Tickets for Duran Duran

CAP D’ANTIBES, France With an apt rendition of “Gold-finger,” singing legend Shirley Bassey roused celebrity-revelers to dig deep into their pockets at the 20th amfAR gala in the Cap D’Antibes Thursday, helping to raise an estimated $25 million for AIDS research.

The British-born singer was one of several performers including Duran Duran who sang at the gold-themed auction event nearby the Cannes Film Festival, hosted by actress Sharon Stone, and held at the French Riviera’s exclusive Hotel Du Cap over-looking the sea. The annual amfAR gala has for two decades attracted the film and fashion industries’ rich and powerful – and this year was no exception, with movie mogul Harvey Weinstein – perhaps the Hollywood equivalent of the Midas touch – Leonardo DiCaprio, Jessica Chastain, Janet Jackson, Milla Jovovich and Goldie Hawn sitting side by side. Stone, a pushy but charismatic host, is started to earn herself a legendary status presiding over the amfAR event, since the passing of its founder Elizabeth Taylor in 2011.

“I heard that somebody might go into outer space tonight. Maybe a rumor, maybe not,” said Weinstein before the auction.

He was not wrong. Items sold under the hammer did indeed include a trip to space, but also more terrestrial items such as an Andy Warhol lithograph of Taylor, a chance to have a family portrait taken by iconic photographer Annie Leibovitz, a week in fashion designer’s Donna Karan’s Caribbean hide-away and a shimmering 53-carat diamond necklace.

The gala’s excess remained just a front to one of the world’s biggest fundraisers in the fight against AIDS, a disease that amfAR says still affect some 34 million people worldwide.

“Yes, you can think it’s a silly little dinner, you can deride it as full of celebrities dressed up,” said Leibovitz, whose photo of Niagara Falls also sold at auction. “But that’s missing the point. 80 million dollars amfAR has raised since it began. That’s the point. It has saved lives.”

Harvey Weinstein took the mike several times to praise the film industry’s commitment to AIDS stressing that while two decades ago the illness was a “looming plague,” now a cure might well be seen within “our lifetime.”

Reminders of the serious nature of the event didn’t manage to stop the fun, however.

For the second time in amfAR’s history, the event’s penchant for excess translated rather well into a glimmering catwalk show – curated by stylist Carine Roitfeld. It featured some 38 gold and black looks from designers such as Dior, Chanel, Lanvin and Prada worn by models such as Karlie Kloss Karolina Kurkova, Angela Lindvall and Alessandra Ambrosio Models who strutted on a catwalk between dining tables. The standout dresses were a custom gold embroidered long sleeve gown courtesy of Valentino, and a custom gold pleated mini dress from Givenchy. All the dresses went under the hammer to a single bidder, selling in just a couple of minutes for a staggering $1.56 million.

Thought celebrities were in a generous mood, news that thieves outsmarted 80 security guards and made off with a necklace that creators say is worth a staggering 2 million euros ($2.6 million) – the second such jewelry heist during this year’s Cannes Film Festival – had celebrities clinging more closely onto their jewels.

“Well yeah, I’m going to be watching how much champagne I drink,” said Jovovich, smiling. “Because you never know somebody might come up and just shwoop, take it off.”

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/05/24/4060947/glitzy-amfar-raises-25-million.html#storylink=cpy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

amfAR’s CINEMA AGAINST AIDS XX BREAKS ALL RECORDS – RAISES $25 MILLION
FOR RESEARCH TO FIGHT HIV/AIDS AND FIND A CURE

EVENT SPONSORED BY BOLD FILMS, LOVEGOLD, and BANK JULIUS BAER

For event photos and video footage, visit www.epklink.com/amfAR2013

CANNES, FRANCE May 24, 2013— A trip to space with Leonardo DiCaprio, a private performance by legendary rock icons Duran Duran, and a family portrait sitting with Annie Leibovitz: these were just a few of the items sold at amfAR’s most financially successful event to date. Cinema Against AIDS XX exceeded all expectations, raising nearly $25 million in a single night, helping amfAR in its continued fight against HIV/AIDS.

Harvey Weinstein, a long time chair of Cinema Against AIDS, helped to lead the live auction at the record-breaking charity event, held in conjunction with the Cannes International Film Festival on May 23 at the famed Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France.

amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman Sharon Stone said in a statement, “Tonight in Cannes we’ve made AIDS history. We’ve made $25 million with the very people who seeded the pediatric AIDS fund. We’re grateful, and we’re grateful to that one little girl in Mississippi who was our first cure. To you, we dedicate this evening, because you are the girl who’s taking us forward into the future, when this cure will be here not only for the 330,000 children who have AIDS, but the 34 million people who are living with AIDS. Tonight is for you. We love you. Our hope belongs to you.”

