The Sunflower Jam 2012 concert reviews
Fri, November 9, 2012
Since The Sunflower Jam 2012 concert we have been reading a lot of the reviews of the nights event from around the world. From England, to America and as far afield as Australia the concert has had some amazing reviews! We thought it would be nice to collect all the reviews up and share them with you on the website. We have where possible provided the website address’s of where the original were published so you can read them there as well.
Rock Cellar Magazine
Videos from Sunflower Jam 2012 – Alice Cooper, Brian May, John Paul Jones, Bruce Dickinson & More
by Adrian Garro
This past weekend, the 2012 edition of the Sunflower Jam took place at London’s Royal Albert Hall, and as expected several videos of the night’s events have materialised online.
The event, put on again by Jacky Paice, the wife of Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice, is in its sixteenth year and raises funds for alternative/holistic cancer treatment. As these events usually do, this one featured a bevy of all-star collaborations onstage. Here are a few of the best moments:
Alice Cooper & Brian May of Queen – School’s Out
Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden – Behind Blue Eyes (The Who cover)
Smoke on the Water (finale with everyone – Alfie Boe, Bruce Dickinson, Sandi Thom, Alice Cooper, John Paul Jones, Micky Moody of Whitesnake, Brain Auger, Uni Jon Roth of Scorpions, Brian May, Mark King, Kerry Ellis, Ian Paice, Steve Balsamo & the house band).
Looks like a fun event, huh?
©2012 Rock Cellar Magazine
NME
Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden and Queen band members perform at charity rock show
Alice Cooper and Deep Purple's Ian Paice also take to the stage at the annual Sunflower Jam bash
September 17, 2012
Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones, Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson and Queen guitarist Brian May all performed at a charity rock concert in London last night (September 16).
Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice also played at the Sunflower Jam 2012, whose proceeds went to the cancer charity of the same name founded by his wife Jacky. The event, held at the Royal Albert Hall, also featured musical contributions from Alice Cooper, Whitesnake guitarist Micky Moody and Level 42 singer Mark King.
After several acoustic numbers from May and West End star Kerry Ellis, and a cover of Guns N' Roses' 'November Rain' by folk singer Sandi Thom, Dickinson took to the stage to sing Thin Lizzy's 'Emerald' and The Who's 'Behind Blue Eyes'.
Later, Jones, May and Paice all teamed up for a rendition of Deep Purple's 'Black Night', while May also played guitar during Cooper's performance of 'School's Out'. The entire line-up came together at the end for an ensemble romp through Deep Purple's 'Smoke On The Water'.
©2012 NME
NOISE 11
Bruce Dickinson Sings The Who For Charity Concert
by Paul Cashmere on September 18, 2012
Music fans at the Sunflower Jam 2012 charity concert in London this week were treated to an ensemble featuring Alice Cooper and members of Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden and Queen.
Sunflower Jam is a cancer charity founded by Jacky Paice, wife of Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice.
The concert at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday night featured John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Brian May (Queen), Mick Moody (Whitesnake) and Mark King (Level 42) with Alice Cooper, Ian Paice and Sandy Thom.
©2012 NOISE 11
PLANETMOSH
Sunflower Jam 2012 – The Superjam, 16 September 2012
By Rowena L
Sunday night saw a large gathering at the historic Royal Albert Hall for Superjam, presented by The Sunflower Jam and what a night this would turn out to be! Not only for the immensity of the line-up but also for the very cause we were all there to support; The Sunflower Jam which is there itself to support new research into integrated approaches for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
For those that have been to the Royal Albert Hall you will know what an apt choice it was for this event. The inside is awe inspiring and gives you a real sense of the sheer scale of the evening you are about to enjoy – that’s if the line-up wasn’t enough. On the floor in front of the stage sit tables around which are sat the great and the good who have enjoyed their dinner whilst raising money for The Sunflower Jam through bidding on the various auction items.
First up on stage to get the audience (and men) going were the Miss Kitties burlesque troop tearing up the stage to Led Zeppelin’s ‘Whole lotta love’ which is followed by The Temperance Movement, who played “Aint no telling” and “Only Friend”.
