Look To The Stars News: Pete Townshend

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

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

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

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

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

Guitar String Bracelets Raise Thousands For Charity

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Wear Your Music, the creators of the Original Artist Bracelet, succeeded in donating over 60,000 dollars to charity in 2011. The Original Artist Bracelet is custom-made from the intertwined guitar strings of music icons with profits donated to individual musicians’ charities of choice.

Over 150 artists including modern favorites Jason Mraz, John Mayer and Jack Johnson, classic legends like Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend and Gregg Allman and country music icons like Dolly Parton and Tim McGraw are donating their strings to create The Original Artist Bracelets.

“We created this company in 2007 when we noticed that musicians were just tossing away their used guitar strings,” explains Hannah Garrison, Co-Founder of Wear Your Music. “We wanted to use these guitar strings to make a difference by recycling a piece of rock memorabilia to create bracelets for fans. We took it a step further and decided to donate the proceeds from the sale of the Artist Bracelet to the musician’s charity of choice.”

Rock Legends Unite For The Prince's Trust In London

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Pete Townshend, The Feeling and Boy George were part of a star-studded line up that rocked the Royal Albert Hall for The Prince’s Trust Rock Gala supported by Novae.

The music extravaganza, hosted by Edith Bowman and Patrick Kielty, raised vital funds – and the roof – for the youth charity’s vital work with disadvantaged young people. The fundraiser comes in the wake of news that more than a million 16 to 24 year-olds are out of work, the highest number since records began in 1992.

A long list of Prince’s Trust supporters performed at the Rock Gala – the tenth in The Trust’s history – including singer songwriters Chris De Burgh, Nik Kershaw, Julian Lennon, Cerys Matthews, Alison Moyet and Joss Stone , rock legends Kenney Jones, Mark King and Midge Ure, urban saxophonist YolanDa Brown, classical music star Charlie Siem and comedian and musician Tim Minchin.

Chimes Of Freedom: Stars Cover Bob Dylan For Charity

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Two iconic forces that have impacted the past 50 years – the life-saving human rights activism of Nobel Peace Prize-winning Amnesty International and the incomparable artistry of Bob Dylan – are being saluted by 80 musicians who contributed new or previously unreleased recordings to Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International.

The collection is scheduled for physical (4 discs) and digital release in North America on January 24, 2012 through Fontana Distribution. It will be distributed internationally through Fontana International, a Universal Music company, on January 30.

Chimes of Freedom features a stellar and diverse group of artists across the generational and musical spectrum. The performers, including many of Amnesty International’s longtime supporters, range in age from teenage pop star Miley Cyrus, 19, to folk music legend Pete Seeger, who, at 92, records Dylan’s poignant “Forever Young,” with a children’s chorus.

Music Icons To Rock For The Prince's Trust

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

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

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

Rock Legends Launch Teenage Cancer Program At UCLA

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

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

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

Pete Townshend To Headline Charity Rock Gala

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:45:00 +0000

Rock legend Pete Townshend will be joined by a plethora of acts at a very special celebrity charity concert in London next month.

The Prince’s Trust Rock Gala 2011 will feature the legendary The Who guitarist in a lineup that also includes YolanDa Brown, Kenney Jones, Mark King, Julian Lennon, Cerys Matthews, Imelda May, comedian and musician Tim Minchin, Charlie Siem and Midge Ure. More acts are yet to be announced.

Colin Firth Donates Shoes To Celebrity Charity Auction

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0000

The Small Steps Project will be holding the 2011 London Celebrity Shoe Auction and the premier of the new film at a fundraising evening at The Royal Society of Medicine on October 12.

The event aims to raise awareness and funds so that we can continue to assist children in poverty on rubbish dumps around the world.

Stars Sign Letter Against Iranian Death Sentence

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

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

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

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

The Who Launches Charity Tees For A New Generation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buy Guitar String Bracelets And Support Charity

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Music fans now have the chance to wear their love of Rock on their sleeves for charity.

Wear Your Music is a New York-based organization that creates 100% eco-friendly jewelry that rocks – literally. The company makes used guitar strings from artists spanning the musical spectrum into stylish bracelets. 100% of the proceeds from the bracelets goes to charities of the artists’ choice, such as UNICEF, Rock the Vote, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Nordoff Robbins, MusiCares, PETA, HeadCount, The Nature Conservancy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Keep A Child Alive, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Smile Train and many more.

Over 150 musicians have personally donated guitar strings to the initiative, including Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, Metallica, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Ben Harper, Avril Lavigne, Carrie Underwood, Carlos Santana and Death Cab for Cutie.

The Who To Play At Charity Ball

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

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

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

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

The Who To Rock Grand Prix For Fire Relief

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

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

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

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

Robin Gibb To Headline Heritage Ball

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Former Bee Gee Robin Gibb has announced that he will headline the Heritage Foundation’s annual Awards and Summer Ball in June.