Stone was a Chair of the event, along with Weinstein and amfAR Ambassadors Janet Jackson and Milla Jovovich, amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, Jessica Chastain, Global Fundraising Ambassador Milutin Gatsby, Heidi Klum, Carine Roitfeld, Aram Shishmanian, Michel Litvak, Roberto and Eva Cavalli, Vincent Roberti, Remo Ruffini, and Boris Collardi, who were all in attendance.

amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole and Harvey Weinstein took the stage together during the night to reflect on how hugely the Cinema Against AIDS event has grown since its inception at the Cannes film festival in 1993, largely due to the passionate support of the film, music, and fashion communities. At the end of the night, Cole and Weinstein announced the $25 million raised to the audience, and thanked everyone involved for bringing amfAR a step closer to curing AIDS.

Guests included Nicole Kidman, Leonardo DiCaprio, Adrien Brody, Thom Browne, Rosario Dawson, Lily Donaldson, Goldie Hawn, Eva Herzigova, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jeremy Irvine, Stacy Keibler, Karlie Kloss, Heidi Klum, Karolina Kurkova, Melanie Laurent, Annie Leibowitz, Olivia Palermo, Zachary Quinto, Aishwarya Rai, Jeremy Renner, Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld, Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Liberty Ross, Anja Rubik, Ludivine Sagnier, Kristin Scott Thomas, Irina Shayk, Joan Smalls, Audrey Tautou, Stefano Tonchi, Giambattista Valli, Stefanie Van Der Laan, Paz Vega, Dita Von Teese, Christoph Waltz, and Zhang Ziyi among many others.

Some of the highlights in a truly unforgettable evening included live performances by internationally renowned musical acts. Duran Duran, who have sold more than 100 million records throughout their storied career, had guests at Cinema Against AIDS dancing in the aisles. Joined by dozens of top models on stage, they played their cult classic “Girls on Film,” giving their only public performance of 2013. Dame Shirley Bassey made a special appearance to sing a number of her much loved and celebrated songs, including “Goldfinger,” and brought the house down with a commanding performance. Ellie Goulding, one of the UK’s most exciting singer-songwriters, opened the evening with a stripped-down acoustic rendition of “Lights.” Rounding out the line-up was American Music Awards winner Hot Chelle Rae, who performed their mega-smash hit “Tonight, Tonight.”

“The Ultimate Gold Collection Fashion Show,” was one of the most dynamic portions of the night. Curated by Carine Roitfeld, forty top models walked in the spectacular runway presentation of one-of-a-kind gold looks, accessorized with gold jewelry from emerging and established designers. The entire collection was auctioned off for a total of €1.2 million. The show was streamed live on LoveGold.com.

Participating designers included: Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, Altuzarra, Burberry, Chanel, Christian Dior, Commes Des Garcons, Emilio Pucci, Gimabattista Valli, Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Gucci, JW Anderson, Kenneth Cole, Lanvin, Marc Jacobs, Marchesa, Michael Kors, Missoni, Miu Miu, Moncler, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Rick Owens, Roberto Cavalli, Shiatzy Chen, Tarun Tahiliani, Thom Browne, Tom Ford, Ulyana Sergeenko, Valentino, Versace, and Vionnet.

The auction opened with an Academy Awards® Weekend package that sold for 1.5 million euros. The lot included tickets to some of the most exclusive Hollywood awards season parties. Leonardo DiCaprio generously donated a pair of tickets to the upcoming premiere of Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street,” in which he stars. Heidi Klum offered the unbelievable addition of going along as the winner’s date. The package was so popular in the room that a second set of tickets went for €500,000, minus Ms. Klum.

amfAR has long been known for its global reach, but Cinema Against AIDS XX marked its first foray into outer space fundraising with 3 seats aboard Virgin Galactic alongside Leonardo DiCaprio that sold for a combined total of €3 million.

amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman, Sharon Stone led an appeal that raised more than €1.25 million for amfAR’s Pediatric AIDS Initiative.

A private, in-home performance by Duran Duran was another of the evening’s priceless auction items. This one-of-a-kind experience sold for €400,000.

