Look To The Stars News: Dido

Oxfam Launches Celebrity Charity Auction For Haiti

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:20:00 -0000

Oxfam UK has launched a massive celebrity charity auction to raise much-needed funds for their work in Haiti.

Coldplay and Chris Martin are leading the charge by donating a Viva La Vida tour jacket, with Dido, Status Quo and PJ Harvey also donating used clothes. Annie Lennox has donated one of her favorite paintings, while Rolf Harris has donated a painting he created himself. The Arctic Monkeys have donated a guitar, and there are items from the Pet Shop Boys, Pearl Jam, Placebo, Bryan Ferry, Mika and many more.

You can also pick up items from Radiohead, who played a special gig in Los Angeles during the weekend to raise cash for the charity. Held at the Music Box Theatre At The Fonda, the gig included the debut of a new song – Lotus Flower – previously only performed at Thom Yorke’s solo shows.

To take part in the auction, click here.

Dave Stewart Donates Suit To Charity Auction

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Musician Dave Stewart has donated the suit he wore when he accepted the Awards for Outstanding Contribution to British Music for Eurythmics (Silver Clefs Award by the Nordoff Robbins Foundation) in 2000 to the world’s leading Eurythmics fan site for a charity competition.

Ethrill.net has been collecting rare items like lithographs and deluxe books, limited vinyl and much more from fans of the band to give away as part of the anniversary of Annie Lennox's SING Campaign to help prevent the spread of HIV in South Africa, where 1,000 people die from AIDS-related causes every day. Since 2007, SING has raised over $2 million, and helped over 100,000 people affected by HIV in the Eastern Cape of South Africa – but there is much more work to be done.

All you have to do to win is make a donation to the SING Campaign through the Ethrill.net website before December 24.

SING was launched to raise money for the Treatment Action Campaign through the sales of an all-star single that featured the voices of Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell.

Annie Lennox To Play Unplugged In South Africa

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Annie Lennox will play a special unplugged concert in South Africa next month for charity.

The singer will perform at the Teatro theatre in Montecasino on July 8 to raise funds and awareness for her SING Foundation.

“Audiences will see the star up close and personal, accompanied by nothing other than her piano and her stories,” said Penny Stein, spokeswoman for the event.

SING was launched in 2007 to raise money for the Treatment Action Campaign through the sales of an all-star single that featured the voices of Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell.

Tickets are available here and include a pre-show cocktail party with a special performance by the Soweto Gospel Choir.

Stars Duet With Cuban Musicians For Climate Change

Tue, 26 May 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Amy Winehouse, The Killers and The Rolling Stones have teamed up with a group of Cuban musicians on an album designed to fight climate change.

The artists will perform duets with Rhythms Del Mundo on the CD, titled Classics, with proceeds from the project going to fund climate change projects and natural disaster relief around the world.

Inspired by the 2004 Asian Tsunami, the album will contain musical gems such as The Killers singing The Eagles' Hotel California, and The Rolling Stones taking on The Drifters’ Under the Boardwalk. Also included on the album will be Amy Winehouse’s take on Sam Cooke’s Cupid. But perhaps the real highlight will be Fall Out Boy and John Mayer teaming up to cover Michael Jackson's Beat It.

The album will follow the first Rhythms Del Mundo album which was released in 2006 and featured an all-star cast of Cuban musicians including Ibrahim Ferrer and Omara Portuondo of the Buena Vista Social Club and international artists such as the Arctic Monkeys, Dido, U2, Coldplay, Sting, Jack Johnson, Maroon 5, Franz Ferdinand, and Kaiser Chiefs. Proceeds from the CD went to environmental nonprofit organization Artists Project Earth.

The new CD is due for release in July.

Annie Lennox SINGS In Norway

Tue, 19 May 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Annie Lennox was in Norway last week to host a special event that aimed to raise money and awareness for the SING Campaign against AIDS.

The singer performed in Oslo on May 15 at an event in which guests were required to make a minimum donation of NOK 1,000 to the SING Campaign in order to redeem an invite.

