Attitude is Everything founder to depart after 25 years
Attitude is Everything (AIE) founder Suzanne Bull MBE will depart the UK-based disability music charity after 25 years.
Bull will step down from her position at the end of March to pursue new projects across the arts, culture and breast cancer advocacy. AIE, founded in 2000, works to connect disabled people with the live and event industries and to improve access together.
“As many of you will be aware, I live with a cancer diagnosis as well as being disabled,” she says. “In March 2025, I’ll be halfway through my treatment, so this seems like a good point for me to live life at a slower pace and have the opportunity to pursue my other interests.”
“It’s been a privilege to have been part of a team that makes real change, and I hope that I’ve contributed to making disabled people’s lives more bearable through music.
“This decision hasn’t been easy, because working at Attitude is Everything is my dream job. But although I’m sad to be leaving, I know that the organisation will continue to thrive for many years to come, until one day, we’ll be able to say that there are no barriers to disabled people going to, performing or volunteering at, or working in live events.”
Paul Hawkins, AIE’s head of skills development, will step in as interim managing director until a new CEO is installed.
“The company is in a very strong position to move forward”
Managing director Celia Makin-Bell is also set to leave the charity in mid-January to take up a new position.
Since joining in July 2021, Makin-Bell is said to have played a crucial role in the team’s stability, doubling turnover since the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing staff, and attracting new investment from sources including Arts Council England.
“I am sad to be leaving Attitude is Everything, but I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve achieved over the last few years. The company is in a very strong position to move forward, and to continue delivering the kinds of impactful change that is still so vitally needed,” Makin-Bell says.
“I have greatly enjoyed working with Suzanne and have learnt so much from her, as well as having a lot of fun! I think our experience of co-leadership shows how different strengths, personal qualities and experiences can come together in a really positive way.”
Jacqui Adeniji-Williams, AIE co-chair, says the reshuffling signals a new phase for the charity.
“Perhaps the greatest testament to Suzanne and Celia is how they’ve built such a resilient and robust organisation, and one which is well placed to support even more people and remove even more barriers. Going forward we are now fully focussed on finding a new leader with the skill set and ambition to deliver on those aspirations.”
In recent years, AIE has delivered a series of ‘sobering’ reports detailing the state of the UK music experience for artists, fans, and professionals alike.
In September, the charity detailed the systemic barriers disabled UK musicians face; in June 2023, AIE joined with Black Lives In Music to assess the roadblocks Black disabled music creators and professionals face.
AIE also launched the Live Events Access Charter to encourage event organisers to build disability equality into all aspects of their venue or event and to make improvements in response to feedback from Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people. A new charter is due to be launched next month.
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Music Mudder raises £75k+ for Nordoff and Robbins
The latest edition of music-inspired endurance event Music Mudder raised more than £75,000 for UK music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins.
Organised by talent agency Wasserman Music in partnership with the charity, Music Mudder 2024 saw 540 people across 56 teams – covering the breadth of the music industry – take on over 40 obstacles at the Camelot Events ‘Nuts Challenge’ course in Dorking, Surrey, on Friday 13 September.
Promoter Oscar Tuttiett, who competed on the ‘AEG Winners 2023 A’ team, completed the 7km course in the fastest individual time of 49 minutes 21 seconds. Team Atlantic took the top spot as the fastest overall team, with an average time of 1 hour 18 minutes and 38 seconds.
ASM Global won the top prize for fundraising, with over £8,000 raised through the Enthuse platform and match funding.
“It was incredible to see so much team spirit on display at this year’s Music Mudder, with everyone encouraging each other to keep going and break through that finish line covered head to toe in mud,” says Wasserman Music agent Lucy Putman. “The atmosphere was awesome and we’re so happy to have raised over £75,000 and counting for Nordoff and Robbins. We’ve loved seeing Music Mudder go from strength to strength over the last few years and can’t wait for the fifth anniversary event in 2025, so register now and get ready to take on the challenge next September.”
