Look To The Stars News: Stephen Fry

Annie Lennox To Receive Freedom Of London Award

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Annie Lennox is set to receive the Freedom of the City of London at a ceremony taking place at the City of London’s Guildhall on Tuesday 1 December.

The singer was nominated by the British Red Cross International Fundraising Committee, in recognition of her fundraising and humanitarian work.

The presentation will take place in the Basinghall Suite at Guildhall and followed by a star-studded gala dinner and musical ‘Tribute to Annie Lennox’, in the Livery Hall. La Roux, Little Boots and the Music for Life African Children’s Choir will be among the performers. Stephen Fry will be the host for evening and Brian Eno will give a speech.

“The British Red Cross is delighted that on 1 December, World Aids Day, Annie Lennox is being recognised with the Freedom of the City of London,” said Maria Shammas MBE, Chairman of the British Red Cross International Fundraising Committee. “We greatly value her support and her commitment to humanitarian work, which over the years has been remarkable.”

The Freedom of the City of London is one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies in existence today; the first Freedom is thought to have been presented in 1237. Previous famous recipients include The Queen, Nelson Mandela, Princess Diana, Luciano Pavarotti, Florence Nightingale and Winston Churchill.

""I first came to London 1971, as a virtually penniless music student , existing on £3 a week," said Lennox. "I’ve lived all over the place and travelled to almost every corner of the globe. For years my suitcase has been half packed, either to leave or because I’ve just arrived home. And the curious thing about the city is that no matter how many years I’ve spent coming and going, I still feel as if there’s so much more to discover.

“As a humanitarian I have long been an admirer of the amazing work of the British Red Cross to tackle HIV across the world and am amazed and honoured to have been acknowledged in this way.”

The gala dinner will take place in the Livery Hall, Guildhall. Guests will arrive from 700pm for a reception, before performances and dinner to start at 7:30pm.

Lily Cole Leads Celebrity Charity Auction

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0000

As reported by Look To The Stars earlier this month, environmental media charity tve is currently running an auction featuring a plethora of celebrity items.

A dress worn by Lily Cole is the most sought after item to date in an eclectic eBay auction Bid for the future. With less than 4 days to go, the stunning Juicy Couture dress already has the top number of bids in the auction. Other celebrity donations are proving irresistible stocking fillers with Sir David Attenborough’s specially signed book topping the list, followed closely by Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Stephen Fry.

For those readers with a passion for crime novels, there’s a chance to bid for a first edition travel book by prolific author John Creasey and the invitation to have lunch with his son Richard, Chair of tve, at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).

‘We have been overwhelmed by all the support so far for our 25th anniversary auction. It’s all in a good cause so we are hoping the bidding wars go higher and higher!’ said tve executive director, Cheryl Campbell. ‘Other prizes proving popular include show memorabilia from Derren Brown, a once-in-a-life time holiday in Borneo and the tank top Emma Thompson wore for her role in the Hollywood blockbuster Junior.’

tve’s ‘Bid for the future’ online auction also includes:

Two VIP tickets to the UN Day Concert in 2010 in New York
A stay for two in a boutique eco-hotel in the country tipped to the be THE holiday destination of 2010 – Colombia
Family ticket to Bristol Zoo Gardens and lunch with the Director.
A vibrant designer silk scarf from Lalesso
A signed jersey and cap from India’s star bowler, Ashish Nehra

For more details and to bid visit tve.org/auction.

Stars Write Letters To Themselves For Charity Book

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

If you were to write a letter to your 16-year-old self, what would it say?

In the new book Dear Me, some of the world’s best loved personalities have written just such a letter. Their letters range from the compassionate, to the shocking via hilarity and heartbreak – but they all have one thing in common: they offer a unique glimpse at the teenager who grew up to be a house-hold name.

