The Irish, West London-based artist, (real name Jessica Smyth), took to socials this week to unveil the benefit gig, stating: “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is one of the most horrific I’ve seen in my lifetime. There have been so many lives destroyed and dreams taken from innocent people. I wanted to hold an event to raise money to support the people that have been affected and to spread awareness to what’s happening in real time.”

The Cork native gave thanks to her friends and artists participating in the night of music; a stellar lineup of acoustic performances and DJ sets from the likes of Kojaque, Maverick Sabre, Lava La Rue, Mac Wetha, Jelani Blackman, and Yunè Pinku. She went on to also thank the venue for hosting and Choose Love for their extended humanitarian efforts around the world.

In 2016, Choose Love, formerly known as Help Refugees, became the largest grassroots organisation and distributor of aid in Europe, and has gone on to support refugees and displaced people across the globe for nearly a decade.

Emma Stevenson, Deputy CEO of Choose Love, commented: “We’re so grateful to Biig Piig choosing love and helping us get essential aid to the 2+million people trapped inside Gaza. It’s unbearable to witness the devastation and suffering of so many people. But by Choosing Love there is always something we can do when we come together. Biig Piig and everyone who attends the event on February 4th will be making a huge difference.”

The singer confirmed that 100% of all profits raised from ticket sales and merchandise will go towards the non-governmental organisation and will directly support emergency response work in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

Since the conflict reached its boiling point in October 2023, other artists across the industry have banded together to express their concern, most recently with Dua Lipa calling for a ceasefire and urging for world leaders to take a stand.

Tickets for the sold out show are still available here at £25, with an opportunity to join a waiting list. Doors are expected to open at 6:30pm, with the event starting at 7pm, plus appearances from special surprise guests.

Taylor will be joined by Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin, Andrew Ridgeley from Wham!, David Palmer from ABC, as well as singer-songwriter Ella Henderson and guitarist Phil X. Together, they will perform a selection of their most renowned songs to an audience consisting of philanthropists, musicians, and two fortunate fans.

The event, set to take place on October 21 at Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds, will also encompass a live auction showcasing artworks by Banksy and Picasso and exclusive Fender guitars signed by artists including Lady Gaga, Nile Rodgers and Green Day including a special Fender Guitar to be played and signed by Andy Taylor on the night! Additionally, Katherine Ryan will deliver a comedic performance, while Ridgeley will assume the role of DJ.

In an interview discussing his treatment, Andy said, “There also needs to be a revolution in men’s healthcare about prostate cancer, a breaking down of the stigmas associated with getting tested. The Cancer Awareness Trusts’ vision for a Cancer Platform is what we need and why I’m an ambassador.”  He went on to add, “So many amazing people have come together to put this show together with Andy and I can’t wait to celebrate with them all on the night, but more importantly, I’m looking forward to putting the funds raised to the crucial and urgent work of transforming cancer outcomes.”

Duran Duran, founded in Birmingham in 1978, quickly rose to prominence in the 1980s as a leading musical group, receiving widespread recognition and praise for their exceptional contributions to the industry, boasting chart-topping hits such as “Rio,” “The Wild Boys,” and the James Bond theme “A View To A Kill”. In 2021, the group unveiled their 15th studio album, Future Past.

The funds raised will be allocated to the Cancer Awareness Trust, an organisation aiming to establish a novel platform advancing access to information regarding the disease for individuals affected by it.

The exclusive event with only 100 tickets made available, has attracted a diverse group of attendees. These esteemed guests have generously contributed to the charity in order to secure their attendance, in what will be an outstanding event for the Cotswolds.

Although tickets for this highly anticipated event have been completely sold out, the Cancer Platform announced “We’re offering two lucky fans the opportunity to join us for the evening with Andy Taylor & special guests in this VIP experience. Want to find out how to enter?”

We’re offering two lucky fans the opportunity to join us for the evening with @AndyTaylorLives & special guests in this VIP experience.

We’re offering two lucky fans the opportunity to join us for the evening with @AndyTaylorLives & special guests in this VIP experience.

Want to find out how to enter? https://t.co/7pXFVrixCS

— Cancer Platform (@thecancerplat) September 29, 2023

Although this event is sold out, you can still support Cancer Platform by bidding on incredible items in their Silent Auction or  by joining their thrilling Live Auction at 10:15pm BST on Saturday 21st October.

The charity show will raise money for the UK-based charity, The Cancer Awareness Trust, which offers life-extending treatments and support for cancer patients.

Andy Taylor, the band’s former guitarist, has been battling prostate cancer since 2018, revealing his diagnosis last year. The band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, however due to Andy’s ongoing health struggles, he was sadly unable to attend.