“Events like this are so important in helping our amazing music therapists continue to support some of the most vulnerable people in our society through the power of music”
The event also featured a prize draw, which included Oasis tickets, NFL London tickets, the chance to climb Up at The O2 and a night’s stay at exclusive London lifestyle hotel Sea Containers, helping to raise £5,000 on the day.
“We’re so grateful to the hundreds of music industry execs who took part in Music Mudder 2024 and raised so much money for Nordoff and Robbins’ vital music therapy services,” adds Sandy Trappitt, deputy director of fundraising, Nordoff and Robbins. “Events like this are so important in helping our amazing music therapists continue to support some of the most vulnerable people in our society through the power of music.
“Our thanks go out to Wasserman Music for partnering with us on this special event and to all the companies and individuals who generously gave up their time and resources to make it a success.”
The list of teams taking part comprised 4th Floor Creative, Absolute Label Services, Accenture, AEG, Anglo Management Music Ltd, Anjunabeats/Anjunadeep, ASM Global, Atlantic Records UK, CAA, CC Young & Co, Demon Music Group, Dice, Festival Republic, Gelfand Rennert & Feldman, Hard Rock Cafe, Hardwick and Morris, Huntress, ILMC, InterTalent AC Ltd and Lee & Thompson LLP.
Other participants included Live Nation, MEATliquor, Mercury, MSE Business Management LLP, One Fiinix Live, Only Helix, Prager Metis, RCA, Round Marketing, Russells, September Management Ltd, Sheridans, Sony Music, Sony Music Publishing, Superstruct Entertainment Limited, The Other Songs & Another Rhythm, Ticketmaster, Tysers Live, Universal Music Group, UTA, Wasserman Music, WME and YMU Business Management Ltd.
Registrations are now open for next year’s Music Mudder, which is scheduled for Friday 19 September 2025.
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O2 Silver Clef Awards raises £760k for charity
The 2024 edition of the O2 Silver Clef Awards has so far raised £760,000 and counting for Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity.
The 48th instalment of the event took place last Friday (5 July) at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane, presented by Scottish radio DJ and television presenter Edith Bowman.
The likes of Blur, AC/DC, Chaka Khan, Mark Knopfler, Jessie Ware, Loyle Carner, Texas, The 1975, Ezra Collective, Jacob Collier, Cat Burns and Young Fathers were among the award winners.
Blur were honoured with the flagship O2 Silver Clef Award, AC/DC won the Legend Award, Chaka Khan walked away with the Global Impact Award and Mark Knopfler received the Music Icon Award.
Jessie Ware won Best Female, Loyle Carner took home the Best Male Award, The 1975 were crowned Best Group and Texas received the Outstanding Achievement Award.
In addition, Jacob Collier picked up the Innovation in Music Award, Cat Burns received the Best New Music Award, Ezra Collective won the Contemporary Music Award and Young Fathers received Best Live Act.
Guest award presenters included Mica Paris, Clara Amfo, Jamie Cullum, Chris Evans, Annie Mac, Athian Akec and SJM Concerts’ Simon Moran.
Money raised from the O2 Silver Clef Awards will support Nordoff and Robbins’ trained music therapists in reaching those living with autism, dementia, learning difficulties, brain injuries, life-limiting illnesses, mental health challenges, grief and trauma; helping them to connect and communicate through music.
“Music really does heal”
Earlier this year, CAA’s Emma Banks was appointed chair of Nordoff and Robbins, with AEG Presents’ Lucy Noble supporting her as vice chair.
Banks told IQ: “It felt great on Friday to be in the room for the 02 Silver Clef Awards – we had changed the format a little and I think it landed well. Importantly we ended the day at about £760,000 and should be able to improve a bit by the time we close the books. I loved the passion that our award honourees brought to the event – such great, heartfelt speeches from people who totally understand our important mission and are so willing to help us.”