Margo Buchanan follows this with a brilliant acoustic version of ‘Substitute’ before introducing the house band consisting of Jerry Brown (Drums), Nick Fyffe (Bass), Micky Moody and Murray Gould on guitar, and not forgetting the legendary Brian Auger on keys – now that’s my idea of a house band! Here I am sat in a private booth with an amazing view thinking that this can’t get any better this early on surely, but oh no! This evening would prove to be as good as it gets every single minute of it as introduced next is Sandi Thom who does an absolutely fabulous cover of ‘Wheels on fire’; just brilliant both for us to watch and as she says herself for her to be on stage with so many legends. Speaking of legends, she picks up her acoustic guitar to sing a beautifully haunting version of ‘November rain’. A hard one to truly get right in my opinion, but with her voice and the surrounding landscape she manages it just fine. I can still hear it now.
But given the line up the mood would not stay low for long as Uli John Roth joins Nick Fyffe and Brian Auger to kick the tone right back up into rock mode starting with a Scorpions instrumental track, “Sails of Charon”. I’d love to tell you what else they played but I was just far too absorbed in watching them play, though if I thought that was good, on to the stage comes Alfie Boe who, I must admit, I was really looking forward to hearing live (shameful fan that I am). What a treat it was. He may be classical but damn can he belt out ‘Rock n Roll’ by Led Zeppelin – and in true appreciation gets the first standing ovation of the evening. But for me the cover of Foreigner’s ‘I want to know what love is’ would be worth the entry fee alone; that deep voice just held me captive. The next ‘act’ of Kerry Ellis and Brian May was equally captivating, starting with their another acoustic cover of ‘Born free’. An interesting choice I thought but as with each change of performer during the night, you immediately get absorbed. As befitting the song it is kept simple and pure and manages to be both haunting and uplifting at the same time – in one word; perfect. Following this up with ‘I loved a butterfly’ from her album ‘Anthems’ which she worked on with Brian May. If you haven’t heard this it’s worth a listen and describes how things are not always as they seem.
At this time in the evening it was appropriate to stop and remember the great Jon Lord who sadly passed away recently. First came Steve Balsamo who sang ‘Pictured Within’ by Jon Lord who had written the song about his family and those closest. This was followed by a remembrance for Jon Lord again by Steve Balsamo who read out a letter he had written to Jon to say thank you for everything; which is a lot. The silence in the room throughout was tangible, with everyone united in the same feeling of loss for a great man, while images were shown on the screens along with messages from metal’s great in tribute to their joint hero. I, and I am sure all there, was moved to tears long after the tribute ended and can only now add my own to a man that has given and done so much to the world and to those who knew him.
Following this we are treated to a performance from a group who had only been together for 12 weeks before this night which was to be their first ever public performance. ‘The Big C’ are a group of singers of all ages who have undergone treatment for cancer and through the charity Tenovus (http://www.tenovus.org.uk/) are harnessing the positive effects of singing. This collective deserve all respect for so many reasons including their truly fantastic performance. Their version of ‘Something inside so strong’ was truly beautiful and to then hear Bon Jovi’s ‘It’s my life’ was nothing short of inspirational and drew an extremely impressive and lasting standing ovation from the entire place – even those in the expensive tables were on their feet applauding and cheering wildly. A truly special performance from an incredible choir.
After a very long and well earned applause, Level 42′s Mark King is welcomed to the stage and as they said on the night, no one plays bass like he does and he certainly brings the funk back. So much so that those seated at tables are forced to leave their comfy seats and dance to a couple of Level 42 songs including “Lessons in love”. Throw in a little Uli John Roth on guitar for a trip back to the sixties for Cream’s ‘Sunshine of your love’.
If you thought it couldn’t get louder, then you must not have heard of a chap called Bruce Dickinson. Immediately you can feel the audience being that little bit more alert; well as well as watching the back tables jump up and move towards the front. ‘Behind blue eyes’ by The Who was to be our treat and what a treat it was. The combination of a great song, Bruce’s voice and the backdrop and lighting was just amazing! Cranking the amaze factor up even more with the next song – a cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Emerald” with Ian Paice on drums, Brian May on guitar, John Paul Jones on bass, Brian Auger on keys and Bruce Dickinson doing what he also does best. I mean seriously!!!!! You could easily have thought this was a fantasy set list, but no, I got to witness it for real. That’s members of Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Queen and Led Zeppelin all playing together – unbelievable stuff!
