Look To The Stars News: Queen

Brian May Says No To Beagle Breeding Farm

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Queen guitarist and respected wildlife campaigner, Dr Brian May, and his SAVE-ME campaign have joined the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection campaign to stop a proposal to build a beagle breeding facility in Yorkshire to supply beagles for experiments.

“Beagles, indisputably, are highly intelligent sentient creatures, friends of Man for centuries,” said Brian. “It is completely morally unjustifiable for these animals to be made to suffer in the name of science, and I am shocked to learn of plans to set up a facility in Yorkshire to breed and supply beagles to the research industry. We at SAVE-ME support the BUAV campaign, and I urge The Right Hon, Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, to listen to the concerns of the British public, and to reject this appeal – thereby preventing this facility from being built.”

Paul Rodgers Releases Charity Single

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Rock legend and former Queen vocalist Paul Rodgers has released a new studio recording that is available exclusively on-line via CD Baby, and all other digital retailers.

The song “With Our Love” has been shared with fans and the public on his 62nd birthday, with one hundred percent of the proceeds earmarked for the charities the Racehorse Sanctuary & Rocking Horse Children’s Charity and Seraphim 12 Foundation. The composition was co-written and performed by Perry Margouleff, whose friendship with Rodgers dates back to over twenty years ago when they met in the U.K. while Margouleff was performing with The Pretty Things. They have collaborated many times over the years.

All of these charities are organizations Rodgers has offered significant support to in the past, in fact he is a Patron of one while Perry Margouleff is a Senior Board Member of the other.

Peter Andre To Host Celebrity Charity Gala To Benefit Dogs And Cats Home

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Peter André will host a very special celebrity charity event in Battersea, London, tonight.

The Collars and Coats Gala Ball will benefit the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and will be held in Battersea Evolution, in the presence of the Home’s President, HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO.

Situated in the picturesque surroundings of Battersea Park, a very special place for the dogs in their care, and a stone’s throw away from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Battersea Evolution is the perfect setting for the Home to celebrate its successes and to share its hopes and challenges for the future.

Songs For Japan Raises $10 Million For Earthquake Victims

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:30:00 +0000

Songs For Japan, the unique, star-studded album collection created to help raise money for victims of Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami disasters, continues to benefit the survivors through Japanese Red Cross Society.

Yesterday in Tokyo, senior executives from four major music companies – EMI, Sony Music, Universal Music and Warner Music Group – met with Japanese Red Cross Society Vice President, Yoshiharu Otsuka, to recognise the milestone of $10 million raised and donated from the global sales of Songs For Japan. The occasion was a reception hosted by Frances Moore, chief executive of worldwide recording industry organisation IFPI.

A music industry-wide initiative, Songs For Japan is an unprecedented compilation of 38 major hits and classic tracks, including 21 Billboard Hot 100 hits and five #1s from more than 30 of the biggest names in contemporary music. The collection was rush-released worldwide on March 25 – only 14 days after the earthquake struck Japan – as a digital album via iTunes, followed by the release of a physical two-CD set.

Pete Townshend To Headline Charity Rock Gala

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:45:00 +0000

Rock legend Pete Townshend will be joined by a plethora of acts at a very special celebrity charity concert in London next month.

The Prince’s Trust Rock Gala 2011 will feature the legendary The Who guitarist in a lineup that also includes YolanDa Brown, Kenney Jones, Mark King, Julian Lennon, Cerys Matthews, Imelda May, comedian and musician Tim Minchin, Charlie Siem and Midge Ure. More acts are yet to be announced.

Brian May Joins Mel C On Stage For Charity

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Earlier this week, former Spice Girl Melanie C took to the stage joining cast members from the award-winning West End musical We Will Rock You to perform a unique curtain call charity collaboration – and was joined by a very special guest.

Introduced by writer and director of the show, comic genius Ben Elton, the performance was part of BBC Children in Need Pop Goes The Musical, a series of West End performances by pop stars to help raise money for disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

But as a further electrifying surprise for the audience, rock legend, founding member of Queen and music supervisor of the show Brian May took to the stage. He joined Melanie C in a fantastic and highly energised rendition of ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘We Are The Champions’.

Stephen Fry Attends Celebrity Charity Event For Freddie Mercury's Birthday

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Stephen Fry, Fearne Cotton and Matt Lucas were some of the stars who turned out at a charity event in London on Monday to celebrate the 65th birthday of the late great Freddie Mercury.

Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor also attended the event – held at the Savoy Hotel – to raise money for the Mercury Phoenix Trust.

