Elton John to perform at gala honouring Jay Marciano
Elton John is set to headline a fundraising gala in Los Angeles for City of Hope, the largest cancer research and treatment organisation in the US.
The 51st edition of the Spirit of Life gala will take place at the historic Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, with appearances from magician David Blaine, chef Evan Funke, and comedian Fred Armisen.
Jay Marciano, chairman and CEO of AEG Presents, will be presented with City of Hope’s prestigious Spirit of Life Award for his philanthropic and humanitarian efforts.
Under Marciano’s leadership, AEG Presents produced John’s swansong tour Farewell Yellow Brick Road among others and is currently in the midst of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour.
“I am honoured to be receiving The Spirit of Life Award from City of Hope and to be able to contribute to raising awareness and funds to speed its important work of eradicating cancer and improving lives for so many,” says Marciano.
“I am humbled and grateful that Elton John has agreed to lend his immeasurable talents to this event”
“I am also humbled and grateful that Elton John, a true superstar in every regard, has agreed to lend his immeasurable talents to this event with a performance that’s sure to inspire support for a cause that unfortunately touches so many lives. And if that weren’t enough, having David Blaine, Evan Funke, and Fred Armisen contribute to such an extraordinary evening is beyond my wildest dreams,” Marciano added.
John’s historic, final tour comprised 330 shows worldwide to over 6.25 million fans across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia. The US leg of the tour concluded with three sell-out shows at Dodger Stadium. He later headlined Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in June 2023, the final UK show before the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour concluded in July 2023, marking the end of more than 50 years on the road.
“Jay is more than a colleague; he is a dear friend,” says John. “It is my pleasure to lend my support to him as he receives the Spirit of Life honour, especially given City of Hope’s dignity-giving supportive care for people who face cancer, along with its unmatched research for other life-threatening illnesses. Their important work has led to advancements in the field that have fortunately enabled so many people to live beautiful, long lives. Everyone should have that opportunity, and I’m honoured to play a part in City of Hope’s work towards that goal.”
The Spirit of Life gala is organised by the City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry Group which has raised over $150 million for its research and care programmes over 50 years.
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Italy Loves Romagna benefit gig raises €2.5m
A benefit concert for victims of the devastating recent flooding in Italy has raised more than €2.5 million.
The Italy Loves Romagna event drew around 40,000 people to the RCF Arena in Reggio Emilia, near Bologna, on Saturday (24 June) with a TV audience of 3.5 million also tuning in. Ticket sales alone brought in €1.8m, according to Billboard Italia.
Last month’s flooding in the Emilia-Romagna area left 15 people dead and caused €8.8 billion worth of damage to property and infrastructure. It has been described as the country’s worst disaster in a century.
The show, which was organised by Friends & Partners, Riservarossa, Vivo Concerti and Magellano Concerti, featured 18 artists including Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini, Zucchero, Blanco, Luciano Ligabue, Madame, Fiorella Mannoia and Gianni Morandi.
“It is what we need to restart cultural heritage as we have decided in various municipalities in the affected Romagna,” says the region’s president Stefano Bonaccini.
“I hope we can reach €3m, which in reality are a drop, the needs are much greater, but I hope this drop in the ocean can be an example for everyone”
Undersecretary for culture Gianmarco Mazzi says the fundraiser was a success “beyond all expectations”. Further donations to the cause will be accepted until 5 July.
“I hope we can reach €3m, which in reality are a drop, the needs are much greater, but I hope this drop in the ocean can be an example for everyone,” he adds.
The show comes 11 years after Italia Loves Emilia, a fundraising concert held in 2012 to support the earthquake victims of Emilia Romagna.
A separate fundraiser – Music Valley-Romagna Mia, Live Charity Concert – is also being planned for 5 August at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari International Circuit in Imola, as part of its 70th anniversary of the motor racing venue.
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Ukraine’s Atlas raises 2m from ‘Goodbye Russia’ event
Ukraine’s biggest music festival has raised almost two million hryvnyas (€67,352) for the armed forces, from an online event titled Goodbye Russia.
Atlas festival would have taken place in Kiev last week (6–10 July) but due to Russia’s ongoing invasion of the country, the event wasn’t able to go ahead.
