Look To The Stars News: The Who

Stars Line Up For The Return Of The Secret Policeman's Ball

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:50:00 +0000

The Secret Policeman’s Ball is back – and its heading for America!

Amnesty International’s legendary charity show – featuring a plethora of music and comedy talent – will hit the Radio City Music Hall on March 4. Organizers have confirmed Coldplay, Russell Brand, Mumford & Sons, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart and Reggie Watts as part of the lineup, with more to come.

“We are so happy to be involved with the 2012 Secret Policeman’s Ball,” said Chris Martin of Coldplay. “We have followed and supported Amnesty International – and the amazing work they do around the world in the field of human rights – for years, and it is a pleasure to be asked to contribute to such an inspiring event.”

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.

Music Icons To Rock For The Prince's Trust

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:15:00 +0000

Boy George, The Feeling and Pete Townshend are among the artists on board to rock the Royal Albert Hall next month for The Prince’s Trust Rock Gala supported by Novae.

The gala – one of the most important fundraisers in The Prince’s Trust calendar – will take place on 23 November to raise vital funds for the charity’s work with disadvantaged young people.

Rock Legends Launch Teenage Cancer Program At UCLA

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The Who’s Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend have announced a new teenage cancer program at UCLA based on similar initiatives run by the Teenage Cancer Trust in the UK.

Photo: Rock icon Roger Daltrey of the Who visits pediatric cancer patients at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

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.

Liam Gallagher Presents Charity With Donation

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Beady Eye’s Liam Gallagher visited a Teenage Cancer Trust unit at Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle, UK, this week to present a donation of £40,000.

The money was raised through the sales of t-shirts designed by the former Oasis rocker.

Damien Hirst Puts The Squeeze On Charity

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

An exclusive set of instruments customized by Damien Hirst and created especially for British band Squeeze, will take centre stage when the band perform at Concerts for Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall on 22 March 2011.

Squeeze will be joined by a 30 piece orchestra and long-time friends and collaborators The Feeling, on the second night of Teenage Cancer Trust’s 2011 series of fundraising concerts at the iconic venue. 

 The Damien Hirst collection features two ‘Spot Guitars’, a Fender Telecaster and a Fender Stratocaster, as well as a Yamaha ‘Spot Drum Kit’. All the instruments are hand painted by Hirst with his iconic spot design and signed by the artist himself.

Roger Daltrey To Rock The Who's Tommy For Charity

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Roger Daltrey will perform The Who’s Tommy as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust’s one week series of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall next month.

An evening of comedy kicks off the seven star-studded nights on Monday 21 March. The evening includes Liverpudlian stand-up and comedy award winner, John Bishop, Edinburgh festival favourites and TV regulars Kevin Bridges and Greg Davies, plus other very special guests.

On Tuesday 22 March Squeeze will be joined by an 18 piece orchestra giving a new twist to their inimitable South East London style. Since reuniting in 2007, Squeeze have undertaken four major sold out tours of the US and UK and have become firm festival favourites, with hits like Up The Junction, Tempted and Cool For Cats. Long-time friends and collaborators, The Feeling, will be special guests on the night, alongside a few other surprise appearances.

Stars Sign Letter Against Iranian Death Sentence

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Stars such as Sting, Colin Firth, Robert Redford and Robert De Niro are among the famous names who have signed a letter calling for the release of an Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning for alleged adultery.

“Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani has suffered enough,” reads the letter, published in the UK’s The Times newspaper. "Forced by international pressure to suspend her execution by stoning for alleged adultery, the Iranian government is now attempting to resurrect the charge that she murdered her husband – a charge for which she has already been tried.

“She has already spent five years in prison, and suffered 99 lashes, while the man who was convicted of her husband’s murder, and with whom she allegedly had an affair, is now free, having been pardoned by Ms Ashtiani’s children. We, the undersigned, call on the government of Iran to release immediately Ms Ashtiani, her son Sajad Ghaderzade, and her lawyer, Javid Houtan Kian, from incarceration.”

