Look To The Stars News: Annie Lennox

Annie Lennox To Celebrate Women's Day With Concert

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

To celebrate International Women’s Day, EQUALS and Southbank Centre’s WOW – Women of the World festival present a unique concert showcasing the power of British female recording artists.

Hosted and curated by Annie Lennox, who will be joined by Katy B, Jess Mills and Emeli Sandé on stage, EQUALS Live on 9th March will be a unique night of music that steps up the call for equality between men and women.

  "I’m proud to be presenting an evening of British female artists in celebration of International Women’s Day.," said Lennox. “EQUALS Live will shine a spotlight on an incredible new generation of women in music who are raising their voices in solidarity with women across the globe. International Women’s Day is the perfect time to reignite debate about what a more equal world would look like with a new generation and to finish the work of the women and men who paved the way before us.”

Annie Lennox Blogs Feminism

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Annie Lennox recently blogged for Eco-Age.com about a certain “F word”.

“The term “feminism” has been twisted, smeared, and degraded over the years," she wrote. "While my generation of Western women have received the benefits of feminism, many of us recoil from the word, as if it was something to be ashamed of. The irony leaves me incredulous, especially when there is still so much more to be done in terms of women’s rights on a global scale. In my view, the F word urgently needs to be reviewed, revamped, reconsidered and revalued.

“When I encounter women born into and living in chronic and endemic poverty, in (so called) developing countries, who have no access to education because people cannot afford to send their girls to school, and education for girls is not looked upon as a priority, I envisage myself in their situation, and wonder how I could cope with the unimaginable challenges they face on a daily basis.

Annie Lennox To Represent Prince Harry's Charity At Snow Polo Event

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Annie Lennox will be representing Prince Harry’s Sentebale charity on January 21 at the Klosters Snow Polo tournament charity event in Switzerland.

Sentebale is the chosen charity partner for the tournament in 2012. The event will feature a special charity polo match and dinner evening with profits generated through ticket sales to be donated to Sentebale, which was set up to provide support to the orphans and vulnerable children who are badly affected by the HIV/AIDs epidemic Lesotho in Africa.

“It is an honour and privilege to be invited to represent Sentebale on this special occasion, and to have been given the opportunity to hopefully inspire people to take up an interest and become engaged in a life saving issue that I am committed to and passionate about,” said Annie Lennox. “Many people in the privileged Western world are unaware of how the HIV AIDS pandemic is continuing to destroy the lives of millions of young people in countries like Lesotho, where the HIV prevalence rate is inordinately high. In supporting the Princes’ project you will be investing in making a practical and transformational difference to the lives of thousands of children. What could be more rewarding or worthwhile? Enjoy the game…and dig deep!”

Annie Lennox Backs Christmas Charity Appeal

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:45:00 +0000

Annie Lennox has announced her support for the charity Nordoff Robbins, launching the 2011 Christmas appeal to help raise £100,000 and transform the lives of vulnerable people.

The Christmas Appeal for Nordoff Robbins is set to raise £100,000 this festive season aiming to help some of the UK’s most vulnerable and isolated children and adults. With a UK wide campaign featuring an online wall of fame of celebrity supporters including Muse, Alfie Boe and Status Quo, the national specialist charity is asking supporters to donate every pound they can in these tough times, to fund 50,000 music therapy sessions needed to deliver in 2012 to vulnerable people.

“By donating to the fantastic music charity Nordoff Robbins this Christmas you’ll be giving the gift of music and help change the lives of vulnerable children & adults across the UK,” said Annie.

Stars To Come Out For Nordoff Robbins Christmas Carols

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

Now in its 15th year, the annual Nordoff Robbins Christmas Carol Service is one of the most popular events on the fundraising calendar, bringing together family, friends and supporters in a celebration of music at a special time of year.

This year’s event, which is generously sponsored by Coutts, will take place in the beautiful St Luke’s Church in London on Wednesday 14th December and will be dedicated to Willie Robertson, founding supporter of Nordoff Robbins.

Annie Lennox Launches SING Campaign Charity Auction

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Annie Lennox has launched this year’s SING Campaign eBay auction.

