Look To The Stars News: David Bowie

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

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

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

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

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

Be Freddie Mercury For A Day For Charity

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

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

Paul McCartney Documentary To Chronicle Reactions To 9/11

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000

As the United States prepares to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, SHOWTIME will premiere a highly-anticipated feature documentary.

“The Love We Make”, which chronicles Paul McCartney’s poignant and cathartic journey through the streets of New York in the aftermath of the World Trade Center’s destruction, and during the planning and performance of the monumental benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, “The Concert for New York City,” which took place less than six weeks after the terrorist attacks.

Directed by iconic documentary filmmaker Albert Maysles (Gimme Shelter, Salesman, Grey Gardens) and award-winning filmmaking partner, Bradley Kaplan (Muhammad and Larry, Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out!, Sand and Sorrow), The Love We Make was shot in the signature cinéma vérité style that Maysles pioneered and made famous when he filmed the Beatles’ first visit to America in the legendary 1964 documentary What’s Happening! The Beatles in the U.S.A.

Alicia Keys Announces Celebrity Charity Black Ball

Thu, 26 May 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Alicia Keys and Mark Ronson will join forces in London next month to host the annual Keep A Child Alive Black Ball.

“Each year, Keep a Child Alive gathers extraordinary guests in a night promised to be filled with surprises and special moments,” said Keep a Child Alive Co-Founder, Alicia Keys. “I LOVE the Black Ball! I’m proud to raise awareness and funds for this most important cause to help families in Africa and India affected by AIDS and HIV. This issue is undeniable – how can we ignore it? It’s our responsibility as human beings to come together to save lives and care about each other.”

Joining the stars at the event will be Paloma Faith, Tinie Tempah and others yet to be announced.

Rihanna Honored At DKMS Celebrity Charity Gala

Mon, 02 May 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Last Thursday night, the DKMS 5th Annual Gala raised a record $2.5 million to support the fight against leukemia and other blood related cancers. The money raised at the star-studded gala, which took place at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, will help register nearly 30,000 bone marrow donors and work to save lives worldwide.

Katharina Harf, COO of DKMS Americas presented an award to Rihanna in recognition for her tireless work in the fight against leukemia. “Anyone can be affected by leukemia,” said Rihanna. ""It is the number one disease children in the U.S. die of and we can change that. I encourage people to become bone marrow donors with DKMS. If we have more donors, we can save more lives."

Rihanna went on, “I would like to dedicate this award to Shannon Tavarez who fought so bravely against this disease but was tragically taken from us far too soon. Shannon was a great inspiration who selflessly promoted awareness of the need for donors, so that others may receive the help they need, and she will be missed.”

EMI Artists Band Together For Japan

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Artists and songwriters from one of the biggest music companies in the world, EMI, have united for an incredible worldwide celebrity charity auction of personal items and memorabilia to raise funds to help the Red Cross support people affected by last month’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

The charity auction, which will be managed by eBay, features items from some of the world’s biggest stars, including Coldplay, Norah Jones, Katy Perry, Garth Brooks, George Harrison, Darius Rucker, John Lennon, Gorillaz, Iron Maiden, Jane Birkin, the Beach Boys, David Guetta, Michael Franti, Lady Antebellum, The Chemical Brothers, Depeche Mode, Celtic Woman, 30 Seconds To Mars, Rosanne Cash, Daft Punk, Herbert Grönemeyer, Angela Gheorghiu, Keith Urban, Good Charlotte and The Beatles.

Christmas Gift Idea: Stars Sign Guitars For Amnesty International

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Last week, LookToTheStars.org suggested those looking for the perfect Christmas gift bid on Bruce Springsteen’s Amnesty International guitar. Now we have some other great celebrity charity gift ideas.

A host of other artists have also signed guitars designed by Fender to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights in 2008. Among the stars who have added their signatures to the instruments are U2’s The Edge, Peter Gabriel, David Bowie and The Cure.

Music Legends Support Hungerthon Celebrity Charity Auction

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Some of music’s legendary performers have come together as part of a special celebrity charity auction for Hungerthon.

Hungerthon was started in 1975 as a partnership between WhyHunger and Infinity Broadcasting and has since expanded to become an autumn radio tradition among the New York tri-state area radio stations in the CBS, Clear Channel and Emmis Radio Groups, and Sirius XM Satellite Radio, with support from Citadel New York stations, Last.FM and more.

WhyHunger is a leader in building the movement to end hunger and poverty by connecting people to nutritious, affordable food and by supporting grassroots solutions that inspire self-reliance and community empowerment. WhyHunger was founded in 1975 by the singer-songwriter Harry Chapin and radio talk-show host and current Executive Director Bill Ayres.