Rock Legends To Hit London Stage For Unique Cancer Treatment

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Rock legends The Who will hit the stage alongside Jeff Beck, Blondie singer Debbie Harry and The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft in a charity concert against cancer early next year.

Charity KILLING Cancer will host the massive concert at London’s Hammersmith Apollo on January 13 to raise funds for its goal of raising £50m to fund further trials into Photodynamic Therapy, a treatment that can help cure some forms of cancer by killing cells through a combination of drugs and light. PDT is a unique treatment that has garnered support from celebrities such as Robert Plant, Stefanie Powers,Alex Fergusson and many more.

“Robert [Plant] and I had lived through the final months and days of close friends battling with cancer,” said The Who manager Bill Curbishley. “But also fighting to overcome the effects of their treatments. Only later we discovered that PDT could perhaps have saved their lives – and certainly given them some dignity in their final weeks.”

Stereophonics Drummer Remembered With Charity Single

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Stuart Cable, the former drummer of the rock band Stereophonics, was found dead on June 7th – and in his memory, his most recent band, Killing for Company, has released a single called “Former Mining Town.” It has also been called the Official Stuart Cable Memorial Single.

The single has been supported by various different bands including Stuart Cable’s previous band, Stereophonics.

“Myself, Richard and the boys would like everyone to join us in supporting Killing For Company’s charity single, ‘Former Mining Town.’ Stuart was our lifelong friend and brother; he will be sadly missed. Let’s give him and his boys a final shout, and also to Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity we have supported for 10 years with Roger Daltrey. Thank you. Long live rock ‘n’ roll,” said Kelly Jones, a former Stereophonics bandmate.

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”

Nordoff Robbins Silver Clef Awards To Rock For Charity

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:30:00 +0000

The Nordoff Robbins annual star-studded 02 Silver Clef Awards is set to rock The Hilton, Park Lane in London as multi-platinum, multi award-winning Devon rock act Muse will be awarded the coveted 02 Silver Clef Award.

This year’s 35th infamous awards luncheon held to raise money for Nordoff Robbins will be hosted by British music mogul Sharon Osbourne. The event will take place on Friday 2nd July and will be attended by guests including the music industry’s high fliers, artists, celebrities and supporters of Nordoff Robbins. Also being honored are boyband JLS and Scouting For Girls.

“We are so honoured and humbled to be winning such a prestigious award,” said members of JLS, who will receive the Best Newcomers accolade. “There are so many amazing new artists at present and to be considered, let alone win the best newcomer award is truly incredible. We are so grateful, and delighted to be attending an event that does so much good work.”

Roger Daltrey's Celebrity Band Helps Launch Charity WorkHub

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:00:00 +0000

The Who’s Roger Daltrey attended the launch of a new charity job centre in the UK last week that caters for people with learning difficulties.

The RD Crusaders WorkHub has been set up by Norwood, a charity that supports thousands of people with learning disabilities.

The launch follows a fundraising drive that began two years ago, when Daltrey’s star-studded supergroup, The RD Crusaders, played a concert in Old Billingsgate Market to an audience that included Sarah Ferguson and Elizabeth Hurley. Formed in 2003 by Daltrey and newspaper publisher and Norwood president Richard Desmond, the RD Crusaders consists of band members such as Elkie Brooks, Lulu, Russ Ballard of Argent (who was also at the launch), Rick Wills, Steve Smith and a number of others who join for special gigs – including Gary Moore, Robert Plant Gary Brooker and more. The band has raised millions of dollars for charities such as the Teenage Cancer Trust, the Evelina Children’s Hospital appeal and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Celebrity Love Tokens To Be Auctioned For Charity

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:30:00 +0000

A British charity that works with vulnerable children and their families is to launch a celebrity charity auction this month featuring “love tokens” from some big stars.

Over 50 celebrities have donated items to the auction, including Annie Lennox, The Who, Lulu, Joanna Lumley, Jeremy Irons, Ian Rankin, Jason Donovan, Jacqueline Wilson, Blur’s Damon Albarn, Jo Whiley, Jason Durr, Sebastian Faulks, Gordon Brown and Stephen Fry.