£1 from each copy sold will be given to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

“We’ve all written a letter to our sixteen-year-old selves collected together in the fabulous new book, DEAR ME: A LETTER TO MY SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD SELF,” said Sir Elton John. "It’s a wonderful, uplifting and poignant journey through the lives of some of the country’s best-loved personalities and would make a great gift for all your friends and family this Christmas.

“Your purchase will also directly benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which works throughout the world to provide support to those affected with HIV and AIDS.

“DEAR ME made me laugh, cry and reminisce to when I was 16 – so I went and wrote a letter too. It starts ‘Dear Reg’ and ends ‘CHANGE YOUR NAME!’ I hope you enjoy it!”

Some of the stars featured in the book include Annie Lennox, Burt Bacharach, Alan Carr, Rosanne Cash, Julian Clary, Jackie Collins, Jenny Éclair, Tracey Emin, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Jane Fonda, Mark Foster, Stephen Fry, Rolf Harris, Debbie Harry, Peter Kay, Patsy Kensit, Lynda La Plante, Baz Luhrmann, Joanna Lumley, James Nesbitt, Yoko Ono, Jonathan Ross, Emma Thompson, Desmond Tutu, Suzanne Vega, Alfre Woodard, and Sir Elton John.

Dear Me is the perfect gift for anyone, mum, dad, cousin, aunt, nephew or perhaps someone who is turning 16.

To buy a copy, click here.

Celebrities Donate Items To Environmental Charity Auction

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0000

This year TVE marks its 25th anniversary as an award-winning media charity making films on the environment and development. And to celebrate, they have launched an amazing online auction.

Founded by WWF, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP} and Central Television in 1984, its original advisory panel included Sir David Attenborough, the Aga Khan and Dr Mostafa Tolba, head of the UN Environment Programme. Today tve films are broadcast in 172 countries, reaching 302 million homes via global satellite broadcasts and more than half a billion people on national, regional and local channels worldwide.

The auction launches on Thursday and includes an incredible array of items. Going under the hammer are a copy of Stephen Fry in America signed by Britain’s best-loved comic genius; a signed copy of designer, writer and television presenter Kevin McCloud’s Colour Now – to help you with those interior design challenges; the top worn by one of Britain’s most gifted actors, Emma Thompson, in the 1994 Hollywood comedy ‘Junior’; a signed copy of Sir David Attenborough’s Life on Air, telling the story of how he became Britain’s best-loved nature journalist, a signed copy of ‘Race to the Pole’, the story of Scott’s quest written by the man described as the world’s greatest living adventurer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes; a copy of ‘Trowel and Error’, signed by Britain’s favourite television gardener and presenter Alan Titchmarsh; items from actress Lily Cole; and much much more.

Bid for the Future, the eBay auction benefiting media charity tve, goes live on 5 November and lasts for ten days. For more info and to access the auction, click here.

Stephen Fry Appeals For Death Row Man's Life

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Ashley Parker

British actor Stephen Fry is teaming with Reprieve to plead for the life of Akmal Shaikhis.

Akmal is a British national from London facing execution in China for smuggling drugs. He was arrested September 12, 2007, in Urumqi airport for allegedly carrying 4kg of heroin. Chinese authorities did not inform British Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) of Akmal’s death sentence until several months after the ruling was made.

The Chinese court does not want to acknowledge that Akmal suffers from bipolar disorder. Reprieve has strong evidence that he is suffering from mental illness, and people who know him would agree. Fry suffers slightly from bipolar disorder as well and said, “Akmal is a very delusional figure,” and “has a history of extraordinary and perplexing behavior.”

In a video, Fry said, “I’m really hoping that somehow a message can get across to China, that no one in their right minds would condone the smuggling of drugs. China has every right, of course, to exact whatever sentence it sees fit as a nation. I hope they will understand that there are cases where people are simply not responsible for their actions.”

Akmal moved to Poland to set up an airline, but clearly did not have the financial means to do so. While he was in Poland he wrote a song with a man named Carlos and wanted to record it. Carlos told Akmal he knew people in the music business that would help him, so Akmal went to Kyrgyzstan.

