brian May and Andrea Corr, Amy Winehouse, 9ice and Bebe Cool, Josh Groban, Amaral, and Queen and Paul Rodgers. The renowned Soweto Gospel Choir accompanied many of the acts. Additional entertainers who introduced the musical acts included Quincy Jones, Lewis Hamilton, Geri Halliwell, Peter Gabriel, Stephen Fry, and Jerry Dammers.

After Jivan Gasparyan opened the show with an instrumental piece to accompany a moving series of photographs of Mandela, Will Smith took to the stage with his wife Jada and announced, “The party starts now.” An energizing performance by Razorlight set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Quincy Jones introduced crowd favorite Leona Lewis, who sang her two top hits “Better in Time” and “Bleeding Love.” Lewis wished Mandela a happy birthday and told a touching story of how she and her family used to sing songs about him when she was young.

Other birthday wishes came via a film of various celebrities who were unable to attend, including David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Sharon Osbourne, Sheryl Crow, Morgan Freeman, and Susan Sarandon.

Smith returned to the stage throughout the show, revving the crowd with a surprise performance of his song “Switch,” which included rap verses from his hit television show “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” Annie Lennox, a passionate HIV/AIDS activist and staunch supporter of Mandela’s charities, made a moving speech about a young girl she had met in Africa who was gravely ill with AIDS but was able to make a miraculous recovery thanks to proper treatment and care. Before and after images of the girl were shown on the large screens behind Lennox, who then performed a song with the Agape Children’s Choir. The crowd sang along as the lyrics “We are together… We are family” flashed across the screens.

Peter Gabriel introduced Emmanual Jal, a former child soldier in Sudan who sang a song dedicated to the British aid worker who rescued him and 150 other children. Gerri Halliwell introduced trailblazing South African music legend Johnny Clegg, who performed a duet with Joan Baez.

Immediately following this performance was the highlight of the night. Will and Jada Smith introduced the “birthday boy” himself, and Nelson Mandela was escorted onto the stage to thunderous cheers and applause. The concert performers gathered on stage and, together with the nearly 50,000 people in attendance, sang “Happy Birthday.”

Mandela waved to the crowd and made a brief, moving speech. “We say tonight after nearly 90 years of life, it’s time for new hands to lift the burdens,” he said. “It’s in your hands now, I thank you.”

Eddy Grant and Kurt Darren followed up Mandela’s appearance with “Give Me Hope Johanna,” a song Grant wrote during South Africa’s apartheid regime. Simple Minds performed, having also performed at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at London’s Wembley Stadium in 1988; and celebrated English humorist Stephen Fry introduced Brian May and Andrea Corr. The most highly anticipated performance of the evening came next, as a recently hospitalized Amy Winehouse teetered onto the stage in platform heels to perform her hit songs “Rehab” and “Valerie.”

After a politically-fueled performance by Nigerian artist 9ice and Ugandan musician Bebe Cool – who appeared on stage in bright orange prison jumpsuits emblazoned with “46664” – Josh Groban sang with Vusi Mahlasela and the Soweto Gospel Choir. Spanish artists Amaral performed an acoustic number, and then Mandela and the audience were treated to a video of U2’s Bono and The Edge singing Stevie Wonder’s peppy rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

The penultimate act was Queen and Paul Rodgers, who performed a fan-friendly medley of Queen’s greatest hits, including “The Show Must Go On,” “We Will Rock You” and “We are the Champions.” The crowd sang and clapped along thunderously.

The concert’s finale featured anti-apartheid campaigner and musician Jerry Dammers, who organized the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute. Dammers and Winehouse led the entire line-up of performers and the crowd in singing Dammers’ anthem “Free Nelson Mandela.” Formerly sung in protest against Mandela’s imprisonment, the song took on a celebratory tone and was a fitting end to an historic event.

All proceeds from the concert will go to 46664, the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s campaign for global HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.

To send birthday wishes to Nelson Mandela – who turns 90 on 18 July – visit www.happybirthdaymandela.com. Proceeds from this birthday card campaign go to Nelson Mandela’s charities.

More Artists Confirm For Mandela's Birthday Bash

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:38:00 -0000

Multi-million selling classical pop singer Josh Groban, legendary folk rock singer Joan Baez, and a special appearance by Jerry Dammers – one of the organisers of Artists Against Apartheid and Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday concert, and whose song ‘Free Nelson Mandela’ became a banner for the 80’s anti-apartheid movement in the UK – are further highlights added to the forthcoming Nelson Mandela 90th birthday concert taking place in London’s Hyde Park on the evening of Friday, June 27.

These additional artist appearances were announced today by the concert organisers who said, “these three artists hold a special place with [”Nelson Mandela":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/543-nelson-mandela]."

The announcement comes only a week after singer Amy Winehouse confirmed she was adding her voice to those who will show their support for Mr Mandela and his 46664 organisation by taking part.

The three newly confirmed artists will join a performance line-up that already includes Queen, Annie Lennox, Simple Minds, Leona Lewis, Sugababes, Shirley Bassey, and Razorlight, along with more than a dozen of Africa’s most highly regarded artists including Johnny Clegg, Soweto Gospel Choir and Papa Wemba.

The 90th birthday evening concert now boasts an extraordinary roster of some of the most important artists of the twenty years which have passed since London first came together to call for Mr Mandela’s release with the 70th birthday concert on June 11, 1988.

A virtual who’s who of music history, the artists performing for the celebration of Mr Mandela’s 90th birthday account for multi millions of record sales across recent years, and in their diversity reach out across popular music fans across all ages and music preferences.