Some of the items going under the hammer are:

A phone call with Annie Lennox, who will perform two songs to you live down the phone, the event will be filmed and sent to you.

Annie Lennox Backs Charity Campaign On World AIDS Day

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:35:00 +0000

Eight in ten young people know that HIV cannot be transmitted by sharing a drink with someone who is HIV positive, yet three quarters say they still wouldn’t do it. Common myths and negative attitudes towards young people with HIV can leave many feeling alienated, alone and stigmatized.

A new campaign, Life In My Shoes, is launched this World AIDS Day by UK charity Body & Soul, which aims to tackle these issues head on and challenge the ongoing issues faced by young people living and affected by HIV in the capital.

Backed by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson, the hard hitting campaign is being officially launched at City Hall by Body & Soul patron and London HIV Ambassador Annie Lennox, and the Mayor’s Advisor for Health and Families Pamela Chesters.

Annie Lennox To Address International Parliamentary Conference

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:30:00 +0000

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK Branch (CPA UK) is pleased to announce that UN AIDS Ambassador Annie Lennox OBE will give the closing plenary address at the International Parliamentary Conference on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), ‘Reaching for 2015: Governance, Accountability and the Role of the Parliamentarian’ on Thursday 1 December 2011.

Addressing the topic ‘Parliamentarians as advocates for global development’, Lennox will use the opportunity to call for greater action from parliaments in tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be addressing politicians at this conference,” she said. “As a special envoy for CPA Scotland Branch with regard to the issue of HIV AIDS, I have been striving to contribute to the long standing Scottish tradition of standing up for human rights and justice, with special regard to women and children in the developing world. This conference offers the opportunity to promote this cause to a wider range of decision makers.”

Annie Lennox To Perform At Charity Launch In London

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:45:00 +0000

On 29th November, mothers2mothers, a charity that supports pregnant women and new mothers living with HIV in Africa, will launch in Europe with a live performance from Annie Lennox at One Mayfair in London.

Supporters of the charity will gather alongside founder and medical director Dr Mitch Besser to celebrate the work that mothers2mothers has achieved since it was created ten years ago.

Emma France, head of development for m2m in Europe said: “mothers2mothers works tirelessly to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and sustain the long-term health of families, by addressing the needs of HIV positive pregnant women and mothers. We educate and employ mothers living with HIV so they can work alongside doctors and nurses in understaffed health centres, providing life-saving information and first-hand experience to other women as they too prepare for motherhood.”

Annie Lennox Honored For Humanitarian Efforts

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Annie Lennox was honored by Glasgow Caledonian University for her international humanitarian efforts on Friday night.

Scotland’s first International Humanitarian Award for Outstanding Achievement was conferred on Lennox for her actions to promote health and human rights for women and children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Annie Lennox Pays Tribute To Wangari Maathai

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Annie Lennox has paid tribute to Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, who passed away last week.

“Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, sadly passed away earlier this week,” she wrote on her blog. "She was exceptional, visionary, courageous and inspiring, and I’d like to share a small part of her message to the world, in honour of her legacy. 

“She tells a simple story about a humming bird, but the philosophy behind it is powerful beyond measure. Watch, and be inspired.”

Bono And Celebrity Friends Lead PSA Against Famine

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:29:00 +0000

Bono has recruited some of his celebrity friends – including George Clooney, Jessica Alba and Joe Jonas for a new charity PSA aimed at raising awareness about the famine in East Africa.

“Drought, violence and political instability have invited in the grim reaper on a scale we have not seen in 20 years… more than 30,000 children have died in just three months,” he writes in The Huffington Post. "The pictures from Dadaab look like a nightmare from centuries past. Yet, this is the 21st century and these pictures are real and, on the whole, unseen. The food crisis in the Horn of Africa is nothing short of a humanitarian catastrophe, but it is getting less attention than the latest Hollywood break-ups and make-ups.

“ONE’s new film The F Word: Famine is the Real Obscenity isn’t a typical emotional emergency appeal. It’s about focusing the media spotlight on the tragedy unfolding. It’s about building political support in the US and around the world for interventions that will stop the suffering today and break the cycle of famine in the future. Most of all, it’s about taking action — because famine is man-made.