Back on stage next is Kerry Ellis again to sing Rainbows’s ‘Since you been gone’ with Brian May, and yes, it really was that good. Though good cannot possibly describe the next performer… and performer is definitely what he is. Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Alice Cooper.
First up is a Chuck Berry song ‘Nadine’ which was very unexpected indeed but this is Alice Cooper – that man can pull anything off in style. He also managed to pull the voices of the audience into the air with ‘Elected’. It was great to see him interacting with the other musicians although Brian May seemed a touch nervous when Alice Cooper was behind him with his cane across Brian Mays neck! Then Alice had the whole crowd off their seats for ‘Schools out’. This performance it seemed was the highlight song of the evening with everyone as far as the eye could see (and with my view that was a lot) up on their feet dancing about, but no! For this evening would not be complete without one more tribute from all the evening’s artists coming back onto the stage, and being led by Bruce Dickinson for what was an absolutely incredible version of “Black Night” and then the grand finale – ‘Smoke on the water’. Just to see all of these artists on stage at one time, let alone the way they interact with each other with humour and respect, and to hear this song sang the way it was was really indescribable. There was simply no person left sitting down and the appreciation from the crowd was overpowering. This was a truly perfect tribute and way to end what was just an amazing night!
If you didn’t manage to go to this event this year then please keep an eye out for tickets for next year’s event. Not only is this a truly worthwhile cause, it was also one of the best events I have been to in years; the line-up, the songs, the quality of the performances, the organisation, everything was just inspiring. I and Ant will definitely be at next year’s event and the one after, and the one after that – after Sunday’s performance, there’s just no way you’d be able to stop us!
Please Note: It is still possible to donate online at http://www.thesunflowerjam.com/ so please, visit their website and read about the wonderful work of all involved and give what you can to help this truly worthwhile cause. If you do, we at Planetmosh salute and thank you
©2012 PLANETMOSH
Ultimate Classic Rock
Alice Cooper, Brian May Collaboration Amongst Highlights of Sunflower Jam 2012
By Billy Dukes
Sunday night’s Sunflower Jam in London was one of those nights of rock revelry you dream of. Classic rock artists from across the spectrum joined together for one cause, to play a set full of unexpected collaborations and covers. Alice Cooper, Brian May of Queen, John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin and Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden were just a few of the rockers on hand for the annual charity event.
For the sixth straight year Jacky Paice, the wife of Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice, organised an all-star concert to raise money to support alternative and holistic treatments for cancer. The Sept. 16 concert took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
May was involved in the night’s most impressive collaborations, including ‘School’s Out’ with Cooper and Deep Purple’s ‘Black Night.’ The finale was an all-star jam featuring May and British singer Kerry Ellis helping out on ‘Smoke on the Water.’ A complete setlist — including the folk cover of Guns N’ Roses’ ‘November Rain’ — is available at Queen’s official website.
©2012 Ultimate Classic Rock
BLABBERMOUTH.NET
Bruce Dickson, Brian May, Alice Cooper, Uli Jon Roth Perform At 'The Sunflower Jam'
September 19, 2012
Bruce Dickinson (IRON MAIDEN), Ian Paice (DEEP PURPLE), Brian May (QUEEN), Alice Cooper, John Paul Jones (LED ZEPPELIN) and Uli Jon Roth (SCORPIONS) are among the musicians who took part in the 2012 edition of The Sunflower Jam, which took place on Sunday, September 16 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England.
Jacky Paice, wife of Ian Paice, set up The Sunflower Jam charity in 2006 to help people treat cancer within the UCLH (University College London Hospitals). Now the charity raises acceptance of an integrated approach in medical treatment. By educating, supporting, informing and developing services around patient-centric care, and by bringing together doctors, health professionals, scientists and patients, alongside an array of musicians who not only perform but support the cause, the organizers aim to create a wider network of support and raise awareness through their event.
The charity works by supporting initiatives set up to bridge the gap between integrated, functional and conventional medicine with a natural approach to wellness for children, young people, adults and their families with a range of acute and chronic emotional, mental and physical conditions.