Duran Duran And Carla Bruni Join Charity Tribute To David Bowie

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Duran Duran and Carla Bruni are just two of the performers who have donated songs to a new tribute album to David Bowie to raise money for War Child.

The album – to be called We Were So Turned On – will be released on October 11, and will raise funds for War Child’s work protecting children who live in the world’s most dangerous war zones.

The two disc set list is as follows:

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.”

Celebrity Designs On Offer In Qatar

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:30:00 +0000

This Friday and Saturday, February 26-27, the Doha Marriott Hotel in Qatar is hosting a Whatever It Takes Shop and Draw for hope event in the main lobby featuring items from your favorite stars.

All of the unique merchandise for sale at this event features original artwork donated to Whatever It Takes — products include watches with artwork by Pierce Brosnan, John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson; t-shirts with the artwork of musicians Amy Winehouse, Barry Manilow, Suggs and Joss Stone; and a variety of totes and wallets with the artwork of Kanye West, Lucy Liu and David Bowie; the prices start at just 50QR (US$13).

After a pass through, shoppers are encouraged to enjoy the Doha Marriott’s lavish weekend brunch that offers an array of cuisines featuring stations from the restaurants Asia Live!, Corniche, All’ Aperto, Taj Rasoi, Salsa and special treat, cakes featuring Whatever It Takes Celebrity Symbols of Hope. In addition to shopping and dining, kids are invited to draw their own Symbols of Hope for the 21st Century or be entertained in the Doha Marriott’s kids club.

Iconic Stars Reveal Inspirations For Charity Calendar

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:30:00 +0000

British charity CLIC Sargent is to benefit from sales of a new calendar featuring the inspiration selections of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, Bono and other icons for the music world.

Music and entertainment specialist HMV is to mark the third anniversary of its acclaimed my inspiration campaign by featuring memorable highlights in a charity calendar for 2009/2010.

These include the my inspiration selections of Bob Dylan – who selected Scottish poet, Robert Burns; Bono and Paul McCartney, who, in turn, cite Bob Dylan as theirs; Paul Weller, who was first inspired by the songwriting of Lennon and McCartney; Bruce Springsteen, who was influenced by Blues performer Woodie Guthrie; and Deborah Harry, who found inspiration in the songs of Leonard Cohen.

Annie Lennox Joins Art For Africa Charity Auction

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Annie Lennox, Tracey Emin and David Bowie are just some of the artists who have donated works for a new auction that aims to raise funds for orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa.

The Africa Foundation is developing the Art for Africa auction, to be held at Sotheby’s on Monday 21 September 2009. For the first time, this auction brings together work from the leading contemporary artists from South Africa and the United Kingdom, in a collaboration to raise funds for orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa. The auction will be preceded by an exhibition of the work at Sotheby’s in London from 16 – 21 September.

In 2001 Beezy Bailey, a South Africa artist, was motivated by the growing number of children orphaned by the AIDS “tsunami” in Southern Africa to put together an Art for AIDS Orphans Auction to support charities that provide foster parenting to the growing number of AIDS orphans. 80 South African artists opened their hearts contributing to what was the biggest contemporary art auction in South Africa, hosted by Stephan Welz and Sotheby’s. This was followed in 2004 by a second auction at Sotheby’s in Johannesburg. These two auctions combined, raised R2.6 million [£200 000].

Celebrities Do Whatever It Takes For Charity

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:30:00 +0000

A huge selection of celebrity-designed bags and T-shirts are currently available at the UK’s premiere celebrity charity auction website, Buy Once Give Twice.

The auction site is hosting the auction for Whatever It Takes, a unique charity artwork project which inspires hope by gathering artworks from leaders in all fields; royalty, film, music, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, sports, literature etc. The artworks are used to ethically produce Whatever It Takes products which are then sold to raise funds for charitable causes chosen by each contributing leader.

Going under the hammer in the auction are T-shirts featuring designs by The Killers, Pink, Snoop Dogg, Nicole Kidman, Hilary Duff, Lucy Liu, Toni Collette, Coldplay, Minnie Driver, Keane, Whoopi Goldberg, Green Day, Barry Manilow, Penelope Cruz, Melanie C, Annie Lennox, and the Kaiser Chiefs. There are also bags and purses designed by Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, Lucy Liu, Kanye West, Slash, David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, and Stella McCartney.

War Child Album Cover Artwork To Be Auctioned

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Artist John Squire’s artwork for the new War Child Heroes compilation is to be auctioned off for the charity.

The former Stone Roses guitarist has donated the image for the online auction on eBay.

“For me the appeal of War Child is pretty simple, they help the hungry, the displaced and the traumatised children in certain war zones to deal with that situation and they involve them in deciding how that help is organised,” he said. “Anything I can do to support them is no trouble at all.”