Annie Lennox Plays Piano Gig For Charity

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:10:00 +0000

On Saturday, October 1, Annie Lennox made a special appearance at the Cash For Kids Ball at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow to help raise money for vulnerable children in the west of Scotland.

Annie performed seven songs live at the piano (Legend In My Living Room, Little Bird, Here Comes The Rain Again, There Must Be An Angel, No More I Love Yous, Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves, and Sweet Dreams). The event raised £352,000, a record amount.

Lord McConnell, chairman of the board of trustees of Cash for Kids, said: “Annie’s generosity in agreeing to perform was reflected in the compassion shown by everyone who attended the event and who helped raise such a significant amount for Cash for Kids. That money will go directly and quickly to support thousands of vulnerable children in the west of Scotland.”

Annie Lennox: HIV Ambassador For London

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Annie Lennox has joined Stephen Fry in supporting The London AIDS Memorial Campaign to create a lasting memorial in London to remember those that have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS.

“Despite the fact that HIV/AIDS has been around for several decades, one of the biggest challenges is the all pervasive stigma which still continues to keep the issue shrouded in secrecy, ignorance, fear and shame, whether you live in Camaroon or Camden,” said Lennox, HIV Ambassador for London. “An AIDS memorial in the heart of London would set a wonderful example to other cities, and send out a powerful statement to the world, not only by acknowledging those who have been taken in the pandemic, but would also call attention to the fact that HIV/AIDS has not gone away, and is still devastating millions of people’s lives… potentially our sons, daughters, brothers and sisters. I wholeheartedly endorse this proposal.”

Annie Lennox To Perform Charity Concert In Glasgow

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Annie Lennox has confirmed that she will give a one off, exclusive performance for charity next month.

The singer, songwriter, campaigner and activist will make her one off performance at a charity event in Glasgow on 1st October to raise funds for Clyde 1 & Clyde 2 Cash for Kids, a charity set up in 1981 to support the most vulnerable children in the west of Scotland.

Celebrated as an innovator, an icon and a symbol of enduring excellence, Annie’s music career is peerless with over 80 million record sales to date and winning countless awards, while her tireless charity work is widely praised receiving prestigious awards and honors.

Stars Unite In Support Of The Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Celebrities including Annie Lennox, Deepak Chopra and Morgan Freeman are championing international health organization the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and are appealing to the public to support its work.

The stars are backing the work of the Global Fund, which provides two-thirds of global funding for tuberculosis and malaria as well as treatment for over half of the world’s AIDS patients, and is saving over a million lives a year. They say that with continued support, the Global Fund and its partners will be able to save millions more lives.

Stars Step Up For Save The Children East Africa Appeal

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Yesterday saw the launch of a ground-breaking celebrity charity social media campaign, ’I’m Gonna Be Your Friend’ supported by many of the world’s most famous names in entertainment and their fans, including Beyoncé Knowles, Annie Lennox and Sting.

A global audience close to 600 million Facebook and Twitter fans will be able to view a short film of the crisis in East Africa created by award-winning director Kevin MacDonald from footage of East Africa. The film is set to the 1973 Bob Marley & The Wailers song ‘High Tide or Low Tide’ and will reach over a billion people.

The campaign was developed to support Save the Children’s fundraising for the devastating food crisis affecting millions of children and their families across East Africa.

Celebrities Call On World Leaders For Urgent Horn Of Africa Funds

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:00:00 +0000

A group of global artists, activists and business leaders have signed a joint letter urging world leaders to step up their response to the famine in the Horn of Africa. They call on them to act “without reservation, prevarication or equivocation” when they meet at an emergency summit in Rome.

Among the signatories are Annie Lennox, Bob Geldof, Simon Cowell, Richard Curtis, Stephen Fry, Eddie Izzard, Kristin Scott Thomas, and representatives from charities such as Oxfam, the ONE Campaign, Comic Relief, CAFOD, ActionAid, Save the Children and many others.