The people he met with took his money and passport. Thinking he would be famous soon, Akmal believed he wouldn’t need those anymore. He was told if he went to China he could sing at a nightclub owned by a man named Okole.

On the way to China, Okole and Akmal spent time at a five star hotel in Tajikistan. Once again, Akmal thought it had to do with his celebrity status, even though he had no background of singing in public. Right before the flight to China was to take off, Okole handed Akmal a briefcase and said Akmal would have to go alone because there was only one seat left on the plane.

Drug smugglers took advantage of Akmal and his illness. They promised him stardom in China, but were just using him as a mule. He faces possible execution by a single shot to the back of the head. An appeal has gone through the High Court and been denied. It now has to go through the Supreme People’s Court, which only deals with errors of law. If this court denies appeal, he’ll face death in a matter of days.

Akmal told authorities the briefcase was not his and that he knew nothing about the drugs.

Fry “wouldn’t be standing here pleading clemency for someone if [he] didn’t think there was a real case for mercy.” He is strongly encouraging others to help him.

To join Stephen Fry in his fight to save Akmal, follow the three steps:

Write to your MP or Foreign Secretary to appeal for UK’s intervention. Go to www.reprieve.org.uk/stephenfryappeal for instructions.
Retweet Stephen’s message to get more people involved. Visit www.twitter.com/stephenfry
Go to www.reprieve.org.uk to find out more information about how to get involved

Click here to find out more about the appeal.

Stephen Fry To Host Leukaemia Research Event

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Emily Ray

Stephen Fry will be the latest guest of the ‘A Special Audience’ events to raise money for Leukaemia Research.

The event, on Sunday 18th October at the Criterion Theatre in London, will enable Fry to share the highlights of his extraordinary life. The audience will also have the opportunity to direct questions to Stephen.

Alastair Campbell, Ed Victor and Alan Yentob will also be present. Victor’s own experience with being diagnosed with leukaemia led to the creation of the ‘Special Audience’ idea to push forward development of research.

A champagne reception featuring Stephen Fry, Alastair Campbell, Ed Victor and Alan Yentob will be held at 6:30pm before the actual performance at 8pm. Tickets for both are £125, whilst seats for the show only range from £25 to £50.

For enquiries and to book tickets, contact Sophie on 020 7685 122 or email sgarrett@lrk.org.uk

Stars Come Out For Charity Book Launch In London

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Richard Barker

The Prince’s Trust launched Inspired* by music on Thursday, July 9, at Starbucks’ flagship London store.

A-list celebrities from film, TV, music and sport have joined forces for Inspired* by music, a collection of exclusive portraits and personal stories of how one piece of music inspired their lives.

Jane Asher, Sophie Raworth, Jools Holland and IRONIK attended the launch party.

“The book is fantastic; full of beautiful photographs and many, many moving stories!” said Sophie Raworth.

IRONIK commented, “Tonight I’m here to support the Prince’s Trust. The power of music is influencing people. Music is so strong and can influence you in so many positive ways.”

P. Diddy, Kevin Spacey, Mark Ronson and Tony Blair are just some of the other stars in the book, which has already been praised by Stephen Fry as “the inspirational book of the year”.

HRH The Prince of Wales has written a personal foreword for the book and said:

“It seems to me that music is a fascinating phenomenon because, on the one hand, it is a truly universal language that knows no barriers of origin, creed or circumstance, and therefore has the capacity to engage us all.

“On the other, its expression and enjoyment is entirely personal, and so often the memory of a particular piece of music is bound up with an event in our lives.”

Award-winning photographer Cambridge Jones has contributed exclusive portraits of the stars and young people supported by The Prince’s Trust for the book, which is sponsored by Starbucks Coffee Company UK.