“One third of pregnant women in South Africa are HIV positive,” said the 53-year-old in a recent CNN interview. “We can prevent their children being born with the virus if we let the women have access to treatment. If you do not allow that to happen, you’re going to have future generations simply being wiped out.”

More information about the campaign, visit the Sing Campaign website.

Annie Lennox Raises Awareness Of SING Campaign

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Annie Lennox has just released her new Greatest Hits collection in the US and has used the occasion to raise awareness of a new campaign being run by SING, an initiative she established to bring attention to AIDS/HIV in Africa.

Over the next few weeks and months, SING will be telling the stories of four women in Africa who are currently living their lives and raising their families whilst dealing with the effects of HIV/AIDS.

After personally witnessing Nelson Mandela describe the African HIV pandemic as a genocide, with women and children becoming the frontline victims, Annie Lennox set out to try and do something about it.

The singer launched the SING Campaign in 2007 when she released a special fundraising single called Sing, which featured a 23-member choir of female celebrities, including Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell. Proceeds from the single went to the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), an organization that that provides much needed support in the continent’s struggle against the deadly virus.

The money raised by SING helps prevent the spread of HIV in South Africa, and also supports those currently living with HIV.

“[The focus of the SING Campaign] is really on women,” Lennox told CNN last week. “I understand what it is for a woman to want to protect their children and give them the best they can.”

To follow the new campaign being run by SING, visit their website. A video announcing the new campaign for 2009 can be viewed here.

Celebrities Donate Songs And Money To Australian Fire Victims

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The humanitarian spirit of the stars is shining out in the wake of the Australian bushfires that killed over 200 people and left thousands homeless. Pink and Jimmy Barnes are the latest celebrities to donate to the victims, and a new CD featuring some of Australia’s favorite performers has been released to raise funds.

“I’ve been really affected by the media images of the tragic bushfires in Victoria,” said Pink. “My heart goes out to all those who have suffered so much in these circumstances. There’s little anyone can do at such a long distance away but I wanted to make a tangible expression of support.”

The star has donated $250,000 to the appeal and hopes the money will help in the “rebuilding of lives and communities in the areas affected”.

Australian singer Jimmy Barnes has announced he will donate all the proceeds from sales of his new live album, Jimmy Barnes Live At The Enmore, to the appeal.

“Importantly, the people who buy this album can rest assured that every single cent from the purchase of it will go to the bushfire appeal,” said Barnes. “It’s a good buy for all involved. Not only are music fans getting a bargain, but were all in this together for an extremely important cause.”

The album is available for $3.39 on iTunes.

Also released to raise funds for victims is Bushfire Aid – Artists For The Bushfire Appeal, a CD featuring performers from Australia and the world.

Proceeds from the sale of the CD will go to The Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal through the charitable arm of the Australian Sony Group of Companies, The Sony Foundation. Artists to donate songs include Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Beyoncé Knowles, Justin Timberlake, Whitney Houston, Dido, Midnight Oil, Vanessa Amorosi, John Williamson, Eurythmics, Delta Goodrem, Westlife, Paul Kelly, Anthony Callea and many more.

“Sony Music Australia is privileged to support the Victorian Bushfire Appeal through this special CD,” said Denis Handlin Chairman & CEO, Australia & New Zealand, Sony Music Entertainment. “Our thanks go to all of the artists and songwriters for generously donating their tracks royalty free. We also thank Sony DADC Australia for kindly donating the CD manufacturing. I know everyone in Australia shares deep concern for this tragedy, its horrific toll on life, families, communities and wildlife. On behalf of Sony Music and the Sony Foundation, our thoughts and prayers are with those affected, and our immense gratitude goes to all the emergency service people and volunteers who have so generously given in this time of need.”

The album is in stores in Australia now, and more info can be found by clicking here.

Stars Sing Praises For Annie Lennox

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

December 1 marked the first anniversary of Annie Lennox's SING Campaign, and some of the stars involved have paid tribute to her work.

“Congratulations for all the hard work that Sing has done in the last year, good luck and much love for the next year to come,” said Anastacia. "Happy First birthday Sing! "

“Congratulations on all the success of the foundation,” added Gladys Knight. “We all must do our part to make a difference. Thank you so much for stepping up to the plate.”