“As we write, more than 11 million people are suffering the great agony of the worst famine in Africa for many years. It is incomprehensible that in 2011 anyone should die of starvation. $600 million* is needed now for our fellow humans. Not a great sum for the world, even in a time of great economic difficulty for some. Last week European leaders found over hundred times this amount to shore up the euro and bail out banks, yet countries like France, Italy, the Arab States and Germany have so far given miniscule amounts of money to prevent people dying from hunger. Surely this must be unacceptable? A true measure of strength is how one cares for the weak. A true test of power is how one protects the frail.

Mena Suvari Urges Fans To Help The Hungry In East Africa

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Mena Suvari is urging her fans to donate to UNICEF’s campaign to end the famine in East Africa.

“Help Humanity Half a million children are going to die of malnutrition if we don’t act,” the star tweeted yesterday.

The epicentre of the drought has hit the poorest people in the region in an area straddling the borders of Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia where families rely heavily on livestock for survival. In some parts of the region, up to 60 percent of their herds have already died while the remainder are either sick or dangerously underweight. The price of animals has plummeted by half while the cost of cereals has soared. In Somalia the price of a main staple sorghum has risen by a massive 240 percent since this time last year.

Ewan McGregor Speaks Up For Starving Children In East Africa

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000

UNICEF ambassador Ewan McGregor has made a heartfelt plea for the victims of what has been called the worst food crisis of this century in East Africa.

“East Africa is in crisis – war, failing harvest and the worst draught in fifty years means that over 2 million children are at risk… risk of disease, risk of death,” says the actor and humanitarian in a new video filmed for UNICEF. “At just one refugee camp in Kenya, there are almost half a million people in urgent need of food, water and basic healthcare. The situation throughout the region is becoming more and more critical. The threat of starvation is very real. By giving just £5, you could give desperately needed food to the most malnourished children. UNICEF’s most experienced teams are already on the ground, ensuring lifesaving aid is getting through, but we urgently need your help to reach every child who needs us. I promise your donation will make a real difference.”

Celebrities Sign Letter About Worst Food Crisis Of This Century

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Celebrities including Peter Gabriel, Lauren Laverne, Annie Lennox and Michael Morpugo have signed an open letter about the worst food crisis of the 21st century.

“East Africa is facing the worst food crisis of the 21st century,” states the letter. "Livestock are dying, markets are empty, food prices are rocketing and people are starving. Levels of acute malnutrition among refugees fleeing Somalia are some of the highest seen in decades.

“Across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya, 12 million people are in dire need of clean water, food and basic sanitation. Loss of life on a massive scale is a very real risk, and the crisis is set to worsen over the coming months.

Annie Lennox, Liza Minnelli, Paul McCartney Honored At Charity Awards

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000

The 36th annual Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Awards took place on Friday 1st July at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

Tinie Tempah, photo: John Marshall via Nordoff Robbins

Annie Lennox Receives OBE For Charity Work

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Annie Lennox has received the OBE she was awarded in the New Years Honors list for her work fighting AIDS and poverty in Africa.

Annie was presented the award by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during the investiture ceremony, which took place at Buckingham Palace.

Annie Lennox And Status Quo To Be Honored By Charity

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Nordoff Robbins – the charity that harnesses music to reach children and adults whose lives are constrained by illness, disability, trauma or exclusion – has announced the list of winners who will be honored at this year’s O2 Silver Clef Awards Lunch on July 1.

The major O2 Silver Clef Award will go to Annie Lennox.

Joining an illustrious list of artists whose talent has been celebrated with the O2 Silver Clef Award, Annie said about the award: “I am thrilled and honoured to be receiving the O2 Silver Clef Award from Nordoff Robbins. I’ve supported Nordoff Robbins over the years and I’m a firm believer in their work and the healing power of music.”

Annie Lennox Talks HIV At UN Headquarters

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:30:00 +0000

On June 7, Annie Lennox addressed the HIV Priorities for Positive Change: In Women’s Words at UN Headquarters in New York.

“In November 2003 I had the privilege to take part in a special concert in Cape Town, South Africa, to launch Nelson Mandela’s HIV Aids campaign, 46664,” she said in her speech. "The following day, all the artists were invited to join with him on Robbin island, where he addressed an assemblage of international press, describing the AIDS pandemic as a virtual genocide… which was affecting women and girls in South Africa and the rest of the Sub Saharan continent on a catastrophic level.