Inspired* by music will be sold in Starbucks coffeehouses across the UK and all other good book retailers from 10th July 2009. It is also available to pre-order from www.princes-trust.org.uk/inspired. Starbucks will also donate all profits from the sale of the book, with The Prince’s Trust receiving nearly £8 per book.

The money raised will help hundreds of unemployed young people into work or training with The Prince’s Trust.

Stars Use Twitter To Raise Awareness Of Iran

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore are using their Twitter accounts to urge the U.S. government not to intervene in the crisis in Iran.

“Considering how well fighting 4 freedom in Iraq went, I don’t know that we should B jumping in2 this Iran deal,” wrote Kutcher. “I think that truly the only people that can change things in Iran are the Iranians themselves and they seem to be speaking their minds now.”

“My heart aches but I am inspired by the courage and strength of the Iranian people in the face of such opposition and adversity!” added Moore. “I have no judgement on who voted for who I am just pained that they are dealing with such civil unrest that is leading to violence.”

They have been joined by British comedian and writer Stephen Fry, who is concerned that the Iranian government is monitoring internet use following the recent violent demonstrations over the re-election of hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

“Iranian govt should at least know we’re watching & we care,” he wrote. “We’re not imperialists, we just care.” He went on to list ways in which Iranian Twitter users can “avoid govt filters” and access the site.

Stars Want Bluefin Tuna Off The Menu

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A group of actors has written to Robert DeNiro’s Nobu restaurant chain to ask them to stop serving endangered Bluefin Tuna.

According the Britain’s The Telegraph, Sienna Miller, Charlize Theron, Jemima Khan, Woody Harrelson, Laura Bailey, Alicia Silverstone, Zac Goldsmith, Sting, Trudie Styler, Elle Macpherson and Stephen Fry have “written to the restaurant to say they can no longer dine with a clear conscience as long as the restaurant continues to serve bluefin tuna – a species considered by many to be as endangered as the white rhinoceros, panda or tiger.”

The plight of the bluefin tuna has been highlighted by the release of The End of the Line, a film narrated by Ted Danson that shows the effects of overfishing on the world’s oceans.

“The possibility that the magnificent bluefin tuna, one of the fastest creatures on the planet, could be extinct in as little as four years is a tragedy,” wrote the stars in their letter. “Continuing to serve bluefin leaves Nobu vulnerable to public criticism and lagging behind Moshi Moshi, [”Gordon Ramsay":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/921-gordon-ramsay], Jamie Oliver, Itsu and numerous others. We all love [Nobu, but bluefin tuna] must be completely removed from the menu due to its perilous position as an extremely endangered animal".

“It’s astounding lunacy to serve up endangered species for sushi,” added Stephen Fry. “There’s no justification for peddling extinction, yet that is exactly what Nobu is doing in restaurants around the world.”

A spokesperson for the restaurant said they are taking the issue “very seriously… The consumption of this fish is a cultural institution in Japan and there is still an enormous demand for this delicacy at all our restaurants. In the specific case of the menus at our London restaurants it should be noted that the statement that informs diners that the tuna served is Bluefin was included at the behest of [”Greenpeace":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/142-greenpeace], with whom we have continual dialogue. We are also currently looking at Australian farm-raised tuna as an alternative."

Kate Winslet Draws Butterflies For Leukaemia Research

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Kate Winslet, Tony Blair, Ricky Gervais, Sophie Dahl and Stephen Fry are among the stars who have donated their own drawings of butterflies for a new charity book.

The book aims to raise money for Leukaemia Research, an organization in the UK that is dedicated exclusively to leukaemia, the lymphomas, myeloma, aplastic anaemia, myelodysplasia, the myeloproliferative disorders and the related blood disorders in both children and adults.

The sketches, paintings and poems will be published in the Butterfly Book, in memory of charity fundraiser Claire Wadley, a 25-year-old who died from leukaemia.