Gareth Griffiths, director, O2, adds: “We are incredibly proud of the money raised at this year’s O2 Silver Clef Awards. What a day celebrating the outstanding achievements of all the talented artists recognised this year. A special congratulations to blur for receiving the well-deserved O2 Silver Clef Award. Their contributions to the music industry have been nothing short of extraordinary, and we are honoured to be part of this momentous occasion. At O2, we are committed to supporting the music industry and look forward to continuing our partnership with Nordoff and Robbins to support more people through their incredible music therapy efforts across the nation.”
Alex James, Blur, says: “Making music with my brothers in blur has been one of the great gifts of my life. We are absolutely chuffed to receive the O2 Silver Clef Award and help raise awareness for Nordoff and Robbins, a brilliant organisation.”
Brian Johnson, AC/DC, adds: “We’re over the moon to receive the Amazon Music Legend Award. As a band, we’ve been dishing out our own brand of music therapy for the past five decades, so to hear all about how Nordoff and Robbins helps the young and the old with the power of music is something that we understand and salute. Thank you for this honour.”
Chaka Khan, comments: “Music has always been my solace, my strength, my voice, a gift. I’m grateful for this beautiful honour to be part of the Nordoff and Robbins creative community, where the power of music is used to transform, inspire, and bring love to the world. Music really does heal.”
Since 1976, the Silver Clef Awards have raised over £13.5 million for Nordoff and Robbins’ music therapy services and honoured some of the world’s biggest artists.
Stormzy, David Bowie, Ed Sheeran, Roger Waters, Paul McCartney, George Michael, Annie Lennox, Dame Shirley Bassey, Kylie Minogue, The Rolling Stones, Oasis and Coldplay are among previous award winners.
Next year’s edition of the O2 Silver Clef Awards will take place on a Wednesday (2 July 2025) for the first time.
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Teenage Cancer Trust concerts break charity record
This year’s Teenage Cancer Trust concert series raised more than £2 million for the charity for the first time in its 24-year history.
Held at London’s Royal Albert Hall from 18-24 March, the 2024 series marked the final week of shows with Roger Daltrey as curator. The lineup included three nights of celebrations of Daltrey himself, including two nights with The Who and an orchestra, and Ovation – A Celebration of 24 Years of Gigs For Teenage Cancer Trust.
The latter night featured many of those who helped establish the gigs as a celebrated annual event such as Daltrey, Kelly Jones, Robert Plant with Saving Grace, Pete Townshend, Eddie Vedder and Paul Weller.
The week also saw headline performances by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Young Fathers and Chemical Brothers, as well as a Night of Comedy.
“Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend have tirelessly built up these concerts annually for 24 years and when they started by telling me they wanted to bring their orchestrated Who show to the Royal Albert Hall, we knew we were off to a strong start,” says Rob Ballantine, director at SJM Concerts with responsibility for the shows.
“My fellow director Chris York has promoted The Chemical Brothers from the beginning and they wanted to end this tour cycle with Chris at the Hall. That was a major shift in direction for the venues normal talent and was such an incredible night it will live long in Albert Hall folklore! Noel Gallagher has supported the charity from day one and believes this year’s gig was one of his best in London ever due to the energy of the audience.
“This was the first time Young Fathers had set foot in the venue and they absolutely delivered! All seven nights sold out including the annual comedy night headlined by Kevin Bridges. The curtain came down with an Ovation to Roger Daltrey from Eddie Vedder, Paul Weller, Kelly Jones and Robert Plant all of whom have supported Roger from the start.”
“The stature of the artists ensured we could charge high ticket prices and customers supporting these shows understand there is a premium on the ticket”
Ballantine continues: “The stature of the artists ensured we could charge high ticket prices and customers supporting these shows understand there is a premium on the ticket as it’s a fundraising week. However, to ensure everyone got their money’s worth we also brought special guests such as Squeeze and Blossoms both of whom are headliners in their own right and we kept John Bishop as a surprise guest on the night.
“I believe there is a lot of returning business to these shows from both artists and audiences who both have a real affinity with the charity and its work for teenagers. I know they trust us to deliver a great line up and we are overwhelmed by the support from artists year after year. To break all records and raise over £2million for the charity is phenomenal and makes all the hard work worthwhile. We know since Covid the charity have been hit financially and these funds will be much needed.”