“Happy anniversary ‘SING’!” said Joss Stone. “Well done to everyone on the team and a special well done to Annie for sticking her neck out for the things that she believes in! I am inspired and proud to be part of this.”

Bonnie Raitt also wrote a note of support: “Thanks for all the wonderful work you’ve done this year with the Sing campaign. I’m so proud to have joined together with so many wonderful singers to help Annie raise awareness and support for the terrible problem of HIV/AIDS especially for women in Africa. I’ve loved Annie’s music for years and hope we can work miracles with her beautiful song and Sister Choir.”

A special first birthday film for the campaign – featuring Lennox – can be found at YouTube.

Martha Stewart Gets Celeb Friends To Sign Decorations

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

An eclectic array of stars, including Dido, The Wiggles, James Taylor, Patti LaBelle, Pink, and Joss Stone, have signed Christmas ornaments for Martha Stewart's new charity auction.

Stewart’s Sirius Radio show launched the auction this week to benefit the Taste of the NFL, an organization that raises money and awareness for hunger organizations.

Other stars to join in the fun include Howard Stern, David Archuleta, the Kaiser Chiefs, Jane Krakowski, Nigella Lawson, Quincy Jones, Elle Macpherson, Tom Arnold, Jacqueline Bisset, David Cook, Nickelback, Jamie Oliver, Lee Ann Womack, and many more.

The auction – which runs until December 12 – can be accessed through eBay.

Annie Lennox Sings For World AIDS Day

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Today, December 1, is World AIDS Day – and also the first anniversary of Annie Lennox's SING Campaign, and the star has launched a host of new additions to the SING website to celebrate.

Among the additions are a new Timeline that plots the progress of the campaign since its launch, and an Advent calendar which will unlock a new window every day through December that features either SING video’s, SING Image’s or a special video message from Lennox. There is also a new Widget that can be downloaded for Facebook, Bebo, MySpace and other sites, as well as a special SING Campaign YouTube site. Lennox is also writing a column in today’s issue of Britain’s The Sun newspaper about her work with SING.

To watch a special video celebrating the first anniversary of the SING campaign, click here.

Annie Lennox Sings Praises For Charity Work

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Annie Lennox has written an update about her SING campaign, an initiative she launched last year to raise money for AIDS treatment projects.

“December 1st will be World Aids day, and will also be the 1st anniversary of the launch of SING,” she wrote in her latest blog. “I think it’s essential that anyone who supports the campaign gets a clearly outlined list of everything we’ve done so far, so that you can get a better understanding of our accomplishments.”

The campaign was launched to raise money for the Treatment Action Campaign through the sales of an all-star single that featured the voices of Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell.

“One of the reasons SING supports the Treatment Action Campaign is because it is a “grassroots” organization, run by the people “for” the people," wrote Lennox. "Once you can start to empower people with information, education and collective solidarity, you can begin to implement effective changes at a community level. Now that there is a new health minister in South Africa, there can be a window of opportunity to take some significant steps towards saving and sustaining lives. In a few weeks I will be having a meeting with the CEO of TAC, where we’ll have the chance to discuss what needs to be done, and how we can go about instilling and supporting positive action asap.

“Meanwhile thank you for supporting SING… as I’ve said before, we’re in for the long haul, and I aim to make a difference!”

It has also been announced that Lennox is to receive a Special Achievement Award at the 2008 German Sustainability Awards for her commitment to a sustainable future, in particular her commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The ceremony will take place in Düsseldorf on December 5.

Be The First To Hear Dido's New Album

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Dido fans listen up: this is your chance to hear the singer’s new album before anybody else in the world!!

To celebrate the release of her brand new album Safe Trip Home, Dido is holding a special auction on eBay.

The star will attend a special listening party at a top-secret luxury location on October 19, and this is your chance to be there. The prize includes accommodation at the location, and all proceeds will go directly to Oxfam.

To make a bid on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, visit eBay. The auction ends on October 15.