“I decided to write to well-known public figures and invite them to draw, sketch or doodle a picture of a butterfly, enclosing a piece of card with each letter,” said Laura-Jane Foley, who organized the book. “Claire’s story touched so many people and I was overwhelmed by the response.”

80 famous names have contributed to the book, and it is available for £25. A limited edition costs £100 and has one piece of original artwork. All profits from book sales go to the Claire Elizabeth Wadley Forget Me Not Fund for Leukaemia Research.

To find out more, or to buy the Butterfly Book, visit the official website or email info@thebutterflybook.co.uk.

Orlando Bloom Sings For The Great Ormond Street Hospital

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of special guests from the worlds of music and fashion came together in London to celebrate the role of mothers and to support Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity on Wednesday, March 18.

Kate Moss, Orlando Bloom, Sadie Frost, Tamara Beckwith-Veroni, Jenny Frost, Trinny Woodall, Jamie Hince, Amber Aitken, Melissa Odabash, Charlotte Tilbury, Serena Rees and The Clash’s Mick Jones were just some of the stars that attended the event, with proceeds going to the facility that treats more than 100,000 patients each year – children who are suffering from the rarest, most complex and often life-threatening conditions.

The evening raised over £50,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital and included an incredible celebrity auction that featured an exclusive Stephen Webster 18ct White gold, White Diamond and Ruby ‘Mummy Rocks’ locket, lunch with Stephen Fry, a meet and greet with Simon Cowell with tickets to Britain’s Got Talent, and a kiss from Kate Moss – which sold for a massive £5000.

But perhaps the highlight of the night was when Orlando Bloom climbed up on stage to join Mick Jones in singing The Clash’s hit ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go.’

The evening was a big step in helping to raise the £50 million needed this year to help rebuild and refurbish Great Ormond Street Hospital, buy vital equipment and fund pioneering research.

Kiss A Star And Save An Elephant

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:31:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A secret rendezvous… a special place… a celebrity… one moment of delirious happiness as your lips touch theirs… all your fantasies may come true by bidding in the brand new Kissing For Conservation auction being run by Buy Once, Give Twice in the UK.

Lucky bidders have the chance to be kissed – and get photographed to prove it – by stars such as Sophie Dahl, Stephen Fry, Nigel Havers, Sarah Ferguson, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, Deborah Meaden and Trinny Woodall in the auction, with all proceeds going to Elephant Family.

Valid for 3 months in a London location, both celebrity and bidder will return home safe in the knowledge you’ve helped the endangered Asian elephant, and that love truly does make the world go round.

Established in 2002, Elephant Family has developed into a lean and focused force for the endangered Asian elephant. Aware of overcrowding in the charity sector, the organization exists out of the urgent necessity due to a lack of investment and attention going into their conservation. At present they are the only charity in the UK solely dedicated to wild and captive Asian elephants. Their vision is a world in which the Asian elephant is no longer an endangered species and is able to live unthreatened within its own habitat.

To find out more about the auction and make a bid, click here. The auction closes on March 11.

Stars Sign Valentine's Ecards To Beat Breast Cancer

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fancy getting a Valentine’s card from someone famous this year? The Pink Rose Valentine’s Appeal can organize it for you.

Olivia Newton-John, Joan Collins, Rebecca Mader, Stephen Fry and Pat Sharp have all contributed their signatures to special Valentine’s Day ecards to raise money for research into Breast Cancer.

Someone in the world is diagnosed with breast cancer every 30 seconds, but scientists at the Cambridge Breast Cancer Research Unit – whose work will be supported by funds from the appeal – are at the forefront of the battle against the disease.

“The Pink Rose Valentine’s Appeal will support these programs and will create research opportunities for the breast cancer doctors of the future – and with the help of the donations, we can make a significant difference to how we treat and prevent this disease,” said Professor Carlos Caldas, who runs the Breast Cancer Research Unit

As well as the ecards, the appeal is also encouraging people to host a dinner, drinks evening, singles night or other function and ask their guests to make a donation to the cause.