The auction has been organized by charity Coram, which has been working with disadvantaged children since 1739 when Thomas Coram established the Foundling Hospital, to care for abandoned babies dying on the streets of London.

The Who Launches Charity Tees For A New Generation

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0000

The Who just rocked out for over 100 million viewers during the Super Bowl halftime show, but it’s their new line of limited edition T-shirt’s from the good people at the Hard Rock Café that begs attention, as all sales benefit City of Hope, the charity working to conquer life-threatening diseases such as cancer and HIV/AIDS.

The limited edition “Who Signature Series: Edition XXVII” T-shirts, designed by band members Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, are priced at just $26, with fifteen percent of each sale going to City of Hope. The tee design is pure ‘Who’ and depicts Townshend’s classic “windmill” guitar technique against a somewhat tattered Union Jack. The front of the shirt also features a Who backstage pass while the phrase “That’s Who” is printed on the back of the tee.

The Who’s relationship with the Hard Rock is more than meets the eye. According the ‘legend,’ over 30-years ago, Townshend was in the original Hard Rock Café in London when he noticed Eric Clapton’s guitar hanging on the wall. Clapton had asked that his guitar be hung to mark his favorite barstool and the club’s management obliged him. Then one week later the Hard Rock Café received a package from Townshend. Inside was one of his own guitars along with a note stating, “Mine’s as good as his! Love, Pete.” It was this impulsive move by Townshend that led to the Hard Rock’s line of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia.

Stars Line Up To Celebrate Teenage Cancer Trust Concerts

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The Teenage Cancer Trust is about to celebrate 10 years of music and comedy concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London by unleashing an outstanding lineup of performances at the iconic venue throughout March.

Kicking off the event will be Them Crooked Vultures – the supergroup featuring Dave Grohl, John Paul Jones and Josh Homme. The band will hit the stage on March 22, followed the next night by a comedy performance from Jimmy Carr and friends.

Wednesday, March 24, will see a reformed Suede taking the spotlight. The following two nights will feature former Oasis superstar Noel Gallagher performing his only two solo shows of 2010.

Will.i.am And Slash Cover The Who For Earthquake Relief

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The Black Eyed Peas are gearing up for the Feb. 14 launch of a world tour that will stretch into the spring of 2011, but among the planning, will.i.am and former Guns N Roses member Slash made time to record a fresh remix of The Who’s “My Generation” to raise money for Haitian earthquake relief.  

Will.i.am told Billboard.com that he was commissioned to remix the iconic 1965 rock anthem, which will air during the Super Bowl XLIV broadcast on Feb. 7 — where The Who is performing at halftime — and then go on sale via iTunes.

“It’s The Who, their song, and then I altered the lyric to fit my generation now and then have Slash on it,” will.i.am says. “It was awesome. I loved that song way before this even came up, and talking to Pete Townshend on the phone is like, ‘What?! I’m talking to Pete Townshend on the phone?!’ That was awesome, being able to just hear their advice and everything. Those guys are just awesome.”  The “My Generation” remix will be part of a big month for will.i.am and company as the Peas head to the Grammy Awards, where they’re up for six trophies, including Album of the Year.

Depeche Mode To Play Charity Concert

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Depeche Mode will take center stage February 17th, 2010, at London’s Royal Albert Hall, for a special charity concert to benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust, a UK charity helping teenagers fight cancer.

This unique event marks the first time in their career that Depeche Mode will play at Royal Albert Hall.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be a part of Teenage Cancer Trust,” said Depeche Mode’s Martin Gore. “We’ve never played the Royal Albert Hall before, so we’re really looking forward to that too.” 

Robert Plant Campaigns For Cancer Treatment

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Former Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant has given his support to a cancer charity campaigning for a new type of treatment to be made available in Britian.

