We know it's tough right now to stay positive. But we're here to let you know that it's not all doom and gloom. Keep your chin up, and find solace in music and the arts. So, each week, we're going to be bringing you our favourite positive music news stories from around the world. We hope it brings a smile to your face. Enjoy!
Peter Kay announces The Big Night In telethon
Joining forces with BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief, nation's favourite Peter Kay returns to television after three years for the ultimate charity, comedy telethon on Thursday 23 April. Set to be full to the brim with star-studded special guests, including Gary Barlow and Catherine Tate, the three hour 'Night In' will see musicians, celebrities and members of the public raising money for the most vulnerable during this time. Make sure you tune in at 7pm on 23 April, BBC One.
Laura Marling releases album early
In light of recent events, folk singer-songwriter Laura Marling announced that she would bringing the release of her seventh album 'Song For Our Daughter' forward, now releasing Friday 10 April. Having to unfortunately cancel her upcoming UK tour, Marling explained on Instagram that the reasoning behind the early release was to hopefully "...provide some sense of union". She continues, describing the album as "...a strange whisper; a little distorted, a little out of sequence, such is life"; so what better time to release than now.
One World: Together at home
In support of the World Health Organisation's COVID19 solidarity response fund, pop superstar Lady Gaga has curated a star-studded line-up including Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney, Lizzo, Billie Joe Armstrong, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and more to perform a live-stream, televised concert on Saturday 18 April. Also a celebration of health workers across the globe, residents in the UK will be able to view the concert on BBC One on Sunday 19 April which will also include exclusive performances from UK artists. Make sure you tune in next week!
The National showcase rare footage to raise money for their touring crew
The National have begun a weekly series of events every Monday, in order to raise money for their live touring crew during this unprecedented time. The series, which premiered last Monday (6 April), sees the band unleash content from their vaults, classic live sets, unseen and rare footage (The National, Twitter) and kicked off with a live stream from their 2013 performance at Germany's Hurricane Festival. Tune in every Monday on their YouTube channel here.
Manic Street Preachers announce two concerts supporting NHS
Yesterday (8th April) Welsh rock icons Manic Street Preachers announced they would be performing two shows at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena this December in order to support the National Health Service. The first night, 4 December 2020, will be a free performance for all NHS workers across the country and the second, a open-to-all public show with all profits donated to NHS Wales Charities. To find out how you can attend and purchase tickets, see the band's post here.
United We Stream
As gigs and venues ground to a halt in one of the country's most vibrant hubs for live music, Manchester, United We Stream aims to bring live performances every evening for a ticket price of your choice in order to combat homelessness and support local venues and performers across the city. This Saturday sees a very special Hacienda Classical House Party scheduled in, so get your glow sticks out and be prepared to dance across your living room with tickets available here.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag play now streaming for charity
It was the play and TV adaptation we couldn't get enough of in 2019, with theatre performances selling out instantly and live cinema screenings packed across the country. But if you didn't get chance to experience Waller-Bridge's incredible play Fleabag the first time around, you can access the live stream for as little as £4 today on Soho Theatre's On Demand site or Amazon Prime next week. All proceeds will go towards theatre workers affected by the current climate, such as charity Acting For Others and freelancer grants.
Andrea Bocelli announces Music For Hope concert
This Sunday (12 April), global music icon Andrea Bocelli will live stream a very special, solo performance from Milan's Duomo landmark in order to raise money for vital hospital equipment during this time. Aiming to bring a sense of hope, love and healing across the globe, Bocelli will perform a selection of specially selected pieces for the cause as this iconic building opens it's doors especially for the concert. Make sure you tune in Easter Sunday at 6pm here.
Harry Styles launches T-shirt line for charity
Donning the message 'Stay Safe. Stay Home. Protect Each Other.', Harry Styles' special edition T-shirts aim to help support the World Health Organisation's COVID-19 solidarity response fund, with 100% of profits going towards the charity. The T-shirt can be purchased from Harry Styles' website for just £21 here.
Black Sabbath's Tommy Iommi auctions iconic guitar to help NHS
Guitarist of esteemed heavy metal band, Black Sabbath, Tommy Iommi is auctioning his belongings - including a very special guitar, in order to raise money to help Birmingham's Heartland Hospital Charity during this time. The rock legend's guitar has already reached £4,000 in bids and is among a whole collection of Iommi's rare belongings, such as signed DVDs and vinyls. See what you can get your hands whilst doing a good deed here.
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