In lieu of the festival, the organisers held an online ‘festival show’ with the aim of raising UAH2m for 50 portable, solar-powered power plants capable of charging devices and equipment in the field.
According to an announcement, 40 power plants have already been collected by the military.
The organisers of Atlas festival have been increasingly active in raising money for relief in Ukraine
Artists including Fatboy Slim, Verka Serduchka, Dantes, Wellboy, Oleg Skrypka and KOLA were among the guests of the broadcast, which was streamed for over four and a half hours on YouTube, Megogo Live and Action TV on 10 July.
Alongside the event, cryptocurrency exchange Binance launched an NFT charity auction, in which the highest bidder wins a lifetime ticket to Atlas and proceeds go towards the power plants.
The organisers of Atlas festival have been increasingly active in raising money for relief in Ukraine, having organised two charity telethons and transformed its venue into a warehouse for supplies.
Donations can still be made here and the full stream of the Goodbye Russia online show can be watched below.
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Austria’s Barracuda helps raise €2m+ for Ukraine
Austria’s Barracuda Music has raised at least €2 million from a concert to benefit people affected by the war in Ukraine.
We Stand with Ukraine was held at Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna on 19 March, with performances from artists including Eazy, Bibiza x Eli Preiss, Mavi Phoenix, Josh., Ina Regen and Turbobier.
Yung Hurn, Mathea, Bilderbuch, Seiler und Speeer, Pizzera, Jaus and Wanda also performed at the concert, which drew around 40,000 people.
CTS Eventim-backed Barracuda, which promotes festivals such as FM4 Frequency Festival and Nova Rock, raised €1 million during the concert, which was subsequently doubled by the Austrian government.
Austrian federal president Alexander van der Bellen appeared at the event to make a speech: “Our solidarity, our compassion, our common will, to live in freedom and peace, are stronger than any aggression. And every tone that rings today makes it clear: we stand with Ukraine.”
“Our solidarity, our compassion, our common will, to live in freedom and peace, are stronger than any aggression”
The government will continue to double donations made to the charity Neighbour in Need until Easter Monday (18th April).
Commenting on the event, Barracuda said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all partners and artists who supported us in the realisation of this important and special event.”
We Stand with Ukraine is one of many benefit concerts that have raised millions of euros for victims of the war.
Sound of Peace in Germany raised more than €12m, Together with Ukraine in Poland raised €1.7m and Alda’s fundraisers, Dance for Ukraine in Poland and We are One in Romania, together raised €1 million.
Upcoming fundraisers include the UK’s Concert for Ukraine, which yesterday (23 March) confirmed performances from Ed Sheeran, Camila Cabello, Emeli Sandé, Snow Patrol and Gregory Porter.
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Global charity TV marathon planned for Ukraine
Polish television company TVP is spearheading a global charity TV marathon with a live music element in aid of Ukraine.
Broadcasters in Estonia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Albania and Latvia have already signed up for #SaveUkraine, which is earmarked for Sunday 27 March at 4.30pm GMT, with negotiations ongoing with a number of other international channels.
Musicians are invited to submit a recorded performance of one song for the event, followed by an address to viewers, by 8pm on 23 March to encourage the world to donate to humanitarian charities in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Under the plans, the live broadcast will be beamed in English, from the main studio in Poland, with Polish and Ukrainian anchors working simultaneously. Video clips will be shown of celebrity performances, addresses of influencers and stories of people involved in the conflict. Anyone who is able to offer assistance is asked to contact co-organiser Vlad Yaremchuk, booking manager of Atlas Weekend festival, at [email protected].
It is hoped the production will be broadcast by TV channels around the world and screened on YouTube and Instagram, as well as in fan zones in main European squares.
“We believe that culture has more power than any lethal weapon”
“If you’re willing to support Ukraine, we have a great opportunity for your voice to be heard worldwide,” says a letter signed by Ukrainian culture minister Oleksandr Tkachenko. “Ukraine and Poland are establishing a global TV marathon, which is going to be streamed in many countries via various internet platforms, including YouTube and Instagram. The goal is to raise money to help Ukraine survive and stand for its land and lives.