Killing Cancer is a charity that is aiming to raise £50m to fund further trials into Photodynamic Therapy, a treatment that can help cure some forms of cancer by killing cells through a combination of drugs and light.

“It really is an injustice that this form of treatment is not available to everyone in the UK,” said Plant. “I have friends currently receiving PDT, but only because we pushed to get it.”

John Mayer Trio To Play Gigs For Military Non-Profits

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +0000

John Mayer fans take note! The Grammy Award winning musician is planning a concert fundraiser with his group the John Mayer Trio.

When it comes to the JM3, John isn’t the only big name. The other two members are bass player Pino Palladino – who has been a member of The Who and played for Paul Simon – and drummer and music producer Steve Jordan, who has played with such greats as Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen.

The event will happen in Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve at the Hard Rock Cafe. The tickets will be sold online on the Consider It Dan website. The event has four ticket packages which range from a VIP meet and greet with John Mayer to early VIP entrance to the show. Tickets will be offered first to fans on John Mayer’s fan mailing list on Monday, September 21st at 10am, PDT, local Las Vegas time. You need a password for access! Tickets will be available to the general public on Saturday, September 26th at noon, PDT, local Las Vegas time.

Mick Jagger Supports Campaign To Save Historic Cinema

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Mick Jagger is throwing his weight behind a campaign to save a historic cinema where the Rolling Stones played in the 1960s.

The EMD cinema in Walthamstow, north-east London, is listed as a Grade II historic building. The building was frequented by Alfred Hitchcock and hosted shows by bands such as the Beatles, The Kinks and The Who.

Sold in 2003, planning permission to keep the theatre open has been denied.

The Who To Play At Charity Ball

Mon, 11 May 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Legendary rockers The Who are to perform an acoustic set at the Teenage Cancer Trust Legends & Youth Ball on May 21.

Hosted by British comedian Matt Lucas, the event will be attended by high profile supporters including the Arsenal First Team.

The evening will kick off in the Woolwich Suite at Emirates Stadium. The Legends & Youth bars will mix delicious cocktails before a menu designed by celebrity chef James Martin is served.

Roger Daltrey Plans To Pass The Charity Torch

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Singer Roger Daltrey reportedly plans to step down from his role as organizer of the annual Teenage Cancer Trust concerts and pass the torch to musicians of a younger generation.

Daltrey – singer for The Who – has been behind the concerts since 2000, and has asked Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher and Stereophonics singer Kelly Jones to take on the responsibility.

“I would like to take the model of what we’ve done here and concentrate on getting it started in other countries now,” said Daltrey. “It does take an awful lot of energy. I call it my ‘yearly breakdown’. I would love to find someone from a younger generation to take over from me.”

The Who To Rock Grand Prix For Fire Relief

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Classic rockers The Who may have missed last weekend’s Sound Relief concerts in Sydney and Melbourne, but they will be doing their bit to raise money for the victims of the Australian bush fires in a special concert later this month.

The band is booked to play at the Melbourne Grand Prix on March 29, with a portion of ticket sales to go to fire relief funds. A limited number of tickets – named Silver Reserve, My Generation Platinum & Who Are You Gold tickets – will be available in three premium general admission areas at the front of the stage for $125, $175 and $225 respectively, including general admission access to the circuit on the Sunday. $25 from every ticket sold will go towards funds set up to help the thousands of families left homeless by the bush fires that raged through Victoria over the last month.

‘The Who could not be here to take part in the Sound Relief Concerts, but we sincerely hope this new ticket initiative will add some well-needed funds to the appeal,’ said tour promoter Andrew McManus. “After the tremendous success of last year I wanted to present a band that was just as exciting and dynamic on stage, so we can continue the momentum of the spectacular F1 race straight into one of the world’s leading acts. I had the opportunity of watching The Who headline the O2 festival in Ireland last year and was blown away by not only Roger Daltrey’s vocals, but just the sheer magic coming off the stage from Pete Townshend and the rest of the band. The 2009 Australian Grand Prix can only get bigger and better with the inclusion of The Who!”"