Look To The Stars News: Pete Townshend

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.

“Roger and I have a rich history with Hard Rock International and it’s an honor to join some of the music’s greatest legends for this important cause,” Townshend said of the new garment. “It’s amazing that our design on a T-shirt can literally help save lives.”

The new shirt is available at all Hard Rock Cafes, hotels and casinos as well as the company’s Web site. For more information, all you need do is click here for HardRock.com.

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

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

Written by Delinda Lombardo

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.

My Generation was the debut album by the English rock band and its title single reached #2 on the U.K. singles chart. Featuring Pete Townshend’s rebel-rousing lyrics, expressing a generation trying to find its place in the rapidly changing society of the mid-‘60s, the song was chosen by Rolling Stone as the 11th greatest song of all time. The halftime set list for the Super Bowl will include snippets of "Baba O’Riley," “Pinball Wizard,” “Tommy,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Who Are You.”

Buy Guitar String Bracelets And Support Charity

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

“These are strings that these musicians have used and would normally throw away,” says co-president and designer Hannah Garrison, “It’s great that we can recycle them and also offer people a chance to wear rock n roll on their wrists.” In addition, the fine silver used on each bracelet is also 100% recycled, as is the DVD case each bracelet comes in. “Supporting good causes and the environment have always been important, but even more so now.”

To check out the bracelets and make a purchase, visit the official Wear Your Music website.

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 event will feature live performances by one of Britain’s brightest young stars, soul sensation V V Brown, and iconic music legends, The Who – featuring Pete Townshend.

To start the evening’s fundraising, there will be the chance to test your football knowledge with sporting heads and tails, take part in an exclusive auction, and dance the night away to music brought to you by international DJ Judge Jules.

“We’re honored to be playing at the Legends And Youth Ball to celebrate Arsenal’s fantastic support of Teenage Cancer Trust throughout this season,” said The Who’s Roger Daltrey, a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust. “I have been fighting for this cause for many years and I’m thrilled that this partnership has made and will continue to make a huge difference to young people with cancer.”

Funds raised from the Legends & Youth Ball will be split 80% to Teenage Cancer Trust and 20% to The Arsenal Charitable Trust. A limited number of tickets to the ball, priced at £1,200 per pair, are available. For more information, click here.

The Who To Rock Grand Prix For Fire Relief

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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!""

Tickets are available here.

Robin Gibb To Headline Heritage Ball

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

As part of his duties as president, Gibb will attend a special plaque unveiling this Sunday, March 8, to honor legendary The Who drummer Keith Moon. The event will take place at 90 Wardour Street, London – the site of the former Marquee Club – and will be followed by a star-studded lunch at the Grosvenor House Hotel. The Who members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend are also expected to attend.

Tickets to the Summer Ball in June cost £110. More information can be found at the Heritage Foundation website.

Annie Lennox - Human Rights Now!

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

The program included a discussion of the Secret Policeman’s Ball events and the Conspiracy Of Hope and Human Rights Now! tours which featured performances from such artists as Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel and Bono.

The program – which celebrated International Human Rights Day on December 10 – included contributions from U2's The Edge, Sting, and Pete Townshend from The Who.

The program can be heard at the BBC website.

Give Landmines The Boot With Charity Auction

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

“We are extremely honored to have Kelly launch our shoe auction this year,” said MAG’s Chief Executive Lou McGrath OBE. “Despite being born without a left forearm, Kelly has proven disability is not a deterrent to success. She should be an inspiration to the many thousands of people who have been cruelly maimed by the thousands of landmines still threatening lives and communities worldwide.”

Celebrities who have donated their soles to the cause include Judi Dench, Geri Halliwell, Chrissie Hynde, Beverley Knight, Ian McKellen, Shirley Bassey, Russell Brand, Jarvis Cocker, Heather Mills, Joanna Lumley, Susan Sarandon, Pete Townshend, KT Tunstall, Chris Martin, Rolf Harris, and many others.

The auction ends on December 4 and can be accessed via the MAG eBay site.

British charity auction site Buy Once Give Twice also currently has some exciting opportunities for philanthropic bargain hunters.

Rays of Sunshine – a charity that grants wishes to seriously and terminally ill children in the UK – have a whole bunch of VIP tickets up for grabs on the site right now, including concert experiences with Coldplay, Madness, and the Kaiser Cheifs. There is also a Fender guitar signed by Sting up for grabs, as well as a Chelsea football shirt signed by the whole team, and the chance to hang out with Emma Thompson on the set of the new Nanny McPhee movie.

But you better be quick, this auction ends tomorrow, November 26.

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.

This year’s Secret Policeman’s Ball will also mark the start of Amnesty International’s celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in December.

This year’s show will feature a lineup of some of Britain’s best comedy talent, including Frank Skinner, Alan Carr, Graham Norton, Sean Lock, Katy Brand, Tim Minchin, Kristen Schaal, Sarah Millian, Kayvan Novak, Russell Peters, Fearne Cotton, Meera Syal, Sean Williamson, and many more.

The first Secret Policeman’s Ball took place over four consecutive nights in London in June 1979, and featured John Cleese. In 1979, Pete Townshend became the first major rock musician to donate his services to the human rights organization when he performed three songs for the show, a performance that went on to inspire the human rights work of Bono, Sting, Bob Geldof, and many others.

This year’s show will be “cinecast” in cinemas all around the world, from Canada to Australia. A list of the cinemas who will be showing the Secret Policeman’s Ball live – and ticket information – can be found at the Amnesty International website.

Who Wants To Be A Roadie For The Who?