“We believe that culture has more power than any lethal weapon and we invite you to join this initiative. we would be extremely grateful for your support in any way suitable for you: either it is a wonderful song or simply a warm greeting to the brave people of Ukraine. Ukrainians needs help from the united world like never before.”
In the UK, meanwhile, free-to-air television network ITV has announced two-hour fundraiser Concert for Ukraine. ITV, STV and Livewire Pictures are joining forces with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and media and entertainment group Global to stage the event on 29 March.
“Music is a very powerful tool when it comes to showing support and solidarity”
Broadcast across ITV, STV, ITV Hub and STV Player, the live show will bring together names from the music world to raise funds for the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, with a line-up of presenters and artists to be announced over the coming days.
Additionally, all sponsorship and advertising revenue generated from the broadcast of the event, which is expected to raise more than £3 million (€3.55m), will also be donated to the appeal. Viewers will be able to donate money to the cause throughout the evening.
“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,” says Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s head of entertainment commissioning .
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CAA’s Hugh Parsons plans ‘Ride for Ben’ fundraiser
Hugh Parsons, assistant to late CAA agent Ben Kouijzer, is planning a nearly 1,000-mile sponsored bike ride in memory of his close friend and mentor, who died from cancer late last year.
Kouijzer, an electronic music agent at Creative Artists Agency in London, passed away in November after being diagnosed with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST), a rare and aggressive form of cancer. He was just 36.
Parsons, who remains with CAA, is cycling the length of Great Britain, from Land’s End in Cornwall to John o’Groats in the Scottish Highlands, to raise money for Sarcoma UK, a charity that supported Kouijzer throughout his battle with cancer.
At press time, Parsons has raised more than £6,000 for Sarcoma UK for the 1,500km ride, which he will do in ten days in the company of his friend, Max.
“Ben was a very special person who I was lucky enough to call a close friend and mentor,” explains Parsons. “We first met through his brother, Christiaan, who DJed at one of my Stevie Wonderland shows in Manchester in 2015, and Ben and I stayed in touch since, ending up with me working for him at CAA. Among so many huge life lessons, Ben taught me to make time for everyone, park your ego, be as fair as possible, and to stay positive.
“Ben taught me to make time for everyone, park your ego, be as fair as possible, and to stay positive”
“Ben passed in Mexico at the end of 2020 following a long struggle with an uncommon cancer called a sarcoma (or MPNST), which initially infected his back and later his lungs. He was a fighter through and through; however, the final blow was dealt by Covid.
“In between Ben’s two diagnoses, he signed up to run the London marathon for Sarcoma UK but was not able to. I will be following through on Ben’s promise to Sarcoma UK and raising the money Ben would have raised in his name. Charities have been hit especially hard by Covid, and this has been felt even more acutely by already underfunded sarcoma researchers.”
The ride will see Parsons and Max average 150km a day and climb over 15,000m (the equivalent of nearly two Everests), burning the same amount of calories as 14 marathons. “It’s a pretty mad idea, but inspired by Ben, I’m sure we’ll pull through,” Parsons adds. “Please give generously!”
To donate to the ‘Big Ride for Ben’, click here to visit the fundraising page on JustGiving.
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Agent and dad plan ‘Row for Alison’ marathon
Free Trade Agency’s David Hughes and his father, Darryl, will be donning the lycra to take part in a fundraising rowing-machine challenge on 28 May in aid of the hospice team that looked after David’s mother, Alison, who passed away in December.
David, who assists Paul Boswell, will be attempting to row a full marathon (26.2 miles/42.2km) alongside his dad who will take on half the distance, in a bid to raise £5,000.
“My mum had a brain tumour and the support of a very extensive professional care team, alongside incredible amounts of support from her family and friends, enabled her to be nursed at home for nearly 12 months prior to being transferred to the Princess Alice Hospice at Esher for her final days,” says David.
“The hospice community team played a vital role in caring for Mum with their unique knowledge and expertise in palliative care. However, while Alison was at the hospice I discovered that they are not able to operate to full capacity, due to a desperate lack in funding for nursing staff.”
To support the Hughes family’s efforts, visit the ‘Row for Alison’ page on JustGiving. At press time, the Hugheses had raised just over half of their £5,000 target.