©2012 BLABBERMOUTH.NET
Rock and Roll World.net
Sunflower Jam 2012 – Alice Cooper, Brian May, John Paul Jones, Bruce Dickinson & More
By Adrian Garro
This past weekend, the 2012 edition of the Sunflower Jam took place at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The event, put on again by Jacky Paice, the wife of Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice, is in its sixteenth year and raises funds for alternative/holistic cancer treatment. As these events usually do, this one featured a bevy of all-star collaborations onstage. Here are a few of the best moments:
Alice Cooper & Brian May of Queen – School’s Out
Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden – Behind Blue Eyes (The Who cover)
Smoke on the Water (finale with everyone – Alfie Boe, Bruce Dickinson, Sandi Thom, Alice Cooper, John Paul Jones, Micky Moody of Whitesnake, Brain Auger, Uni Jon Roth of Scorpions, Brian May, Mark King, Kerry Ellis, Ian Paice, Steve Balsamo & the house band).
Looks like a fun event, huh?
©2012 Rock and Roll World.net
Metal Hammer
Bruce Dickinson, Alice Cooper, Brian May And John Paul Jones All Appear At Sunflower Jam Charity Show. Oof!
by Merlin
Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson, Queen guitarist Brian May, Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones and Alice Cooper were some of the name to appear at a special charity event at the Royal Albert Hall in London last night (Sunday September 16).
All proceeds from the event went to a great cause in cancer support charity Sunflower Jam, founded by Jacky Paice, wife of Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice.
“Sunflower Jam is a great night out and a fabulous meeting of musical styles and personalities for a unique and very worthy cause,” says Bruce. We agree, and judging by the photos, it looks like it was a massive success. Nice one!
©2012 METAL HAMMER
MUSIC NEWS.COM
Bruce Dickinson sings at Who charity gig
by Paul Cashmere on September 18, 2012
Music fans at the Sunflower Jam 2012 charity concert in London this week were treated to an ensemble featuring Alice Cooper and members of Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden and Queen.
Sunflower Jam is a cancer charity founded by Jacky Paice, wife of Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice.
The concert at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday night featured John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Brian May (Queen), Mick Moody (Whitesnake) and Mark King (Level 42) with Alice Cooper, Ian Paice and Sandy Thom.
©2012 MUSIC NEWS.COM
ABC NEWS AND RADIO
2012 Sunflower Jam Benefit in London Features Epic Stage Collaborations
by Music News Group, abcnewsradioonline.com
September 17th 2012 3:00 PM
The annual sixth Sunflower Jam benefit concert took place September 16 at London's Royal Albert Hall, and featured some jaw-dropping onstage collaborations. Among the many stars who performed at the event were Alice Cooper, Queen guitarist Brian May, Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones, Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice and Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickenson. Backing many of the guest artists was a house band that included ex-Whitesnake guitarist Micky Moody, former Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth, and long-time Paul McCartney keyboardist Paul "Wix" Wickens.
According to Queen's official website, the show's highlights included May, Jones and Paice teaming up for a rendition of Deep Purple's "Black Night," and May joining Cooper for a version of the shock rocker's classic "School's Out." The evening ended with many of the musicians joining forces on a cover of the Deep Purple anthem "Smoke on the Water." Visit QueenOnline.com top check out the concerts full set list, and MetalHammer.co.uk to view photos from the extravaganza.
The Sunflower Jam was co-founded in 2006 by Paice's wife, Jacky, and raises money to support holistic and alternative healing programs in the United Kingdom.
©2012 ABC News Radio
Tight But Loose - The Led Zeppelin Magazine
SUNFLOWER JAM 2012
John Paul jones was on stage at the Royal Albert Hall last night for the annual Sunflower Jam. TBL’s Graeme Hutchinson files this first hand report:
The sixth annual SUNFLOWER JAM took place last night at the glorious ROYAL ALBERT HALL with a stellar line-up of rock and roll talent on show to raise money for their great cause helping to provide holistic care and support for people with acute and chronic medical and emotional conditions. As we went to our seats we were able to catch the end of the charity auction that was taking place for the dinner guests in the middle of the hall. One of the last items was a light blue Fender Stratocaster signed by Jimmy Page, JPJ, Tony Iommi, Slash and lots of other famous rock guitarists. It sold for £6500. Overall the auction raised almost £70,000 for the Sunflower Jam Charity.