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

“Be a Who roadie for a day,” said Roger Daltrey, lead singer for The Who, known for their habit of destroying their equipment onstage. “And if you get the job – good luck… you’re gonna need it!”

The Who To Donate Concert Proceeds

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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."

The Who are well known for their charity work. In the past they have raised almost £3 million (US$6 million) for the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT), which has been used to build specialist cancer units.

“Seventy per cent of young people with cancer still don’t have access to a TCT Unit,” said Daltrey. “I am working with other members of The Who to break through red tape and get specialist cancer wards built for teenagers suffering from this terrible disease. These units are a right, not a privilege. We all know that without teenagers, without their energy and their passion for music, we wouldn’t have rock and roll as we know it. It is our duty to fight for this group and give them a voice within the National Health Service.”

The band also established Double O – a charity focused mainly on drug and alcohol damage, domestic violence, sexual abuse, music education, emergency relief for International disasters, and young people’s prison reform – in 1976.

Tickets for the Michigan concert are available now from Ticketmaster.

Eric Clapton - Standing At The Crossroads Of Addiction

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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.

Before he left, however, Clapton started his long association with benefit concerts by joining Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page for a series of 12 gigs in support of Action For Research Into Multiple Sclerosis, a cause he has continued to support over the years.

A brief stint in “John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers” was followed by Clapton’s first shot at the big time – he formed “Cream” with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. A string of hits – such as “Sunshine of Your Love”, “White Room”, and “Crossroads” – was unleashed on a music scene where the likes of Jimi Hendrix and The Who were creating a psychedelic stir. Drugs fueled the industry, and Clapton started to feel their attractive lure. It was a relationship that was destined for disaster.

Cream disbanded in 1968, and Clapton spent his time in bands such as “Blind Faith” and “Derek And The Dominos”. He also found a solid friendship with George Harrison, guitarist for The Beatles.

By the time Clapton kicked off his solo career in 1970, he was drinking heavily and was addicted to heroin. His personality became erratic and his live shows suffered as a result. He became reclusive, only leaving his house to secure more drugs and to perform at the occasional benefit concert – during George Harrison’s Concert For Bangladesh in 1972, Clapton passed out on stage.

If something was not done quickly, Clapton’s friends could see that he would go the same way as Hendrix and many other stars caught up in the drug culture. Pete Townshend, guitarist for The Who, organized a comeback for Clapton to help him beat his addictions in 1973. Although Clapton returned to his art for the rest of the decade, releasing some of his greatest hits, he would not truly kick his alcohol and drug habits until the mid-1980s. He contemplated taking his own life on several occasions, but was only stopped by the realization that if he were dead, he would not be able to drink anymore.

“I thought there was something otherworldly about the whole culture of drinking, that being drunk made me a member of some strange, mysterious club,” Clapton told The Today Show recently. “The stuff that happened to me as a child made me totally insular — I thought I could do all of this on my own. It wasn’t until I was quite a bit older that I finally did ask for help.”

Help came through the continuing support of friends such as Phil Collins, who reestablished a love of music and a sense of self-worth in the artist. In 1989, after two decades of struggling to take control of his inner demons, Clapton declared himself sober and released “Journeyman”, a critically acclaimed album that proved he was back at the top of his game.

Throughout the 1990s, Clapton worked quietly to help others who had fallen into the dark world of addiction. In 1998, he opened the doors to the Crossroads Centre, a facility located on the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua, dedicated to helping those who suffer from chemical abuse.

“My vision was to create a centre of the highest caliber to treat people of the Caribbean and throughout the world,” he said. "The centre would be staffed with experienced and internationally recognized professionals. The cost of treatment would be held to the lowest possible level, ensuring affordability and accessibility. And most importantly, this non-profit centre would provide treatment scholarships for people of the Caribbean region and around the world.

“Crossroads is like no other treatment centre. It is the perfect place to begin the road of recovery and utilizes a combination of effective therapies to address addiction and recovery, while capturing the spiritual serenity that many have found unique to Antigua. Within the serene, healing atmosphere individuals participate in a structured 29-day residential 12 step based program that allows clients to experience a whole person wellness approach to recovery.”

Since the Crossroads Centre was opened, Clapton has held two sales of his own guitars to raise money for the non-profit venture – which generated a total of $12 million – and he has also organized two Crossroads Guitar Festivals, featuring stars such as Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill. To kick off 2008, Clapton joined Pete Townshend, Ringo Starr, and Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh at a gig held in a bar in Surrey, to raise money for various Alcoholics Anonymous groups.

As a human being, Clapton will never forget the struggle to beat his addictions, but he believes the only way to get through it all is to keep moving forward.

“In the last couple of years there’s been more action in my life, and drama, than I would have wished for. But I think I’ve learned something from it all. I can’t say tangibly what it is, except that I’m happy to be me and to have survived.”

For more information on how to help those who suffer from addictions, visit www.crossroadsantigua.org.

Look To The Stars News: Pete Townshend

The Who Launches Charity Tees For A New Generation

Related past articles

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

Related past articles

Buy Guitar String Bracelets And Support Charity

Related past articles

The Who To Play At Charity Ball

Related past articles

The Who To Rock Grand Prix For Fire Relief

Related past articles

Robin Gibb To Headline Heritage Ball

Related past articles

Annie Lennox - Human Rights Now!

Related past articles

Give Landmines The Boot With Charity Auction

Related past articles

Secret Policeman's Ball Returns This Weekend

Related past articles

Who Wants To Be A Roadie For The Who?

Related past articles

The Who To Donate Concert Proceeds

Related past articles

Eric Clapton - Standing At The Crossroads Of Addiction

Related past articles