Andy wrote a letter for bandmate Simon Le Bon to read during the band’s induction, saying, “Just over four years ago, I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer. Many families have experienced the slow burn of this disease, and of course, we are no different. So I speak from the perspective of a family man but with profound humility to the band, the greatest fans a group could have, and this exceptional accolade.”

Duran Duran announced their plans for the charity concert via social media, titling the show, “A Special Benefit Concert for Andy Taylor and the Fight Against Prostate Cancer.”

Duran Duran will play a benefit concert for The Cancer Awareness Trust following news that friend and former bandmate Andy Taylor had been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in 2018.

It will take place Aug. 19 at The Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, California. pic.twitter.com/ofZegY8nJt

— Duran Duran (@duranduran) July 13, 2023

In a press statement, frontman Simon Le Bon said, “We are heading to Northern California to play many of the songs that we wrote together with our dear friend, Andy Taylor, to help him and others in their fight against prostate cancer. It is the right thing to do.”

Proceeds from the concert will also go towards a special treatment that will help cancer patients such as Andy Taylor extend their lives.

Duran Duran’s drummer, Roger Taylor, said, “We would like to thank our fans and the organisers of this benefit who have given us the chance to help our longtime friend and colleague Andy Taylor. We have always described ourselves as a ‘band of brothers’ and that has never been more true than in this very moment.”

Sir Chris Evans, founder of The Cancer Awareness Trust, also commented that he was honoured to work with the band. He said, “Andy will receive the latest precision medical treatment, emanating from some recently successful clinical trials, along with the ongoing support that the Cancer Awareness Trust is providing. The incredible support of Duran Duran will mean many more people will benefit just like Andy has.”

The show is set to take place on 19th August 2023 at the Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, California. Presale tickets for the Duran Duran VIP Fan Community go on sale at noon PT on 17th July 2023, with general sale following at noon PT on 19th July 2023. Tickets are available to purchase here.

The band also shared a contest in which they will offer a lucky fan and a plus one the opportunity to win VIP tickets, with all entries supporting The Cancer Awareness Trust.  

You and a friend could win a spot on Duran Duran’s VIP guest list for an intimate performance in Northern California — front-row seats, an exclusive backstage tour, signed merch and more!

Enter to win at https://t.co/OV9RDIlJ7w

Entries support The Cancer Awareness Trust. pic.twitter.com/PxgnOwqqc5

— Duran Duran (@duranduran) July 13, 2023

Duran Duran announced their plans to record new tracks with Andy Taylor for their upcoming album earlier this year. Read more here.

Portishead last made a live appearance at the Spanish Benicássim Festival in 2015 but sounded as great as ever last night. Playing their brand of seductive classics like “Wandering Star”, “Dummy”, “Magic Doors”, “Mysterons” and “The Rip”. Take a look at some of the footage from last night’s show in the videos below:

.@Portisheadinfo are LIVE right now for the first time since 2015! There’s still time to tune in. Donate £5 to watch > https://t.co/0AKyp8FJEu #WarChild @o2academybris pic.twitter.com/Dw9oRN7Hpg

— War Child UK (@WarChildUK) May 2, 2022

PORTISHEAD – Roads 02/05/2022 #Portishead #WarChild @Portisheadinfo @o2academybris pic.twitter.com/pi5CylhxAv — KID A (@KID_A_OK) May 2, 2022

Portishead pic.twitter.com/EyfkFcBoru

— Dan Grabham (@dangrabham) May 2, 2022

A very special performance from #Portishead Reunited for Ukraine Charity gig @WarChildUK @Portisheadinfo pic.twitter.com/QOkIj4gJtC

— Rhian Chase (@DrRhianFuge) May 2, 2022

The benefit gig, which was announced last month, gave people the opportunity to win tickets via a £10 donation prize draw, with the lucky winners selected at random. In this instance, all proceeds from the concert will go to help the children of Ukraine as the current conflict has led to 1.45 million people being forced to flee the country (the biggest mass migration of European people since World War II). The UK government has also matched the funding from the concert to go towards humanitarian efforts in Yemen.

In a statement made at the announcement of the show, Portishead said; “We are really pleased to be able to support the people of Ukraine by performing a few songs at this event in collaboration with the amazing War Child charity,”

Amid the current crisis at the hands of the Russian invasion, this benefit is the latest in a swathe of charitable endeavours that have been made by people across the music industry. In March, ITV hosted a Concert for Ukraine which was broadcast in support of the DEC’s (Disasters Emergency Committee) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. The star-studded lineup saw the likes of Ed Sheeran, Manic Street Preachers, Camila Cabello, Nile Rodgers (and many more) raise over £12 million for the cause, with the number expected to rise as donations continue to flood in.