Jeremy Irons stepped up to introduce the evening followed by Planet Rock DJ Nicky Horne to announce the evening’s line up and to make a special mention that the evening was dedicated to Jon Lord who recently passed away and was a staunch supporter of the Sunflower Jam. Interestingly both Jeremy and Nicky have a strong Zep connections as Jeremy Irons is a patron of ABC Trust, the charity that Jimmy page founded over ten years ago, and Nicky Horne of course introduced Led Zeppelin at the Earls Court concert on 24th May 1975. To open proceedings a modern dance group called Miss Kitty took to the stage in suspenders, stockings and basques with a raunchy routine to the classic Whole Lotta Love. It was fantastic to hear this song pumped out of a big PA system at decent decibels. Makes my mouth water for the soon to be seen Celebration Day cinema screenings where it will be loud!
Next up were a new band to me called The Temperance Movement and a very classy act they are. They remind me of a mixture of Free and The Faces with a truly first rate singer. Well worth checking out again. Margo Buchanan stepped up next to do an acoustic version of The Who’s Substitute which was followed by an introduction to the rest of the house band which included, amongst others, Micky Moody (ex Whitesnake), Brian Auger playing Jon Lords Hammond, Paul “Wix” Wickens (Paul McCartney).
Vocalist Sandi Thom was up next performing “Wheels On Fire”, a blues number whose title I didn’t catch and an acoustic version of November Rain (at least I think that’s what is was). Straight afterwards ex-Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth took the stage to join the house band but not before a brilliant performance of the Scorpions classic Sails Of Charon. Uli was a revelation. He warned us at the start “it might get loud” and it did and his guitar playing on this tune and throughout the night being stunning. He gave it all and was one of the hi-lights of the night.
Things were starting to buzz at the RAH and then Alfie Boe was announced. I wasn’t sure what to expect… Nessum Dorma perhaps? I don’t think so... the opening drum riff was unmistakable and soon we had Alfie rocking the Albert Hall to Zep’s Rock and Roll. Simply brilliant. What a voice. Maybe JP and JPJ should have tapped up Alfie back in 2008 when Robert said “no”. The mood changed as Alfie next took on Foreigners “I Want To Know What Love Is”. This is a notoriously difficult sing to sing but Alfie nailed it and got a very deserved standing ovation. AWESOME.
Brian May and Kerry Ellis were up next to perform a couple of acoustic tracks; Born Free (yes the Matt Monroe song) and Like A Butterfly, which was truly beautiful. Violinist Anna Phoebe and vocalist Steve Balsamo are next with a moving tribute to Jon Lord. Steve had worked with Jon over recent years and made a very moving speech. They then performed a song written by Jon called Pictured Within which must have had most of the audience in tears. Another deserved standing ovation.
A choir of men and women who had all suffered serious illness stepped up next. Known as The Big C they performed an enthusiastic “Something Inside So Strong” and Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” to another standing ovation.
To follow, Level 42 bass man Mark King enters the stage and plays an implausible bass riff. How does he do that! A simply brilliant bass player…but not my favourite that night, Mark goes on to play Something About You and Lessons In Love which go down surprisingly well for the Albert Hall’s classic rock crowd. To finish off he mentions how hearing Cream at the RAH had inspired him in his youth and went on to perform Sunshine Of Your Love with Uli Jon Roth, who Mark says is his new best mate and favourite guitarist. Not a partnership I would have predicted but they were brilliant.
The big guns are about to take the stage with Bruce Dickinson first up and performs Thin Lizzy’s Emerald and The Who’s Behind Blue Eyes. The sound got a bit rough during his set which was a shame but he was still great. That man has one hell of a pair of lungs.
At last the new “house band” take stage. Ian Paice on drums, Brian May, Brain Auger and of course JPJ. Bruce is still on vocals and they break into Deep Purples Black Night. To be honest, it was a bit of a train wreck but I loved every minute. They were having fun, jamming to a great rock tune and Brain May might have screwed up the ending but who cares? Kerry Ellis takes the mike from Bruce and it’s straight into Rainbow’s Since You’ve Been Gone. It was simply fantastic though I bet you never thought JPJ would be playing this kind of stuff. Alice Cooper is next on vocals and to rapturous applause. His first song is a version of Chuck Berry’s Nadine which was terrific. After this JPJ leaves the stage to be replaced by the house bass player Nick Ffyfe as Alice band perform Elected and Schools Out. The RAH is thumping with these two classics. Spectacular stuff.
Finally everyone is back on stage for a rocking and very long verison of Smoke On the Water, although surprisingly only Mark King and Nick Ffyfe on bass. JPJ has returned to play the cowbell of all things. JPJ… man of multiple instrument talents!