“Freddie would have been 65 this year, and even though physically he is not here, his presence seems more potent than ever,” wrote Queen guitarist Brian May in a special Google Blog. “Freddie made the last person at the back of the furthest stand in a stadium feel that he was connected. He gave people proof that a man could achieve his dreams—made them feel that through him they were overcoming their own shyness, and becoming the powerful figure of their ambitions. And he lived life to the full. He devoured life. He celebrated every minute. And, like a great comet, he left a luminous trail which will sparkle for many a generation to come.”

Be Freddie Mercury For A Day For Charity

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0000

The unique opportunity to invest in some of the most prized Freddie Mercury and Queen related memorabilia presents itself next month as part of the grand plans being made by former band mates Brian May and Roger Taylor and Freddie’s own family to celebrate the late singer’s 65th birthday on September 5th.

Queen's Brian May Named As Charity Patron

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Renowned musician and astrophysicist Brian May CBE, has been named as a Patron of the Dr Hadwen Trust (DHT), the UK’s leading non-animal medical research charity.

Brian is a keen advocate of both scientific progress and animal welfare and welcomed the opportunity to join the charity’s existing high profile patrons, Dame Judi Dench, Joanna Lumley OBE and David Shepherd CBE.

Celebrities Sign Letter To Stop Wild Monkey Trade

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:30:00 +0000

An open letter to UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, has been signed by a host of politicians, primatologists, scientists, academics, wildlife experts and celebrities. The letter calls on the UK Government to dissociate itself from the cruel trade in wild-caught primates for research.

Jenny Seagrove with BUAV letter at 10 Downing Street

Songs For Japan: Stars Donate Tracks To Charity Album

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 04:30:00 +0000

In what stands as a major global music relief effort to benefit those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, over 30 of the biggest names in contemporary music have joined together for the worldwide release of “Songs for Japan,” an unprecedented compilation of 38 chart-topping hits and classic tracks.

The digital album is available worldwide on the iTunes Store for $9.99. Proceeds from the album’s sale will benefit the disaster relief efforts of the Japanese Red Cross Society.

The “Songs for Japan” track listing features an all-star lineup:

Brian May Honors Born Free Charity Founder

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Queen guitarist Brian May was one of the stars to attend a special awards ceremony at the House of Lords in London on Friday to honor the “valuable and tireless work of small, independent rescue centers that help animals in the UK and overseas.”

Founded by Wetnose Animal Aid, the annual Wetnose Awards seek to “raise awareness of the fantastic job centres do in rescuing, caring for and rehoming abandoned animals, whilst highlighting the passionate, hardworking individuals ‘behind the scenes’ who selflessly devote their time to helping animals in need.”

Legendary guitarist Brian May presented British stage and screen actress Virginia McKenna a special lifetime achievement award for founding the Born Free Foundation in 1991. McKenna is best known for playing the role of Joy Adamson in the 1966 movie Born Free. The Born Free Foundation now works throughout the world to stop individual wild animals suffering, and also protects species in the wild.

Brian May Rocks For Special School

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Queen guitarist Brian May made a special trip to a London school alongside his wife, former Eastenders actress Anita Dobson, last week to deliver a new minibus.

The pair visited West Lea Special School in Enfield on behalf of Variety – The Children’s Charity to deliver the bus, which has been adapted for the school’s pupils.

“Our pupils have learning difficulties, complex needs and some have physical disabilities,” head teacher Sue Tripp told the Enfield Indepenent. "We rely heavily on our minibuses and this brand new 17-seater with wheelchair access is just what we need to replace one of our older models.

Sophia Bush: Remember The Animals During Floods

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Actress Sophia Bush is the latest star to urge fans to help victims of Australia’s devastating floods.

Flood waters have now reached the city of Brisbane, causing widespread damage and the loss of at least twelve lives.

Bush has used Twitter to appeal for donations towards those affected by the floods.

Brian May To Play Anthems For Charity

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Queen guitarist Brian May will take to the stage with singer Kelly Ellis for a special charity concert at the Royal Albert Hall on May 1, 2011.

The pair will perform their new album, Anthems, during the show to benefit Leukaemia and Lymphona Research. The show will also feature the City of London Philharmonic, The Anthems Ensemble and The West End Chorus.

Brian May Says No To The Monkey Trade

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Queen guitarist Brian May and TV wildlife expert Bill Oddie have joined the BUAV in its call on the UK Government to stop supporting the cruel trade in wild-caught monkeys.

Brian May and Bill Oddie joined a host of MPs, primatologists and other scientists who attended an event at the House of Commons for the BUAV’s Stop the Baby Trade campaign to end the cruel trade in monkeys for research. The event was hosted by Leader of the Green Party, Caroline Lucas MP, with guest speaker, field biologist and conservationist Ian Redmond OBE.