One of the most notable instances of a band going above and beyond is Arcade Fire and the series of benefit concerts they have done in New York and New Orleans, most recently four gigs taking place in March raised over $100,000 for the PLUS1 Ukraine Relief Fund.

If you would like to help the plight of the people of Ukrainian people in their time of need, you can find links to relevant, registered charities down below:

https://www.concern.org.uk/donate/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal

https://www.warchild.org.uk

https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/donate-now-to-protect-children-in-ukraine

PRIZE DRAW OPEN

HELP! We are collaborating with Cross Town Concerts and an incredible line-up of artists to bring a huge fundraising concert for our Ukraine Crisis appeal to Bristol.
Enter the prize draw here: https://t.co/Lp636ur7O7#Ukraine #Bristol #WarChild pic.twitter.com/ZBbhRvZY9u

— War Child UK (@WarChildUK) April 7, 2022

All donations and proceeds from the concert will be given to War Child UK to aid in their ongoing mission. Until 31st May 2022, any donation made will be matched by the UK Government as stated via the ticket site, “Your donation will help the unfolding crisis in Ukraine, and match funding from the UK Government will also go to Yemen where millions of children are still in desperate need of protection from conflict.”

Those billed to perform at the War Child benefit show include IDLES, Billy Nomates, Katy J Pearson, Heavy Lungs, Wilderman, Willie J Healey and British icons Portishead. The growing line-up also includes Boca 45 along with guest DJs and Raffle, further announcements will be made to confirm additional acts.

Head of War Child Records Rich Clarke has released a statement thanking all acts involved, within the statement Clarke also describes the organisation’s mission and how the benefit show will provide support, “We deliver life-changing services and support in communities affected by conflicts to keep children safe and help them to heal and learn for the chance of a better future. The impact of the situation in Ukraine will affect an entire generation and there will be acutely vulnerable children who need our help to stay safe. The money raised by this gig will make sure that we can respond quickly to children who need that support right now.”

The benefit show will mark Portishead’s triumphant return to the stage, the HELP! Concert will be the group’s first and only live performance in seven years. The British pioneers had this to say about their upcoming appearance, “We are really pleased to be able to support the people of Ukraine by performing a few songs at this event in collaboration with the amazing War Child charity”

Bristol rockers Idles will be performing at their only hometown show for 2022 at the War Child UK event. The band are currently on tour and will continue their European tour dates after the concert. Frontman Joe Talbot has also spoken concerning the one-off show, “We have been kindly invited to play this show for the benefit of War Child. Please donate or sign up to this charity. We believe that nobody should endure war, especially children. Thank you,”

We are very excited to be part of this lineup for @WarChildUK All funding goes to Ukraine. The government matches the amount. 2nd May pic.twitter.com/YRDAUD4b9s

— Heavy Lungs (@Heavylungsband) April 7, 2022

Fellow Bristol rockers Heavy Lungs will also be performing alongside Idles at the benefit show, the two groups’ connection runs deeper than matching hometowns. In 2018, IDLES released the single “Danny Nedelko”, named after the Heavy Lungs’ frontman. The single tells a story of strength and is regarded as a tribute to multiculturalism. Originally from Ukraine, Nedelko has given the following statement concerning the fundraising event, “Hailing originally from Odessa, this is a cause very close to my heart. It’s incredibly special being a part of this show. We are going to bring our absolute best.”

Music fans will be able to get their hands on tickets by entering the prize draw, there are 600 pairs of tickets up for grabs. The draw opened today and all winners are chosen at random, and the competition closes at midnight on 24th April 2022. You can enter for free or pay a £10 donation fee which supplies three entries, donations can be made online or through a postcard.

There is no limit to the number of times in which you may enter and winners will be notified by email from Ticketmaster on Monday 25th April 2022. Due to the limited number of seats, tickets are very exclusive but all entrees will receive access to watch a stream of the event.

Click here to enter into the prize draw.

Since the “Stand” video was originally released, the war in Ukraine broke out. The lyrics, which had nothing to do with war, seemed to speak directly to the invasion, so we recut it. PLEASE WATCH!https://t.co/6WGc4SnnKW #We’ReNotGonnaTakeIt #TheTruth #TheMessage #WorldUnitedLive

— Dee Snider (@deesnider) March 24, 2022

The Twisted Sister frontman first initiated his involvement when he became aware of a musical connection; his megahit “We’re Not Gonna Take It” is now heralded as an anthem after being used by the people of Ukraine as a source of comfort and resilience. With lyrical themes of freedom and strength, the classic track has been adopted as a call to arms for those affected by the tragic struggle. Snider swiftly connected with World United Live and placed himself at the forefront of the urgent campaign.