By 10.45pm it’s all over and it has been truly memorable and fun evening of entertainment from some of rocks finest. It’s my first Sunflower Jam but it won’t be my last. Already looking forward to next year.
Graeme Hutchinson
©2012 Tight But Loose - The Led Zeppelin Magazine
RTT NEWS Global Financial Newswires
Alice Cooper And Brian May Collaboration Highlights Sunflower Jam 2012
by RTT Staff Writer, rttnews.com
September 21st 2012 3:26 PM
(RTTNews) - London's Sunflower Jam 2012 had a host of highlights during its annual event—chief among them was Queen guitarist Brian May joining Alice Cooper on stage for a rendition of the latter's hit "School's Out."
Cooper and May were joined by Micky Moody (former Whitesnake guitarist), Ian Paice (Deep Purple) and Paul McCartney's Wix Wickens on the song. Other Cooper tracks included "Elected" (featuring Moody, Paice and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin) and "Nadine."
The show's finale was a rendition of the Deep Purple classic "Smoke on the Water," featuring May, Paice, Moody, Jones, Cooper, keyboard legend Brian Auger, British tenor Alfie Boe, and Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson.
The all-star concert, organized by Paice's wife, Jacky, raises funds and awareness for holistic treatments to cancer.
©2012 RTT NEWS
Rays Gigs.com
The Sunflower Jam live at The Royal Albert Hall, London
16 September 2012
Another one of those nights in London where there are three quality gigs on so i had to leave until the next time The Cult + Mission at Hammersmith Apollo and Dexys at The Barbican as the RAH show was more of a one off special.
Last night it was a tribute to a glam rock legend Marc Bolan and tonight it is a tribute to a classic rock legend Jon Lord from Deep Purple who sadly passed away in July this year.
Pretty much the same format as last night with a house band and guest singers doing two to four songs each.
This annual charity event is put together by Jacky Paice the wife of Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice.
The house band was led by Paul McCartneys keyboard player Paul "Wix" Wiggins and included Uli Jon Roth,Micky Moody and the brilliant drummer Jerry Brown.
The show was 2 hours 40 mins with no interval.
Up first we had some burlesque dancers then new band The Temperance Movement did a couple of good blues rock tunes.Then the house band came on and singer Sandi Thom sang three tunes with them.
Uli Jon Roth played a Scorpions instrumental.
Then Alfie Boe who is more used to singing Les Mis and Mozart but is playing more rock tunes in his live show sang Led Zeps "Rock n Roll" and a cover of "I Want To Know What Love Is".He voice is mega.
Then Brian May acoustic for a couple of songs with Kerry Ellis.Then Jon Lords band member for the last five years Steve Balsamo read out a touching tribute and sang Jons track "Pictured Within".
The Big C choir sang a couple of good covers including the brilliant "Something So Strong".
Then the great bass player Mark King from Level 42 played two of his bands hits "Something About You" and "Lessons In Love".
Then on the stage together was Bruce Dickinson,Ian Paice,Brian May and John Paul Jones for a couple of tunes including "Black Night".
Then special guest Alice Cooper came on for three songs.A cover of Chuck Berrys "Nadine" and then two brilliant versions of "Elected" and "Schools Out".
Finale was everyone on the stage for a singalong of "Smoke On The Water". A great evening.
Guests here included actor Jeremy Irons and top pr chappie Max Clifford.
©2012 Rays Gigs.com
FMX 94.5
“Sunflower Jam” Rocks For Cancer Awareness
by Driver
I don’t know about you, but it’s been really refreshing the way “rockers” have come together for different causes over the past few years. I know all about “Band-Aid” and ”Farm-Aid” which were amazing worldwide events, but lately musicians have joined forces for more intimate, local fund-raising events.
This past weekend, Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Alice Cooper, Brian May (Queen) joined Ian Paice of Deep Purple and his wife Jacky Paice at “Sunflower Jam” 2012, to help people treat cancer at the University College London Hospitals.
Cheers to all that give their time to perform and support so many meaningful causes.
©2012 FMX 94.5
Classic Rock Radio
The Sunflower Jam 2012 Royal Albert Hall Sunday 16th September
The Sunflower Jam 2012 - An Incredible Night! I asked myself ''How will I find the words to describe what I witnessed?''