Daltrey, frontman of The Who and founder/curator of historic annual concert series, adds: “To find out that this year’s concerts in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust raised over £2 million for Teenage Cancer Trust was music to my ears. After 24 years of doing the concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, to make that much money in my final year as curator is really special. That’s all I wanted when I started these gigs – to make money and bring awareness to an important cause, which has shown what an amazing difference the people at Teenage Cancer Trust can make to a young person dealing with cancer. With a target of building 28 hospital units, I’ve completed the job I set out to do. We have built 28. I’m not going away from the Teenage Cancer Trust – we still have a lot more to do.
“I’ll continue working with them whilst someone else curates the Royal Albert Hall shows, I’ll make sure it’ll be in good hands. The money we raise during that week of gigs is vital to us. It changes people’s lives. Thank you to everyone who came and donated this year, and every year since we started in 2000 – what a ride it’s been.”
Since launching the series at the history London venue in 2000, Daltrey has persuaded superstars such as Paul McCartney, Oasis, Muse, Florence + The Machine, Ed Sheeran, The Cure, Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay and Take That, to perform unique, one night only gigs to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust, generating more than £32 million from ticket sales in the process.
“We have secured three amazing global superstars to individually curate the next three years and they will have already started behind the scenes planning”
“What an incredible way to mark Roger’s final year curating these flagship fundraising gigs,” says Teenage Cancer Trust chief executive Kate Collins. “The terrific total raised has never been more needed. We rely on donations to make sure young people don’t face cancer alone and these funds will make a difference to teenagers and young people with cancer when they need it most.
“The phrase legend is over-used but totally applies to Roger and what he has achieved. We can’t thank him enough for all he has done over the last 24 years to make these gigs such a spectacular success. When he pulled together his friends for that first one-off gig in 2000, I don’t think anyone could have imagined what it would have grown into. There have been so many memorable moments and he’s inspired the music industry and music fans to change the lives of young people with cancer.”
She adds: “What hasn’t changed over the years is that young people with cancer need us in their corner – making sure they are not forgotten. Young people with cancer face unique challenges – from challenges accessing clinical trials through to the impact of cancer at a critical point in their lives, it is essential that they receive specialist care tailored to their unique needs.
“We’ve come a long way since that first gig but progress won’t continue without an organisation like Teenage Cancer Trust to fight for it. Roger’s achievement is about more than the money raised – it’s about the spotlight he has shone on the needs of young people with cancer and the difference this has made to thousands of young people’s lives over the years.”
James Ainscough OBE, chief executive of the Royal Albert Hall, adds: “It’s a huge honour to have hosted this incredible concert series for more than twenty years – one of the jewels in the crown of our programme, and such a privilege to support the mission of Teenage Cancer Trust. This year’s concerts felt particularly poignant with Roger stepping down after 24 glorious years, but we’re very excited to see how the series develops over the coming years.”
From 2025, Teenage Cancer Trust will work with a series of guest curators to take the shows forward. Next year’s shows will run from 24 to 30 March.
“With Roger standing down we face a new and exciting challenge,” concludes Ballantine. “We wanted to give the amazing opportunity to other artists to curate a week of shows at the best venue in the UK. We know it’s a challenge but for an artist to start with a blank canvas and bring together a week of shows reflecting the best of our industry and raise funds for such a worthy cause is an offer most will jump at.
“We have secured three amazing global superstars to individually curate the next three years and they will have already started behind the scenes planning. We are excited to reveal these annually when the shows go on sale. If there are any agents, managers, artists who would like to schedule a show for Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall into their live calendar they are very welcome to contact us at SJM Concerts.”
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DHP Family’s charity festival raises £81k for unhoused
DHP Family’s charity festival Beat The Streets has announced its January event raised £81,600 for the unhoused population across the East Midlands region of England.
All proceeds raised by the one-day festival go to Framework, a Nottingham-based charity that provides a network of support for at-risk and homeless individuals in the region. Since its inception in 2018, the multi-venue event has raised £490,600 for the charity.