Annie Lennox And Friends Sing For Africa

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:59:52 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Momentum is building behind Annie Lennox's Sing Campaign, and the singer is now offering fans the chance to download the song that started it all for free in an initiative to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS problem in South Africa.

US residents will be able to download the song from Amazon MP3 until March 17 and support the Treatment Action Campaign, an orgainization that provides much needed support in the country’s struggle against the deadly virus.

The single, which was made available in the UK through the Body Shop, has sold out in countries such as Ireland and cities such as London. The entire UK has sold half of its stock in only two days, an unprecedented occurrence in the music industry, especially in relation to a charity single.

Lennox was joined by a choir of 23 well-known female performers for the song, which was originally released on her Songs of Mass Destruction album in 2007. The former Eurythmics lead singer believed that a group of female voices would make the message of the song stronger, so she enlisted the talents of Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell in the recording.

“Because I had written a song called ‘Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves’ in the 80s, which became a fairly well-known feminist anthem really, [I thought] perhaps it would be possible to try to attempt to write another kind of anthemic song for women,” said Lennox. “So I started to write a song and it ended up being called ‘Sing’. I sort of melded the song in with an HIV activist song written by a group of activists living in Khayelitsa in South Africa.”

The Sing Campaign, which Lennox launched in 2007, has also just set up a new video on YouTube, in which the public can leave comments in support of the campaign.

More information about the campaign, visit the Sing Campaign website.

Annie Lennox Leads Women To Sing For AIDS Projects

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:17:21 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Annie Lennox's new album, Songs of Mass Destruction, due out October 1 promises “not to be lightweight, easy listening, coffee house kinda stuff.” According to Lennox’s website, Sing, a powerful feminist anthem on the album, will feature 23 of the most recognized and successful female solo artists in the world, including Madonna, Shakira, Joss Stone, Dido and Céline Dion.

Inspired by her involvement with both Nelson Mandela's 46664 and Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) and its vocal group, The Generics, organizations that support health care for HIV/AIDS patients, Annie created Sing to raise funds for TAC’s HIV/AIDS projects. The Generics are also featured in her new album.

Another not-for-profit organization based in South Africa, Life College, has also attracted Lennox’s attention. Life College offers educational and mentoring services to families to substantially improve their levels of success in life. Included in the curriculum is a Life Champion Leadership Programme, which pairs students with people who have achieved high levels of professional success, like Annie Lennox, Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, top athletes and prominent business people. It’s said to be one of the best, life changing aspects of the course.

Lennox agrees: “I wish that there could be a Life College in every part of the world, and I wish I could attend it myself! It teaches people the skills to create a positive way forward into leading a constructive and successful life, both personally and professionally.”

Kravitz and Good Charlotte "Serve" Those in Need

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 19:49:14 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Major recording artists such as Lenny Kravitz and Good Charlotte have come together to help create an all-star charity CD benefitting World Hunger Year (WHY).

Called “Serve”, the collection of tracks by Grammy Award-winning and acclaimed artists includes a booklet with text and photos celebrating philanthropy in rock ‘n’ roll. The 12 songs are variously new and classic, electric and acoustic, and two are live recordings. Many of the tracks are rare or previously unreleased pieces.

The CD is available at Hard Rock Cafe’s Rock Shops and the Hard Rock Cafe website. The tracklist is as follows:

Bruce Springsteen – “Secret Garden” (String Version)
Aerosmith – “Jaded” (Acoustic Mix)
Dido – “Life for Rent”
The Strokes – “Alone, Together” (Home Recording)
Ray Lamontagne – “Shelter”
Coheed And Cambria – “A Favor House Atlantic” (Live Acoustic Version)
Velvet Revolver – “Slither”
Modest Mouse – “Ocean Breathes Salty”
Darryl McDaniels (featuring Sarah McLachlan) – “Just Like Me”
Good Charlotte – “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous” (Live Acoustic Version)
Lenny Kravitz – “Let Love Rule”
The Hold Steady – “Chicago Seemed Tired Last Night”

WHY fights against hunger and poverty in America, and net proceeds from “Serve” will be donated to an artist-directed division of WHY, Artists Against Hunger & Poverty.

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