“The 46664 message is one that needs to be heard in every corner of the world,” said a spokesman for 46664. “These artists between them reach into every one of our communities – upholding Mr. Mandela’s message that HIV AIDS is not a local issue, but a universal one.”

Jerry Dammers and Josh Groban both have existing links with Mr Mandela and the causes he has addressed in his years as one of the world’s most revered statesmen. Jerry Dammers was instrumental in staging 1988’s Nelson Mandela 70th birthday concert. Josh Groban, who emerged the biggest selling recording artist in the US last year, is already an Ambassador for Nelson Mandela’s 46664 organisation, appointed by Mr Mandela when the two met in South Africa in 2004. Inspired by that meeting, Groban established the Josh Groban Foundation to help children in South Africa through education, healthcare and Arts. His 2007 ‘Noel’ Christmas album featured the African Children’s Choir.

Joan Baez provided one of the most influential voices of the 1960’s folk rock era and has continued to do so in the years that have followed. Along with Bob Dylan, her songs have defined generations of peaceful protest against various political issues.

Made possible through the support of Live Nation, the Royal Parks, and the generosity of the private sector including Mercedes-Benz, Zain and Investec, British Airways, Samsung, Intercontinental Hotels, and The Westbury, the June 27 concert proceeds will benefit Nelson Mandela’s HIV AIDS charity 46664 that he founded in 2002.

The three and a half hour 46664 Concert Honouring Nelson Mandela at 90 begins at 6:30pm on Friday, June 27.

Remaining tickets for the concert are available from www.46664.com or through Ticketmaster online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk.

Stars Sign Up For Mandela's Birthday Bash

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:21:30 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

The list of artists signing up for the June 27th 46664 concert in honor of Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday just keeps growing. 45,000 tickets are available for the one-day event, which will feature acts such as Eminem, Queen, Annie Lennox, Razorlight, Keane, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.

Mandela says of the event, “London wants to celebrate my birthday and I said I would go if they would raise funds for our charities. So, we have a bargain – I am going to London and they there will host a concert in Hyde Park, which will raise awareness of our continuing work and much needed funds.”

The list of expected performers, as of yesterday, includes

Leona Lewis
Sugababes
Duffy
Jamelia
Amy Winehouse
Shirley Bassey
Emmanuel Jal
Andrea and Sharon Corr
Eddy Grant
Simple Minds
Amaral
Soweto Gospel Choir
Loylso
Kurt Darren
Johnny Clegg
The Children Of Agape
Papa Wemba
Sipho Mabuse

There will also be numerous unannounced appearances, as several major artists are keeping silent about their involvement in order to take both Mr Mandela and the audience by surprise.

The 46664 campaign got its name from Mandela’s prison number during 18 of his 27 years of incarceration on the notorious Robben Island. The campaign raises awareness about the impact of AIDS, especially in Africa, and promotes effective HIV prevention measures throughout the world.

Those wishing to purchase tickets, which are priced at £65 each, must first register at the concert’s homepage.

Stars Support World AIDS Day

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:32:14 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It was a powerful moment when former South African President Nelson Mandela made his way to the stage with the aid of a walking stick to address tens of thousands of people in Johannesburg on December 1, World Aids Day.

“Break the cycle,” said the 89-year-old leader. “The answer is in our hands.”

Mandela was speaking at the 10-hour charity concert held at Ellis Park Stadium in the South African city to raise awareness of the country’s HIV/AIDS problem. Over 30 local and international artists joined the line-up, with proceeds going to Mandela’s 46664 AIDS program.

“It is alarming that, for every person who receives treatment, there are four others who are newly infected,” said Mandela, who appeared pleased with the concert’s attendance. “Here in South Africa we are making every effort to reach into communities because we believe the answer is in our hands. If we have to stop the AIDS epidemic from expanding, we have to break the cycle of new HIV infections. Big ambitious plans are needed to deal with the epidemic. But what really matters are small acts of kindness… such as protecting yourself.”

British based band Razorlight kicked off the international line-up, and was followed by Peter Gabriel, who included a song about anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko in his set. The singer said that the same power and intensity used to fight apartheid should be shown in the fight against HIV-Aids.

Other acts to perform included Live, Johnny Clegg, Ludacris, the Goo Goo Dolls, and Jamelia. British soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae performed one of her most stunning live sets ever, and performances were interspersed with video clips that highlighted AIDS projects.

“AIDS is a human rights issue,” said singer Annie Lennox, who also performed at the concert. “It should be treated as such to avoid this genocide that is affecting millions and millions of people around the world.”

British supermodel Naomi Campbell also made a surprise appearance, and urged the crowd to do all that they can to stop the disease.

“I know it is a fearful thing,” said the 37-year-old. “Basically we cannot stress too much how important it is to protect yourself from this virus.”

Also marking World AIDS Day on December 1 was British rock group Queen. The band released their first new recording in over a decade on Saturday, available for free download on their website – www.queenonline.com.

The song, “Say It Isn’t True”, features the band’s new lead singer, Paul Rodgers, who joins the original line-up of Brian May and Rodger Taylor. Freddie Mercury, the original lead singer, died of an AIDS related illness in 1991.

“By making the song available for free, we hope to help Nelson Mandela with his campaign to get across the message that no one is safe from infection,” said Taylor. “It’s a difficult subject, and [the song] is written in the first person… it’s about receiving the letter and finding out you’re HIV positive, and the sort of terrible shock and emotion and effect it has on your life.”

Queen may also perform at the next Nelson Mandela charity concert, to be held in London on June 27, 2008.

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