This year, funds will be dedicated to supporting the charity’s Street Outreach team, which engages with the local homeless community daily. Money raised during Beat The Streets will “cover a large part of the cost” to help secure a quarter of the team, which came under risk after Nottingham City Council reduced funding to the charity, said Framework’ CEO Andrew Redfern.
“The level of rough sleeping continues to rise relentlessly,” Redfern says. “Funds raised at the 2024 festival back in January will help us maintain the outreach team who work with people on the streets of Nottingham every day of the year.”
“We’ve been able to make another significant contribution to the hard work that Framework do, at a particularly vital time”
Nottingham’s rough sleeper population is growing nearly 20% every year, per Framework, as the housing association works to provide housing, health, employment support, and care services to 18,500 people per year.
The festival’s seventh annual, which took place on 28 January, featured special guests Beats on Toast, Fat Digester, Lois, George Gadd + The Aftermath, along with more than 50 local artists. All proceeds from tickets, bar purchases and merchandise went directly to Framework.
“The funds raised each year at our event make a tangible difference to the lives of homeless people in the area, and thanks to everyone who attended, performed at, and worked on our 2024 event, we’ve been able to make another significant contribution to the hard work that Framework do, at a particularly vital time,” says DHP Family’s MD George Akins.
Beat The Streets is delivered by DHP Family in collaboration with local organisations and music groups, including I’m Not from London; Farmyard Records; Hockley Hustle, and Rough Trade.
DHP Family also owns and operates the 25,000-capacity Splendour Festival — which has been cancelled for 2024 — and multiple venues across the UK. The organisation also promotes concerts and tours while also operating independent ticketing platform alt. tickets.
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Harvey Goldsmith unveils plans for Earth Aid Live
Live Aid promoter Harvey Goldsmith has announced the launch of a global charity concert series to combat climate change.
Earth Aid Live is slated to take place in six countries in five continents over a single weekend in August 2025. Locations will include London, UK, Los Angeles, US and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reports the Guardian.
The series has been created by UMA Entertainment Group, which is chaired by Goldsmith.
“We are standing on the brink of a historic moment with this revolutionary global event series, heralding a new era marked by unity, sustainability, and a profound positive impact on the planet,” says the legendary promoter. “Building on what we have already achieved with Live Aid, our aspiration is to unite people from all walks of life in the shared mission of bettering our world.”
Evolving “from a traditional fundraising effort”, the Earth Aid Live shows will be designed to “provoke wider climate action in its audiences, spanning “individual action, community engagement, corporate participation and intergovernmental collaboration”.
No lineup details have yet been released, but organisers say the gigs will “strive” to achieve “net zero carbon”, with “transparent carbon reporting”. Similar “milestone stadium concerts” are also in the works for 2030 and 2035, with the idea of hosting concerts in the metaverse as well as in real life.
“We have been working with some incredible minds on this project over the past few years to develop comprehensive calls to action centred around making better choices for our future: as individuals, in business and as governments, the power and opportunity for change lies within all of us,” adds UMA Entertainment CEO Simon O’Kelly.
“We are passionate about the chance we have to leverage culture on a scale seen only a handful of times before”
“Above all else, we are passionate about the chance we have to leverage culture on a scale seen only a handful of times before, with an entertainment series that transcends borders and unites cultures and generations, creating real, lasting change, the world over.”
It was reported last month that benefit gigs to fight climate change were being planned for the UK and US in early 2025 – 40 years on from the iconic Live Aid concerts – featuring acts including Rita Ora and Robbie Williams.
The 1985 Live Aid concerts, organised by Goldsmith, Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, saw acts including Queen, David Bowie, U2, the Who, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Black Sabbath and Bob Dylan perform to around 160,000 fans in London and Philadelphia on 13 July 1985.
The concerts were watched by a further two billion people on television worldwide and raised more than $127 million for victims of the Ethiopian famine.