The singer will perform with Bill Wyman and The Rhythm Kings at the event, to be held at the Millenium Hotel in London on June 20.

Gibb is a longtime supporter of the Heritage Foundation, an organization that aims to combine paying tribute to Britain’s wealth of talent who have bought pleasure and joy to millions through their performances or technical skills with raising funds for good causes. He is also the 2009 president of the organization, a position that in the past has been held by celebrities such as Phil Collins, Norman Wisdom, and Ernie Wise.

Annie Lennox - Human Rights Now!

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Annie Lennox was awarded a Special Achievement Award at the German Sustainability Awards last week.

The ceremony – which took place in Düsseldorf – recognized the music legend’s commitment to a sustainable future through her work in the fight against HIV/AIDS, including her commitments to the Treatment Action Campaign, Oxfam, the 46664 Campaign, and SING.

The event was followed this week by a special documentary that aired on BBC2 radio. Human Rights Now! was a 1 hour presentation hosted by Lennox that highlighted the important part artists and musicians play in generating support and awareness for Amnesty International.

Give Landmines The Boot With Charity Auction

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:00:00 +0000

A British charity for victims of landmines has launched their annual online celebrity shoe auction.

The Mines Advisory Group has gathered footwear from over 50 celebrities for the auction, which will raise vital funds for their projects and draw attention to the part of the body most vulnerable to landmines.

The auction was launched by model Kelly Knox, the glamorous winner of BBC 3’s best disabled model competition, at Merchant Taylor’s Hall in London.

Secret Policeman's Ball Returns This Weekend

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Amnesty International has revealed some of the names to take part in its famous comedy event The Secret Policeman’s Ball, which returns to London’s Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 4 October.

The event – which made its name with seven shows between 1976 and 1991 – is a star-studded night of comedy, entertainment and music. It is set to feature some of the most cutting edge and leading comedic and musical talent and will also highlight some of Amnesty International’s campaigning activities for human rights all over the
world.

Who Wants To Be A Roadie For The Who?

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Following last week’s announcement that they are to donate the proceeds from an upcoming concert to charity, classic British rockers The Who are offering one lucky fan the chance to roadie for them on their new tour in a special online auction to raise money for a charity that inspires at-risk youth with the assistance of homeless shelter dogs.

Fans are already bidding over $20,000 for the opportunity to join the band on the road and hang out with Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend on their US tour. But that’s not all that’s on offer: bidders also have the chance to pick up signed memorabilia from Bob Dylan, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Harrison Ford, David Gray, Robert Plant, Kevin Spacey, Tom Hanks, Hilary Duff, Justin Long, Tori Spelling, and Hayden Panettiere.

The auction, which runs until August 24 and can be accessed through Ebay Giving Works, is raising money for K9 Connection, a charity that allows at-risk 12- to 18-year-old children train homeless shelter dogs in basic obedience, assisting the dogs to develop the skills to become adoptable. The organization aims to empower high-risk youth to apply the lessons they teach the dogs to their own lives: to develop an awareness of the risks of uncontrolled and impulsive behavior, and to believe in the power of positive reinforcement as an alternative to force and violence.

The Who To Donate Concert Proceeds

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:30:00 +0000

Classic rock band The Who will donate all of the proceeds from an upcoming concert to charity.

According to their website, the band’s October 21 show at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan will benefit Detroit charities Gleaners Community Food Bank and Focus: Hope.

“The first gig we ever played in the U.S. was in Detroit and we have always had an affinity with this part of the country,” said singer Roger Daltrey. “Pete Townshend and I are very aware of the problems people are having in Michigan and feel we should give something back for all the support we have had over the last 40 years.”

Eric Clapton - Standing At The Crossroads Of Addiction

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:00:16 +0000

Although regarded by many as one of the best rock and blues guitarists to ever live, Eric Clapton is a man who has suffered for his art. But the succession of addictions and the tragic personal dramas have not stopped the legend from becoming one of the most successful performers in the world today, and have fueled his desire to help those who face the same problems in their daily struggle to survive.

Clapton was born in 1945, in Surrey, England. He was raised by his grandmother and grew up believing his mother was actually his older sister – she was only 16 when he was born. He eventually found out the truth when he was 9 years old, and he took it hard. He became shy and lonely, and took solace in the only thing he could find stability in – blues music.

A proficiency with the guitar led the young teenager to join a band called The Yardbirds in 1963, and the group started to attract a large cult following when they took over the Rolling Stones’ residency at the Crawdaddy Club in Richmond. Clapton played on The Yardbirds first hit record, “For Your Love”, before leaving the band in 1965 due to their pop-orientated musical direction.