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Sold-out Sportpaleis raises €50,000 for live biz
Fundraising initiative Lights for Live has raised more than €50,000 for Belgium’s live music industry after selling out the Antwerp Sportpaleis for the first time in 2021.
Over 5,000 people booked one or more virtual ‘seats’ at €2 each in the 18,400-seat arena to raise money for Live2020, a solidarity fund to support the industry during the Covid-19 pandemic. Previous fundraising events for Live2020 include the Live2020 Auction in November and last year’s Rock Werchter for Live2020.
The money raised by Lights for Live was handed over to Live2020 on Sunday (14 February), while at at the same time each seat in the Sportpaleis was illuminated to represent the fans who couldn’t be present.
“You can feel that people are really starting to look forward to concerts again”
“It is great to see so many people showing their solidarity with the live music sector through this action,” says Clouseau singer Koen Wauters. “You can feel that people are really starting to look forward to concerts again. It’s something I miss a lot myself at the moment.”
“I am genuinely touched by so much light and warmth,” comments musician and composer Miguel Wiels. “It sounds strange, but despite the fact that no one is here, you can still feel a kind of presence from the audience. Hopefully more actions like this will follow soon so that together we can lead the music sector through this crisis and we can make a new start without too much damage.”
According to Niels Destadsbader, another regular at the Sportpaleis, “I must say that I have mixed feelings being here today. On the one hand, it makes me a bit unhappy to see this beautiful concert hall empty, especially because I know from experience how this – in usual circumstances – is an insanely magical place. But on the other hand, I am very happy with the support of our fans and of everyone who supports and cares about music.”
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Mika’s ‘I love Beirut’ concert raises over €1m for charity
Lebanon-born artist Mika has raised over €1 million from his livestreamed charity concert in aid of those affected by last month’s devastating explosion in his home city.
I Love Beirut was livestreamed across four time zones from Mika’s YouTube channel on 19 September and featured performances from himself, Kylie, Rufus Wainwright, Mashrou Leila and others.
More than 100 countries bought tickets to the benefit event – the most recorded on a Ticketmaster event – and 48 countries donated.
The benefit concert raised €1m euros from ticket sales, sponsors and members of the public donating via GoFundMe. The money will be split between the Lebanese Red Cross and Save the Children. Donations can still be made here.
“Thank you to everyone around the world who bought a ticket to the stream, donated to GoFundMe and our sponsors for helping us to raise such an amazing amount of money,” says Mika.
“I also wanted to say how amazing this statement of solidarity for the situation in Beirut has been, with tickets for the stream selling to over 120 different countries around the world.
“This has been a project that was born out of and made possible by love, and a huge amount of collaboration with friends and many new friends made in the process.”
More than 100 countries bought tickets to the benefit event – the most recorded on a Ticketmaster event
Georges Kettaneh, secretary general of the Lebanese Red Cross, said: “We are extremely grateful for this generous support and for the solidarity that has been expressed. These funds will help the Lebanese Red Cross to continue to support Beirut at this time of great need.
“The people of Beirut face a long road to recovery, with this generosity and the continued support we have received from around the globe, we can continue to stand alongside them for as long we are needed.”
Kevin Watkins, CEO of Save the Children UK said: “Save the Children is working around the clock to provide vital support to children and families in Lebanon whose lives have been devastated by the explosion in Beirut. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has come together to raise this incredible total.
“All donations will be going towards our emergency response efforts in Lebanon, which include weatherproofing damaged homes, supporting vulnerable and displaced families with food and cash grants, and providing ongoing psychological support for children and families.”
Mika will also perform at United for Lebanon, a charity event organised by French media conglomerate, Vivendi.
The benefit will take place tomorrow (1 October) in L’Olympia in Paris, featuring artists from Vivendi subsidiary Universal Music Group, including Sting, Clara Luciani, Florent Pagny, Melody Gardot, Soolking and Grand Corps Sick.
The concert will be broadcast live on France 2 and France Inter and a small audience will be present, in compliance with Covid regulations.
Fundraisers For Beirut and The Sound of Beirut took place earlier this month.
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