A subsequent string of benefit shows, Live 8, were held in the G8 states and South Africa in July 2005, featuring artists such as U2 and Paul McCartney, Elton John, Jay-Z, Pink Floyd, Madonna, Kanye West, Coldplay, Robbie Williams and Stevie Wonder.
Goldsmith also advised on the 2007 Live Earth global event series, which featured the likes of Metallica, Bon Jovi, Duran Duran, Roger Waters, Alicia Keys, Foo Fighters, Madonna, Kanye West, Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Police.
Interested in the intersection of sustainability and live events? Don’t miss out on the 16th edition of the Green Events and Innovations conference. For more information, click here.
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Emma Banks named chair of Nordoff and Robbins
CAA’s Emma Banks has been appointed as chair of Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity.
The agent and co-head of CAA’s London office/co-head of international touring replaces David Munns, who is stepping down after 30 years.
A longstanding supporter of Nordoff and Robbins, Banks has chairing the committee of the charity’s flagship O2 Silver Clef Awards for the past decade. She joined the Board of Trustees in 2019 and also sits on the Nordoff and Robbins Race Day committee.
In her role as chair, she will oversee Nordoff and Robbins’ mission of using music therapy to help break through the barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation.
As part of its new strategy, the charity will continue using music to address injustice across society, lobby for policy change on behalf of its clients – some of the most isolated children and adults across the UK – and encourage a more diverse pool of musicians to train as music therapists.
Supporting Banks in her new role is AEG Presents’ artistic director, Lucy Noble, who will take on the role of vice chair after joining the charity’s Board of Trustees in April this year. She replaces lawyer Howard Jones, who steps down after over 13 years of support.
“I embrace the responsibility of building on David’s legacy with the support of Lucy and the Board of Trustees”
Legendary music agent Neil Warnock, Trustee Board member and chair of the charity’s Fundraising Committee, is also stepping down from his trustee role at Nordoff and Robbins. He will continue to serve on various fundraising committees.
Emma Banks says: “It is a true honour to become chair of Nordoff and Robbins. The music industry has loyally supported and championed this vital charity for many years, and I embrace the responsibility of building on David’s legacy with the support of Lucy and the Board of Trustees, continuing this essential advocacy far into the future. We have an incredibly strong Board that we will be looking to add to in the coming months as our new strategy develops, and I welcome anyone who is interested in becoming involved with Nordoff and Robbins to reach out to me.”
David Munns comments: “I am delighted that Emma Banks and Lucy Noble have agreed to take over the chair and vice-chair positions at Nordoff and Robbins. After 12 years as a trustee and then the chair role I feel it is time for someone else to help steer this wonderful organisation. I have Nordoff and Robbins in my blood because we don’t just use music to entertain, we must also use the power of music to help those who find it difficult, if not impossible, to communicate any other way. There is a huge need for Nordoff and Robbins’ work and the people there are completely dedicated to making it available to as many people as possible – it’s a truly remarkable organisation. Emma and Lucy will make a huge contribution to the future of Nordoff and Robbins and they need your support.”
Lucy Noble adds: “In my time on the Board of Trustees at Nordoff and Robbins, I have seen first-hand the power of music to transform lives – from adults living with dementia reconnecting with their family, to children with autism finding their voice. I thank the Board for placing their trust in me to take on the role of Vice Chair and am excited to work with Emma as we enter a new phase for this increasingly important charity.”
Sandra Schembri, CEO, Nordoff and Robbins, says: “We are thrilled for Emma Banks to be stepping into the role of chair of Nordoff and Robbins, supported by the excellent Lucy Noble as vice chair. A hugely respected figure in the music industry and beyond, we are grateful for Emma’s time, presence and energy as we now leave the challenges of recent years behind and look ahead to a bright future.
“It is impossible to explain in just a few sentences the transformational impact that David Munns has had to Nordoff and Robbins in his time as a Trustee and Chair. From overseeing the merger with our Scottish sister organisation, and us becoming a UK-wide charity to weathering the storm of Covid-19 and making it through to the other side, alongside many, many unforgettable fundraising events and unwavering support for the clients we work with. We also owe both Howard Jones and Neil Warnock, a debt of gratitude and sincerely thank them for their focus on our mission.”