From start to finish The Sunflower Jam SuperJam 2012 that took place at the beautiful Royal Albert Hall on Sunday September 16 was utterly mesmerising, it attacked all my senses and it left me dazed! It was just such a fantastic adrenaline-filled night, an array of amazing talent from various musical genres coming together determined to ROCK for a great cause. They included tenor Alfie Boe, actress/singer Kerry Ellis, Level 42's Mark King, Deep Purple's Ian Paice, Alice Cooper, Led Zeppelin 's John Paul Jones, Queen's Brian May and Iron Maiden's Bruce DickinsonIt kicked off with some rather scantily clad ladies from dance group Miss Kitty dancing, feathers and all to Led Zep's Whole Lotta Love. (I am sure the men fully appreciated this but may I cheekily suggest also including some long haired male dancers for the ladies next time to even it up a bit!)
This was followed by a band called The Temperance Movement. I hadn't heard them before but thought they were excellent. Certainly would like to hear more.
In a recent interview Ian Paice had told me how fantastic the house band would be and he was spot on. They were simply stunning and included the talents of ex Scorpion Uli Jon Roth, ex Whitesnake Micky Moody & Murray Gould on guitars. Paul Wix Wickins & Brian Auger (keys) Steve Balsamo , Margo Buchanan & Sandi Thom (vocals) along with Nick Fyffe ( bass) and Jerry Brown (drums) Brian Auger and Sandi Thom were a joy to watch, I especially loved ‘Wheels On Fire’ and 'November Rain' Beautiful!
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Alfie Boe, don’t misunderstand me, he has a stunning voice that I appreciate & enjoy, but I was very pleasantly surprised and impressed hearing him get his rock socks on singing Led Zep's Rock And Roll and Foreigner's I Want To Know What Love Is
Seeing Kerry Ellis & Brian May deliver a stunning version of Rainbow’s Since You’ve Been Gone was just well..frankly awesome.!
There probably wasn't a dry eye in house during the very moving tribute to Jon Lord, which was in the form of a letter to Jon penned and read by vocalist Steve Balsamo (who had worked with Jon in recent years ) Steve and violinist Anna Phoebe then performed Pictured Within (which was written by Jon ) This was accompanied by stills and footage of Jon. It was hauntingly beautiful. A well deserved standing ovation for a gentleman who will be missed by so many and gave so much to music.
I really must give special mention to the Big C Choir who got a well deserved standing ovation for ‘Something Inside So Strong / It's My Life’ - they sung their hearts out and had an obviously fantastic time doing so. So what that it wasn’t pitch perfect, I’m mentioning this because unlike the others who were appearing at the Jam the Big C Choir are not ‘pros’, many of them had never sung in public before, but they do have a common link , they are people who are in, or have undergone, treatment for cancer. A very brave bunch in every way possible, and they brought tears to many eyes, including mine. I take my hat off to them.
Naturally I expected Bruce Dickinson, Alice Cooper and Brian May to rock loud n proud – and they did just that! Bruce brought his energetic touch to Thin Lizzy 's Emerald & The Who 's Behind Blue Eyes
It was actually my first time seeing any of them live on stage and what a treat it was for me to finally witness Alice's 'Elected ' and 'School's Out' live
Another spectacular jamming moment takes place on stage to the delight of the audience with Ian Paice , Brian May, Brain Auger John Paul Jones and Bruce Dickinson breaking into a fantastic classic - Deep Purple's Black Night.
All too soon the night was coming to an end, but not before an amazing finale with everyone coming back together onstage for Smoke On The Water.
All in all , a fantastic night and for a great cause , with proceeds going towards holistic & complementary care for people with cancer and that cause is really the most important part of the night which I think some of the people leaving the Albert Hall later forgot, I overheard a few complaints of ‘not enough music’ amongst the ‘wow brilliants’
I’d taken my sister along for the night as a bit of a ‘reunion’ weekend (we are usually thousands of miles apart ) and she certainly enjoyed herself! We had a box to ourselves and danced our socks off at times, we joked that the only thing missing in our box was the adorably grumpy old men from The Muppet Show but I think even they would have enjoyed the night!