Lily Allen To Go Abroad With War Child

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:00:00 +0000

British singer Lily Allen has announced her plans to travel overseas for charity and explained why.

“I sometimes feel like my life is a bit empty – as ridiculous as that sounds to some people, a bit vacuous,” she told Q Radio host Samanthi. "It is pop music and people do talk about it too much and sometimes I feel like I want to have a bit more substance in my life.

“I am going to be going to Afghanistan or the Congo in a few weeks to help War Child. They want me to go there and see how the money I have earned for them in the past is being used. And that is the stuff I get really excited about.”

Springsteen Chooses Rockers For Charity Album

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:30:00 +0000

The long-delayed Heroes charity album will finally get its release in February, and anticipation is already high from music fans and musicians alike.

“We’d already done ‘Atlantic City’ at a charity benefit, so we kind of had an arrangement worked up, so we decided to record that,” Craig Finn, lead singer with The Hold Steady told XFM radio after Bruce Springsteen chose the Brooklyn-based band to cover his song for Heroes. “It’s a pretty fun song, and I’m pretty happy with our version of it. We’ve been compared to Bruce Springsteen a lot, and he is a hero to all of us. It’s flattering that he’d think of us, given the choice. We hope our version of the song conveys the respect we have for him as an artist.”

The album will raise money for War Child, and features a series of once-in-a-lifetime collaborations between some of the best known names in the music world and up-and-coming stars – a concept that mirrors one of the intrinsic aims of War Child’s worldwide efforts in war zones across the world – to place faith in the next generation. Stars such as Sir Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and Brian Wilson have selected one of their best-known classic songs and nominated a new artist to record a cover of the track. Artists taking part include Beck, who will cover Dylan’s Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat; Rufus Wainwright, who will perform a medley from Wilson’s Smile; and The Kooks, who will cover The Kinks’ Victoria.

Singers Cover Heroes For War Child

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:30:00 +0000

War Child has announced the release of their biggest and most ambitious album to date: Heroes.

The album – to be released on November 24 – will raise money for the charity, which works to help children around the world affected by war. It will feature a series of once-in-a-lifetime collaborations between some of the best known names in the music world and up-and-coming stars – a concept that mirrors one of the intrinsic aims of War Child’s worldwide efforts in war zones across the world – to place faith in the next generation.

The idea behind the project is to have stars such as Sir Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and Brian Wilson select one of their best-known classic songs and nominate a new artist to record a cover of the track.

Lunchbox Auction Will Help Feed Hungry Children

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:49:04 +0000

Forget what they say about good things coming in small boxes, better things come in lunch-boxes created by artists, actors, chefs, musicians, photographer, politicians, and fashion designers to shed light on the plight of hungry children in New York City and South Africa. These original artistic efforts are for the Lunchbox Auction.

The artistry is often unique and often indicative of the personality behind the work. World renown chef Bobby Flay’s 2005 lunchbox was decorated with spices. Bono’s lunchbox was simply red signifying his (RED) campaign. The bidding for lunchbox items will commence online on December 6, 2007

Bono Awarded For AIDS Work

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 10:32:08 +0000

Nobel Peace Prize nominee Bono has received an award at an AIDS charity event in New York.

The U2 frontman was honored for his humanitarian work at The Black Ball, a ceremony held at the Hammerstein Ballroom on October 25 to raise money for the Keep A Child Alive foundation, a non-profit organization that provides treatment to AIDS victims in Africa.

The sparkling evening of cocktails, dinner, and rare musical performances was organized and co-hosted by Alicia Keys, a Global Ambassador for the foundation, who described Bono as “an amazing man [who] works tirelessly at really having a cause and fighting for it. He is an inspiration and single-handedly made it cool to have something to speak about.”

Stars Design Plates For Charity

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 17:51:22 +0000

For those who want to have dinner with the stars, this could be the next best thing. A selection of dinner plates designed by celebrities are for sale, with proceeds going to charity.

The plates feature designs by David Bowie, George Clooney, Giorgio Armani, Coldplay, Minnie Driver, and Sir Michael Caine, and are part of a fundraising initiative from 21st Century Leaders, a non-profit organization that plans to raise $3 million over three years through its “Whatever It Takes” celebrity-designed merchandise. So far, the organization has raised almost $1.5 million to fund “charitable projects in developing countries, and contribute to the protection of the environment and other causes”.

21st Century Leaders was founded by Charlotte di Vita, MBE, a goodwill ambassador for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. The 39 year old founded her first charity, Trade plus Aid, in 1992, which has raised over $5 million and helped communities in 21 developing countries to become self-supporting. A desire to do more led di Vita to start Whatever It Takes, a unique charity art project where celebrities donate their own artwork, which is then transferred onto “merchandise with a meaning”.