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BRITs Week for War Child reveals 2024 lineup
Aitch, Keane and You Me At Six are among acts confirmed for the BRITs Week 24 for War Child lineup.
The annual charity concert series features intimate one-off performances from big names in some of the UK’s best venues. Since BRITs Week’s inception in 2009, the shows have raised more than £7 million for War Child to help children whose lives have been torn apart by war.
BRITs Week, which is produced by AEG Presents, BPI, Bauer Media Audio UK and War Child, will take place around The BRIT Awards 2024 with Mastercard on Saturday 2 March. Cian Ducrot and You Me At Six will kick off proceedings at London’s Union Chapel and Brighton’s Concorde 2, respectively, on 19 February, and Keane will star at London’s O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on 20 February.
The following night, 21 February, will see shows in the capital by Baby Queen at Lafayette, Aitch at O2 Shepherds Bush Empire and Ash at the 100 Club. while Pendulum will appear at central London’s HERE at Outernet on 23 February.
Sleaford Mods will perform at London’s Scala on 28 February, before newcomers CMAT and Venbee take to the stage at Bush Hall and Omeara, respectively, on 1 March. The 2024 series will then culminate with BRITs Rising Star 2024 award and BBC Sound poll winners The Last Dinner Party at The Trades Club in Hebden Bridge on 4 March.
“The fact that BRITs Week is able to continue for another incredibly strong year is testament to the support that it has endured from all across the industry”
“The fact that BRITs Week is able to continue for another incredibly strong year is testament to the support that it has endured from all across the industry over the years,” says Simon Jones, AEG’s SVP, live music international. “Being able to put these shows together with our partners BPI and War Child is a privilege, and raising very valuable funds especially at this time for such an important charity.
“Our appreciation goes out to all of the managers, artists and labels that continue to support this important industry fixture, and of course to all of the fans who buy the tickets to see these acts in such intimate surroundings.”
Alongside a prize draw to win tickets, a limited number of tickets for each show will go on sale. Joining as partners for BRITs Week 24 is Bauer Media Audio, with its stations Absolute Radio, Hits Radio, Kerrang! Radio and KISS all promoting the series of special gigs.
“I am so excited to announce the lineup for BRITs Week 2024 and thankful to all of the brilliant artists donating their time to raise vital funds in aid of War Child,” says Clare Sanders Wright, senior music manager at War Child. “The past year is one that we will never, ever forget. Children have paid with their homes and their lives for wars they didn’t start. And then, there are the children who don’t make the headlines – children who might be completely forgotten. But there is hope. War Child help children put the pieces back together.
“The money raised from BRITs Week 2024 will help War Child keep children safe. Whether it’s mental health first aid, food, or shelter, War Child work in the hardest-to-reach places to ensure that children and their families have hope for a brighter future. We are so grateful to the artists and our partners for supporting BRITs Week 24.”
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Daltrey to bow out as TCT concert series curator
Roger Daltrey has announced that 2024 will be his final year as curator of the Teenage Cancer Trust’s annual Royal Albert Hall concert series.
The Who singer, who will continue as a Teenage Cancer Trust honorary patron, has fundraised and advocated for the Trust – the only UK charity dedicated to providing specialised nursing care and support for young people with cancer – for nearly a quarter of a century.
Since launching the series at the history London venue in 2000, Daltrey has persuaded superstars such as Paul McCartney, Oasis, Muse, Florence + The Machine, Ed Sheeran, The Cure, Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay and Take That, to perform unique, one night only gigs to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust, generating more than £32 million from ticket sales in the process.
“The £32 million raised from these concerts has been the foundation for the 28 specialised units within the NHS, as well as specialist nurses and youth workers to be there for a young person when cancer has turned their world upside down,” says Daltrey.
From 2025, Teenage Cancer Trust will work with a series of guest curators to take the shows forward.