 

 

 

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A post shared by Dee Snider (@deesnider)

Snider provides the full story in his own words, “About a month ago, someone on social media told me people in Ukraine were using Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It” as a battle cry and asked if I was cool with it. Of course, I was. My response elicited someone asking me why I was okay with Ukrainians using my song and not some other groups. I won’t repeat my exact response (it was a bit political), but that tweet went internationally viral. Every news agency in the world suddenly wanted to talk to me.”

The 67-year-old artist continues “At that very moment, some great people (who were all friends of mine) were hatching the idea for World United Live and asked me if I would spearhead the organization. How could I say no? Since then, we have been beating the drum for the free world to come together, not only in support of Ukraine and condemnation of Putin, but in sending a message to the Russian people that they are misinformed and not being told the truth. Now, with the help of the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger and many others, we are doing just that!”

The singer-songwriter proceeds to describe the origins and steps taken to release the video.  “About a week ago, it hit me that the song “Stand” from my last Napalm Records album, Leave a Scar, fit the crisis in Ukraine perfectly… but I had already released a video for “Stand” recently.  Yet I just couldn’t get around how well the lyrics resonated with Putin’s attack on these innocent people. Ukraine was the furthest thing from my mind when I wrote the words for that song, yet it was like I had done just that. So, I had a couple of incredibly talented people (Scott Pitek and Steve Sage Goldberg) cut together a new video using some live concert footage and news clips. The result is devastating. Please watch and share “Stand (With Ukraine)” and join us at www.worldunited.live. Help save the world. Together we can.”

World Unite Live is an organisation that consists of supporters from various professions and backgrounds, and all involved share the sole goal of raising awareness and aid for the people in Ukraine. The platform coordinates its supporters and utilises their influence to generate and rally support for the current Russian-Ukraine conflict.

The organisation is currently organising a worldwide concert, a statement on the website provides an emotive description for the event, “A worldwide concert event to raise money and provide support for the brave people of Ukraine. In addition, a campaign to use the voices of artists to speak on our behalf to the people of Russia. There is no later, time is of the essence. If we do not stand up now and if Ukraine falls it is too late and evil entrenches itself. We must act together today to send this message. The alternative is World War and mass suffering. Your involvement in this event can truly change the course of the world. Are you with us? Do you stand with freedom loving people everywhere? We beseech you to be our voice, to carry our message to peoples in Ukraine and in Russia upon whom this struggle will fall. We want people in villages, cities, squares, parks, and arenas around the world to be out in the streets. This is the only way change will come, when we can all unite and tell despots and dictators that “We’re NOT Gonnna Take It!”.”

The video and track have been released exclusively via the World Unite Live website, click here to watch “Stand (for Ukraine)” and learn more about the organisation.

ITV and STV to stage Concert for Ukraine

Live two-hour spectacular to raise funds for humanitarian appeal – Tuesday 29th March.
Details – https://t.co/yfd11HTMqK pic.twitter.com/r8Ga1BkOvc

— ITV Press Centre (@itvpresscentre) March 16, 2022

A press release for Concert For Ukraine provides the following statement, “Concert for Ukraine will bring together names from the world of music for a unique event spreading a message of hope and support, and most importantly, raising funds for the ongoing DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal…The broadcast will combine emotive music performances with short films recognising the ongoing relief efforts and the plight faced by people affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Viewers will be able to donate money to the cause throughout the evening.”

Head Of Entertainment Commissioning at ITV, Katie Rawcliffe has also spoken on the forthcoming show, “Music is a very powerful tool when it comes to showing support and solidarity, and at ITV we are proud and privileged to be working with Livewire Pictures, Global, M&S and the DEC on such an important and necessary fundraising event.”

Along with proceeds raised throughout the benefit show, revenue generated by sponsorships and advertising from the broadcast will also be donated to the DEC fund. The donation will be made by ITV and has been estimated to reach over £ 3 million.  Working alongside ITV to produce the event are Live wire Pictures, Global, one of Europe’s largest entertainment groups, the show will also be sponsored by Marks & Spencer.