©2012 Marilyn Michaels. Classic Rock Radio
Metal Talk.net
MARK TAYLOR'S BIG CITY NIGHTS
SUNFLOWER JAM: ROYAL ALBERT HALL, LONDON
Now in it's sixth year and for the second year running the Sunflower Jam is held at the grandoise Royal Albert Hall to raise money in a commitment to improve the treatment and care of patients with pancreatic cancer. The fund rasing charity was set up by Jacky Paice, the wife of Deep Purple's drummer Ian Paice.
The event for this year took on a whole closer meaning to the organisers with the sad loss of Jon Lord, who was married to Jacky's twin sister Vicky, and whilst tonight was a glorious jam with some of the biggest names in rock, it was in a way a little tribute to the Lord of the Hammond himself.
Those with big wallets and kind hearts to match had a champagne reception followed by dinner and an auction and were seated around huge round tables in the stalls area with the doors opening later on for music loving fans to enjoy the concert.
This year the show got under starters orders on time and actor Jeremy Irons introduced the evening starting off with a little titillation with the dance group Miss Kitty shaking their stuff to 'Whole Lotta Love' before the real live action which first featured some rootsy rock 'n roll from Temperance Movement , a young band with soul and guts and the right grooves.
Margo Buchanan sang a fine lighter version of the Who's 'Substitute' accompanied by guitarist Murray Gould, who has the perfect name if he wishes to sell kitchen gloves, and who later joined the house band. The house band for the evening featured some of the country's finest musicians including former Whitesnake charmer Micky Moody, drummer Jerry Brown, Nick Fyffe on the bass and the talented Brian Auger who had the solemn job of using Lord's Hammond.
Sandi Thom looking marvellous and no longer wearing flowers in her hair gave a stupendous acoustic 'November Rain', the G'N R classic. Former Scorpions member Uli Jon Roth apologised in advance for a deafening but spellbinding instrumental take on 'Sails Of Charon' followed by Alfie Boe's storming version of Led Zep's 'Rock 'N Roll' before the more lighter 'I Want To Know What Love Is'.
Brian May was in the house and surprisingly not a single note of Queen was heard. Dueting on acoustic with Kerry Ellis, complete with lovely long blonde mane of hair, with 'Born Free' got a roar of approval.
The evening took on a sombre but meaningful twist when Jesus Christ Superstar's Steve Balsamo read out an open letter to Jon Lord thanking him for time, patience and belief as everyone in the hall listened intently. Then he was joined by violinist Anna Phoebe for a moving 'Pictured Within', one of Jon Lord's own pieces of work, played along to a collage of photos of Jon on the big screen... A very mournful moment as we reflected on the life of a true talented and well liked man.
I felt it would be impossible to follow that and the next act, a group of cancer sufferers known as the Big C all joined forces to sing 'Something Inside So Strong' and Bon Jovi's 'It's My Life' with the lines of "It's my life, it's now or never, I ain't gonna live forever... I'm just going to live whilst I'm alive... It's My Life", ensured a standing ovation and the loudest cheer from everyone in the Albert.
Level 42's sonic bassist Mark King took us back to the eighties with 'Something About You' and 'Lessons In Love' and was then joined by a returning Uli Jon Roth for a Creamy 'Sunshine Of Your Love'. Roth stayed on stage to see Bruce Dickinson, bottle of Spitfire ale in hand, give a bash at Thin Lizzy's 'Emerald' with some duelling antics between Moody and Roth.
Dickinson then gave us the Who's 'Behind Blue Eyes' before the bizarre sight of him being joined by Brian May, Ian Paice, Led Zep's John Paul Jones along with Brian Auger. They became the new house band with a jamming 'Black Night' with calamitous miscues from all at the end with Ian Paice the master keeping it all together. He couldn't resist a little 'B'doom tsh' at the end.
May and Kerry Ellis were back out front with Rainbow's 'Since You Been Gone' a track that May last played here on the 'Another World' tour in tribute to Cozy Powell. The king of the ring, Alice Cooper, entered with theatrical demeanour and owned the stage with a gutsy cover of Chuck Berry's 'Nadine' and threw his cane into the crowd with rousing versions of 'Elected' and 'School's Out'.
The night ended with an all star cast jamboree of 'Smoke On The Water'. This was an historical gig, captured forever on film for a future DVD. Next year will be a full tribute to the works of Jon Lord. The ticket is worth every penny and is for a very good cause.
©2012 Metal Talk.net
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