“It’s everyone’s nightmare to hear that you have cancer, but I got through it,” said Newton-John at the launch of the appeal. “I think a positive attitude is extremely important. It’s not a death sentence any more, and with early detection you have a much better chance of survival.”

The ecards cost £2 to send, and all proceeds will go directly to the appeal. They can be viewed and sent via the Pink Rose Appeal website.

College Students Stage Celebrity Shoe Auction

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of celebrities are baring their soles in a charity auction organized by college students in Scotland this week.

Robin Williams, Daniel Radcliffe, Zoë Wanamaker, Ewan McGregor, and Elton John are among the stars to donate their footwear to One Step Beyond, a charity made up of staff and students of Angus College at Arbroath.

The 19 pairs of shoes will be on auction until October 19, and proceeds will go to organizations such as Cancer Research UK, Cash for Kids, No More Landmines, and the Angus College Charitable Trust.

“The very first pair of celeb shoes that we got in were from Sir Elton John and he very kindly donated his 1975 original stage shoes to us, which are really quite fantastic so we’re hoping to get good bids for them,” said auction organizer Kay Gilmour. “As well as that we’ve got shoes from [”Andy Murray":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/1859-andy-murray], footballers’ boots such as Barry Ferguson’s, and Stephen Fry gave us his hairy monster slippers. We also have shoes from the US – we’ve got Robin Williams’ hand-made gold trainers which he signed for us and we’ve got Emma Thompson, who gave us a beautiful pair of Jimmy Choo shoes, which she wore when she was launching her movie Nanny McPhee in the States. We also have Jo Brand’s smelly plimsolls – as she calls them, not us – and a whole range of other stuff."

Last year, students at the school created a three-mile line of shoes and then donated all 20,000 pairs to charities in Africa.

The auction can be accessed through eBay.

JK Rowling Kept Busy With Charity Work

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A signed first edition of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows will be the big attraction in a charity auction in Scotland next week.

Author JK Rowling has donated the book to the Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS), to be auctioned off as part of their Touch of Tartan charity ball on August 29.

“We were really excited to receive this donation from JK Rowling and to have her support,” said Helen MacKinnon, marketing and development co-ordinator for the organization. “As the prize is so outstanding and tickets have sold out, we have decided to open up the bidding on the Harry Potter novel to anyone interested.”

The Ball will take place at the Salutation Hotel in the Scottish town of Perth, and will include a civic reception hosted by Perth and Kinross Council, fine dining, and Scottish melodies from local band the Gallivanters.

PKAVS has been helping people and families across Perth & Kinross for over 30 years, and run a range of projects supporting the community of Perth & Kinross. Their projects help over 5,000 local people every year, supporting the elderly, the disabled, individuals with mental ill health, and the family members who care for them.

The book has been estimated to be worth over £500 (US$1,000), and anyone interested in bidding should contact Helen MacKinnon at helen.mackinnon@pkavs.org.uk before August 28.

Rowling is also involved with a charity-based competition being run in Britain. St. Martin-in-the-Fields, a London landmark currently undergoing a more-than $70-million upgrade, has invited stars to design panes of stained glass which will then be given away as prizes in the competition. Joining Rowling in flexing her design muscles are Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley, and Bill Bryson.

People interested in entering the competition can choose whose design they want to win, with entries costing £10. To take part, visit the competition website.

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.

KT Tunstall - Globally Cool

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 09:25:48 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

She is Scottish, she is a rock star, she has sold millions of albums all around the world, and yet she does not own a car or even a television. Her new recording studio has been built using 100% reclaimed wood, sheep’s wool insulation, and solar panels, and her house is the same. When it comes to being environmentally friendly, singer/songwriter KT Tunstall is almost as revolutionary as her music.