Chief executive of the DEC, Saleh Saeed has supplied the following statement for the benefit’s press release, “It is heart-breaking to see the deepening crisis unfolding in Ukraine as more refugees cross the borders each day with nothing more than what they can carry. The situation for those inside the country is becoming increasingly precarious. But there is something we can all do to bring hope. Funds raised by this concert will make a real difference to those affected by the conflict, sending a strong message of love and enabling DEC charities to help now with urgent aid as well as helping to rebuild lives in the months and years ahead. We are grateful to ITV, Livewire Pictures, Global and M&S for their support to this appeal, our special thanks to ITV who have supported DEC with emergency appeals over many decades and just recently for Afghanistan.”

The DEC is a global organisation that joins together fifteen of the UK’s leading aid charities to raise money and support during times of crisis.  A statement on the DEC’s website outlines their actions, “Pooling our resources to work as one, we are pivotal in co-ordinating the UK public’s response to overseas disasters. In collaboration with our Rapid Response Network of national media and corporate partners, we raise the alarm to the UK public and set up easy ways to donate.”

 

 

 

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A post shared by DEC (@disastersemergencycommittee)

Due to the current crisis overseas, the DEC set up the Ukraine Humanitarian appeal in support of those fleeing the conflict. The organisation aims to provide much-needed supplies such as water, shelter, food, healthcare, and protection. The appeal’s most recent triumph was announced on 17th March 2022, the DEC confirmed that £200 million has been raised since the appeal’s launch two weeks ago.

Further details concerning the concert’s line-up have yet to be announced, the organisers promise two hours of presenters and various artists. Click here to learn more and donate.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MIKA (@mikainstagram) on Aug 24, 2020 at 3:35am PDT

The singer, who last year released his fifth studio album, My Name Is Michael Holbrook, billed the upcoming show as ‘a very special performance’, adding that there will be ‘some surprises’ for viewers. As well as organising the benefit concert, Mika has also set up a GoFundMe page, where anyone can make donations to aid the city’s recovery; the page has already collected over £18,300 since being created on August 20.

Mika is of Lebanese descent and was born in Beirut, where, on August 4, 178 people were killed and over 6,000 were injured in an explosion caused by 3,000 tonnes of illegally stored ammonium nitrate in the city’s port. The artist wrote: ‘Beirut has been through so much and the resilience and strength the Lebanese people is undeniable. It is the place of my birth, a part of me and will always be in my heart’. 

 

 

 

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#Beirut A post shared by MIKA (@mikainstagram) on Aug 9, 2020 at 4:01am PDT

The artist’s announcement of the I Love Beirut show follows a series of online activity related to the tragic incident in Lebanon. In another moving letter to its citizens, Mika expressed his grief and deepest sympathies, as well as criticising the country’s leadership. He remarked: ‘I cannot but think of these two explosions as a symbol of a system which is shattering’. 

The singer said that it was this leadership which steered Lebanon into ‘a series of misfortunes’, which he argues led to the recent disaster. He called out Hassan Diab, the country’s Prime Minister, after he said that those responsible for the explosion would be ‘held accountable’. To this, Mika responded: ‘Those responsible for whom? For what? Those responsible for 30 years of agony which have turned the land of cedars into the land of ashes’. The Port of Beirut, the epicentre of the blast, is indeed owned and overseen by the Lebanese government.

 

 

 

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If you would like to find out more information on the charities I have personally chosen to support, head to the linktree in my bio   A post shared by MIKA (@mikainstagram) on Aug 9, 2020 at 3:51am PDT

Fans from across the globe have left messages of support under Mika’s recent social media posts. One commented: ‘These words – your words – resonate with me, echoing in my ears. I’m terribly moved by the way you wrote all this. This is when you remind us that your pen is equalled only by your candour. This is the artist I love’.

The Lebanese Red Cross, one of the charities receiving support from Mika’s September show, has been working on the front lines in Beirut amid the recent catastrophe, its volunteers providing free life-saving disaster relief. Save the Children, a British charity also receiving revenue from the performance, has set up an emergency fund to aid Beirut’s children, thousands of whom are now homeless.

Tickets to Mika’s I Love Beirut benefit concert can be purchased for £10 each, all of which will be donated to the above charities.

The concert will take place at the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground, with Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Take That, Pharrell Williams, Niall Horan, Usher, Katy Perry and Coldplay also performing.

pic.twitter.com/5lOxvyaslS

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) May 30, 2017

Fans that attended Ariana’s concert on Monday 22nd May are able to register for free tickets, whilst general admission goes on sale on Thursday 1st June at 10 am.

After returning to her home in Boca Raton, Florida after the attack, Grande shared a message of love and hope with her fans over the weekend:

pic.twitter.com/c03xrX3iIv

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) May 26, 2017

Out of respect for the victims of the attack and their families, Grande has currently suspended her Dangerous Woman tour.