Look To The Stars News: Brian May

Stars Help Ban Beagle Breeding Farm

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Ricky Gervais and Brian May have helped the BUAV stop a controversial breeding facility in Britain that would have seen beagles raised for the purposes of medical experiments.

The stars spoke out against the facility, with Ricky saying ""I am disgusted to learn of these plans to breed beagles for experiments. It is unacceptable that these gentle and trusting dogs should be treated as commodities. If B&K’s plans go ahead, thousands of dogs will be born to spend the rest of their short lives in a laboratory cage, where they will suffer in cruel experiments."

In 2010, over 5,000 experiments were carried out on dogs in UK laboratories. Beagles are largely used in toxicity (poisoning) testing both for human and veterinary drugs, as well as agrochemicals. Dogs can be force fed chemicals and drugs in capsules or via plastic tubes inserted through their mouths, directly into their stomach or strapped into a harness for hours at a time while substances are pumped directly into their bloodstream. Animals can suffer adverse effects that result in vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss and lethargy. Some dogs may become so ill that they either die or have to be euthanased for welfare purposes.

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.”

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.

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.”

Rock Stars Feature In Celebrity Charity Cookbook

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000

A number of music legends – including Brian May, Roger Daltrey, Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller – have shown they have more than just music in common with a new celebrity charity cookbook.

In aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, over 60 musicians have come together for Love Music Love Food, a Rock Star Cook Book that merges iconic portraits with captivating recipes, accompanied by personalised interviews.

Whether you share Ellie Goulding’s love for sushi or Madness’ soft spot for pie and mash, it’s a book that will open your eyes to food in a unique way.

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.

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.

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.

Get Your Hands On Sharon Osbourne's Bag For Charity

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:00:00 +0000

A Fendi Spy handbag belonging to Sharon Osbourne is going under the hammer on a website that sells the secondhand items of the stars.

The bag also comes with a signed photograph and label. Proceeds will go to the Prince’s Trust, an organization established by Prince Charles to help disadvantaged young people reach their full potential.

Stars Write To British PM For Circus Animal Ban

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:30:00 +0000

In advance of the crucial Commons Debate to discuss a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses today, Animal Defenders International (ADI) and high profile supporters and celebrities are once again calling on the Government to reconsider their recent decision not to implement an outright ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, and to now vote for a ban.

Brian Blessed, Annette Crosbie, Ricky Gervais, Meg Mathews, Brian May, Julia McKenzie, John Nettles, Mark Radcliffe, Alexei Sayle and Benjamin Zephaniah have all signed an open letter to the Prime Minister and are requesting that as many politicians as possible attend and vote for a ban today.

Celebrities Support Wild Animal Circus Campaign

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

Animal Defenders International (ADI) has enlisted the help of high profile supporters and celebrities who have written a joint open letter to the British Prime Minister requesting that he reconsiders Government’s recent decision not to implement an outright ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.

Brian Blessed, Annette Crosbie, Ricky Gervais, Meg Mathews, Brian May, Julia McKenzie, John Nettles, Mark Radcliffe, Alexei Sayle and Benjamin Zephaniah have all pledged support to ADI’s ‘Stop Circus Suffering UK’ campaign, bringing further pressure to bear on the Coalition Government to introduce a ban during this crucial time.

Heavy Metal Legends Form Supergroup For Charity

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Some of Heavy Metal’s greatest headbangers have joined together to form a massive supergroup for charity.

Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi and Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan will front WhoCares, a charity band that also features Whitesnake keyboardist Jon Lord and Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain. Metallica bassist Jason Newsted has also joined the band for two charity songs due out shortly.

According to Gillan.com, the band “has recorded two brand new songs with the intent to support the rebuilding of a music school in Gyumri, Armenia. Both Gillan and Iommi have spent a lot of time in Armenia, fallen in love with the country and the people and have dedicated a lot of work to a nation still shocked after the earthquake that struck Armenia on December 7, 1988 at 11:41am.”

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

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.

Stars Give Land Mines The Boot With Celebrity Charity Auction

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The Mines Advisory Group is launching a very special celebrity charity auction this week to raise money for people affected by landmines.

Stars such as Katy Perry, Pink, Shirley Bassey, Twiggy, Joanna Lumley, Nelly Furtado, Alan Shearer and Tony Blair’s wife, Cherie, have donated their shoes to the auction, which launches on July 22 and runs till August 1.

“We’ve been totally overwhelmed by the support we’ve had from celebrities who’ve given up their shoes to help those affected by conflict every day,” said MAG’s Give Landmines The Boot auction organizer Zoe Corden. "MAG chose to run a celebrity shoe auction because often its peoples’ feet that are the most at risk from landmine blasts, and the stars that donated did so to help us stamp a link between shoes and the dangers that lurk beneath them for millions worldwide.