September saw the release of Tunstall’s third album, Drastic Fantastic, which quickly climbed to the top of the charts in many countries. It has already outsold her 2006 release, “Acoustic Extravaganza”, and is set to reach the lofty levels of 2005’s “Eye To The Telescope”.

But music is only one of Tunstall’s passions, the other being the state of the environment. When not performing or recording, Tunstall is usually found hard at work supporting ecological causes. In 2005, she planted 6000 trees in Scotland to offset the environmental cost of her first CD. And July 2007 saw her perform an extremely energetic set at the Live Earth concert held at Giant’s Stadium in New Jersey.

“I feel responsible because I am making money out of it,” said the 32 year old singer, whose hits include Suddenly I See and Black Horse And The Cherry Tree. “I use bio-diesel fuel on my buses and carbon-neutralize the audience’s journey to the gigs. With this next album, a portion of the money is going towards investing in renewable energy sources in developing countries.”

Tunstall has recently involved herself with Global Cool, a ten year campaign which plans to inspire one billion people to each reduce their personal CO2 emissions by one tonne. She joins a long list of celebrities involved with the initiative, including Stephen Fry, Josh Hartnett, Tony Blair, Prince Charles, Pink, the Kaiser Chiefs, Orlando Bloom, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

“Stop completely twatting your planet,” she said on the Global Cool website. “We haven’t got anywhere else to live.”

The start of September also saw Tunstall return to her roots when she went busking in Glasgow. But this time it was for charity, with a street side performance in front of the Buchanan Galleries shopping centre that raised $550 for Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy.

“Music is a really special way of helping disabled children,” said Tunstall. “I have a deaf brother who loves playing drums because he can really feel it and gets a lot out of it. I had heard of Nordoff-Robbins and they asked if I would be interested in raising a little money for them when I was in town. It was so different to when I first busked. In between every single song, I felt like I had to say the money wasn’t for me.”

More information on KT Tunstall’s new album and ecological beliefs can be found at www.kttunstall.com, and to work out your own personal CO2 usage and what you can do to lower it, visit www.globalcool.org.

Stars Sparkle for Elton John AIDS Foundation

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A charity party organised by Sir Elton John has raised $12.2 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and was a night to remember for all those involved.

Kate Winslet, Dame Judi Dench, and Elle Macpherson were among the 500 guests who dusted off their best clothes for the 9th annual White Tie and Tiara charity ball and auction, held on June 28 at Sir Elton’s home in Berkshire.

The theme of the night was “Las Vegas”, and the evening sparkled and shone as the celebrity party-goers wore their most stylish dresses and suits for the $6000/ticket event. Sir Elton’s house, “Woodside”, was lavishly decorated with a pink stretch cadillac, giant props from his “Red Piano” shows at Caesar’s Palace, and seven Elvis impersonators serenaded the crowd as they enjoyed a feast of “Las Vegas proportions”: truffle soufflé, followed by filet mignon with Maine lobster tail, and a giant knickerbocker glory for desert.

The dinner was followed by a special auction, in which guests bid on items such as a four day tennis lesson with Roger Federer (sold for $650,000), and an Audi R8 sportscar (snapped up for $800,000).

The most sought-after items for sale on the night included an artwork by party guest Tracey Emin, a trip to South Africa with Sir Elton and his partner, and a brand new Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe (which is said to be so elite that it has a waiting list that lasts until 2009). All of these items were sold for over $1.6 million each.

After the auction, guests such as Sir Michael Caine, Kirsten Dunst, and Stephen Fry – who wore a white tie AND tiara – were treated to the concert event of a lifetime. Backed by a 25 piece orchestra, Elton John joined Dame Shirley Bassey and Sir Tom Jones on stage to duet on songs such as “Hey Big Spender” and “Delilah”.

During the event, Sir Elton said that over the last 15 years the Elton John Aids Foundation has raised over $125 million. Much of this money has been used to raise awareness and aid for those affected by the disease in 55 countries.

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