Legends Sign Guitar For Celebrity Charity Auction

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:30:00 +0000

A host of some of rock music’s legendary guitarists and singers have signed a special guitar for a celebrity charity auction later this month in London.

Queen’s Brian May and Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour have added their autographs to those of Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, Roger Daltrey, Paul Weller, Eric Clapton and Gary Moore on the PUP AID Epiphone Casino Guitar donated by Liam Gallagher, which will go under the hammer at Bonham’s auction house on December 15.

Charles And Camilla Rock The Royal Albert Hall For Charity

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall attended a massive charity rock concert in London last night to benefit the Prince’s Trust.

Phil Collins, Tom Jones, Jamie Cullum, Eric Clapton, Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor, Status Quo, Live Aid creator Midge Ure and many others hit the stage at the Royal Albert Hall on November 17 for the charity’s Rock Gala 2010. The evening was hosted by comedian Rob Brydon, Barry Humphries as his hilarious alter ego Dame Edna Everage. The show was filmed in 3D for a future release.

In the 1980s The Prince’s Trust was synonymous with the Rock Gala. The fundraising concerts were created when the UK economy was gripped by inflation, strikes and high unemployment following recession. Britain’s youth had little hope and no future. The Trust called upon supporters including Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Brian May and Tina Turner to form ‘super groups’, raising money to help the most disadvantaged young people.

Brian May Honored For Animal Welfare Work

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Queen guitarist Brian May has been honored in the House of Lords for his animal welfare work.

The legendary musician was given a special award by the International Fund For Animal Welfare (IFAW) at a ceremony this week.

May launched the Save Me Campaign earlier this year to prevent the return of legalized blood sports to the British countryside. He is well known for his animal welfare campaigns.

Rock Legends To Hit Royal Albert Hall For Charity

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The Prince’s Trust has announced details of a unique fundraising concert to take place in London later this year, featuring some of rock’s greatest living legends.

Eric Clapton, Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor, Status Quo, Live Aid creator Midge Ure and many others will hit the stage at the Royal Albert Hall on November 17 for the charity’s Rock Gala 2010. The evening will be hosted by the best in comedy, multi-award winning actor and comedian Rob Brydon, Barry Humphries as his hilarious alter ego Dame Edna Everage and the master of mimicry, Alistair McGowan.

In the 1980s The Prince’s Trust was synonymous with the Rock Gala. The fundraising concerts were created when the UK economy was gripped by inflation, strikes and high unemployment following recession. Britain’s youth had little hope and no future. The Trust called upon supporters including Phil Collins, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Brian May and Tina Turner to form ‘super groups’, raising money to help the most disadvantaged young people.

Celebrity Rockers Honored By Music Therapy Charity

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:30:00 +0000

British rockers Muse picked up the O2 Silver Clef Award in London last week.

Presented by Nordoff Robbins and hosted by Sharon Osbourne, the event also honored Tony Bennett, Vera Lynn, Slash, Russell Watson, Dizzee Rascal and boyband JLS.

“We are delighted to be presented this year’s Nordoff Robbins Silver Clef and join the ranks of such Artistes as Robert Plant, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Elton John and The Who,” said members of Muse. “Nordoff Robbins is an exceptional charity that has a positive impact on so many people’s lives, and we are very proud to be recognised by them in this way”

Brian May And Jimmy Page Portraits On Sale For Charity

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Two of Rock’s greatest guitarists are featured in artworks on sale to benefit a charity that helps vulnerable children in Brazil.

Portraits of Queen guitarist Brian May and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page are available to benefit the ABC Trust, a charity established by Page. Both rockers are patrons of the charity.

Brian May’s portrait is a stunning composite made up of a photo provided personally by the legendary musician. The original photo has been divided into 12 parts and painted in the individual styles of 12 different Oak Apple Art artists. The finished work is available for £250.

Queen Guitarist Launches Animal Welfare Campaign

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Queen guitarist Brian May has launched a new campaign to try to prevent the return of legalized blood sports to the British countryside.

The ‘SAVE-ME’ campaign – named after May’s song, a worldwide hit record for Queen – calls on the British public to consider how their vote will affect the welfare of animals, and in particular, fox-hunting, stag hunting and hare coursing. The campaign is non-aligned politically, but is a direct response to the announcement from David Cameron that if the Tories are elected they will, in the first month of their term, introduce a free vote in the House to repeal the Hunting Act, 2004, which made it illegal to hunt wild animals using dogs.

The Save-Me campaign is asking members of the public to support the cause of animals by signing up at www.save-me.org.uk and aims to recruit a million supporters by polling day. Supporters will be encouraged to ask their local candidates to make a clear commitment, for or against fox-hunting before polling day – and to declare which way they will vote if there is a Commons vote to repeal the Hunting Act.

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.”

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. 