Running from 18-24 March, the series’ 2024 lineup includes three nights of celebrations of Daltrey himself, including two nights with The Who and an orchestra (18 & 20 March). Meanwhile, Ovation – A Celebration of 24 Years of Gigs For Teenage Cancer Trust on 24 March – will feature many of those who helped establish the gigs as a celebrated annual event: Daltrey himself, with Kelly Jones, Robert Plant with Saving Grace, Pete Townshend, Eddie Vedder and Paul Weller.
The week will also see headline performances by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Young Fathers and Chemical Brothers, as well as a Night Of Comedy.
“Quite simply, we would not be the charity we are without Roger and these shows”
“For the 22nd year Roger has put together a remarkable season of shows. Roger’s impact on the lives of young people with cancer in the UK is immeasurable,” says Teenage Cancert Trust CEO Kate Collins. “The very first show for Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall in 2000, The Who & Friends, was the catalyst for what has become over 20 years of flagship weeks of fundraising, awareness raising and magical moments at this exceptional venue.
“After that first gig, Roger became the driving force behind changing the lives of young people with cancer in the UK. Working day and night, year-round, Roger has enabled these gigs to form the bedrock of Teenage Cancer Trust’s growth to be the leading charity for young people with cancer in the UK. Quite simply, we would not be the charity we are without Roger and these shows and – more importantly than that – thousands of young people with cancer in the UK would not have had the specialist support and care they urgently need.
“These concerts have raised over £32 million for specialist hospital wards, nurses and youth workers – ensuring young people in the UK do not face cancer alone – however we urgently need to continue to raise funds to continue our work.”
Aldi is the headline sponsor for this year’s Royal Albert Hall series, while Domino’s is the official sponsor of the Ultimate Backstage Experience. The shows are also supported by American Airlines, Metro, Absolute Radio, SJM Concerts, Twickets and the Royal Albert Hall.
The full list of 2024 concerts is as follows:
Mon 18 March – The Who with Orchestra, with special guests Squeeze
Tue 19 – Evening Of Comedy
Weds 20 – The Who with Orchestra, with special guests Squeeze
Thurs 21 – Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, with special guests Blossoms
Fri 22 – Young Fathers plus special guests
Sat 23 – The Chemical Brothers
Sun 24 – ‘Ovation’ – A Celebration of 24 Years of Gigs For Teenage Cancer Trust with: Roger Daltrey, Kelly Jones, Robert Plant with Saving Grace, Pete Townshend, Eddie Vedder, Paul Weller
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Stormzy to perform at Gaza & Sudan benefit concert
Artists including Stormzy, Clairo, Faye Webster and Omar Apollo are set to appear at a benefit concert in the US to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza and Sudan.
Artists for Aid will take place at Newark Symphony Hall in New Jersey on 4 January.
The event is being organised by Sudanese-Canadian poet and singer-songwriter Mustafa Ahmed, who will also perform on the night, with proceeds going to Canada-based not-for-profit relief organisation Human Concern International.
“We worked tirelessly to bring this to you, but our fatigue is not even a splinter of what we’ll be singing for,” says Ahmed on Instagram. “In the last few years I visited both my homeland, Sudan, and Palestine. My visit to both had a principal intention, to connect with artist communities, with young organisers – for parallels of sorrow and hope and faith. The violence in both nations seized the dream.
“Here it is revived for me in someway. The intention remains, on this evening we give our voices to make room for theirs.”
Human Concern International says that donations will be split 50/50 between Sudan and Gaza
Other acts lined up to perform include 6LACK, Charlotte Day Wilson, Daniel Caesar, Mohammed El Kurd, Nick Hakim, Ramy Youssef and 070 Shake. Tickets are priced $150.
“I want to thank each artist performing from the deepest part of me, for your time and effort,” adds Ahmed. “None of you hesitated when asked. We’ll remember.”
A post by Human Concern International says that donations will be split 50/50 between Sudan and Gaza.
“We are excited to be the charity partner for this event and will make sure your support is delivered to the people of Gaza and Sudan,” it says.
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