Goldie Hawn auctioned off a stay at Donna Karan’s Parrot Cay retreat and a pink gold and diamond Shamballa Jewels Royal Bracelet. The package sold for €200,000.

Adrien Brody and Rosario Dawson auctioned a stunning motorcycle specially commissioned by Redemption Choppers as a tribute to the 20th edition of Cinema Against AIDS, which sold for €600,000.

Zachary Quinto helped to sell a priceless opportunity to play soccer alongside Zinedine Zidane and take in a Real Madrid match with the world-famous footballer in his private box at Real Madrid Santiago Bernabou Stadium, which sold for €380,000.

Other artworks in the auction included an Andy Warhol print of amfAR Founding International Chairman Dame Elizabeth Taylor, “Liz, 1964,” a Damien Hirst piece entitled “DL-Octopamine,” and an original plate portrait by Julian Schnabel.

A rare bottle of 1893 Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Collection that sold for €50,000 and was presented by Jeremy Irvine.

Cinema Against AIDS XX featured an exhibition by iconic photographer Annie Leibovitz, who also donated coveted items to the live auction. Her Niagara Falls print sold for €320,000, and the chance to sit for a private family portrait with Leibovitz sold for €450,000.

Longtime amfAR supporter Roberto Cavalli was responsible for the design and décor for the gala dinner. The famed Italian designer created a spectacular setting for the event, dressing every table and chair in his dazzling signature prints.

Simon de Pury served as official auctioneer.

Cinema Against AIDS XX was presented by BOLD FILMS, LOVEGOLD, and BANK JULIUS BAER. Signature Sponsors were CHOPARD, MERCEDES-BENZ, and THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY. Moët Hennessy was a Grand Philanthropist. The After Party was presented by Moncler.

The annual star-studded event, traditionally the most glamorous and unpredictable event held in conjunction with the Film Festival, will take place at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France. Since amfAR’s late Founding International Chairman Dame Elizabeth Taylor hosted the first Cinema Against AIDS in 1993, the event has become the most coveted ticket in Cannes. Past events have been chaired by amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman Sharon Stone, President Bill Clinton, Demi Moore, Sir Elton John, and Madonna, among many others.

Like the epidemic itself, AIDS research knows no borders. amfAR’s programs have had a global reach since 1986, when the Foundation began awarding international grants. Today, amfAR continues to fund HIV/AIDS researchers worldwide and works to translate their research into effective policy, prevention, and treatment programs around the globe.

The event was produced by Andy Boose/AAB Productions.

For more information, visit www.amfar.org.
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Alternative rock is often associated with the ‘90s grunge movement, when Nirvana’s Nevermind took center stage, leaving ‘80s hair metal trends in the dust. But, of course, the alternative music experience really started in the late-‘70s and ‘80s, when college radio embraced pretty much anything that mainstream radio wouldn’t—and that was a lot.

In honor of the pioneering bands that helped pave the way for the alternative sound, Gibson.com presents 10 Great Classic Alternative Rock Bands. What were your favorite early noise-makers? Give us your picks in the comments section below!

DURAN DURAN

“Hungry Like the Wolf” hit-makers Duran Duran brought New Wave to the masses, largely thanks to MTV. The band’s supermodel good lucks and glamorous fashion made them music video superstars. The band’s rise to the top was quick in the early-to-mid-‘80s, and even though the popularly didn’t last too long, they’re one of the few ‘80s underground bands who were able to achieve such mainstream fanfare.

Read more here to see the full list

Duran Duran Unstaged, a live concert film directed by David Lynch (Dune, Twin Peaks) is set to premiere during this month’s Cannes Market.

The visually-directed concert footage featuring multimedia integration originally premiered live on Duran Duran’s Vevo channel March 23, 2011 and featured guest appearances by Gerard Way, Beth Ditto and more. The version set to premiere at Cannes is a never-before-seen director’s cut of the film.

Watch a video of ex-My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way performing “Planet Earth” with the band, below:

Courtesy Alternative Press

MUFC Player of the Year Awards.

After the red carpet, my dear friend, United fan (borderline obsessive) Steven and I were shown into the reception room on the 1st floor in the North Stand at Old Trafford. We were taken straight to ‘the gaffer’, ‘the boss’, that is to say, Sir Alex Ferguson – the greatest football manager of all time. I paid my respects to him, and wished him all goodwill and happiness on his well deserved retirement from the job. He shared horse racing tips with me, including the state of his thoroughbred Telescope. All of which went pretty well over my head, as I’m not the turf head he might imagine that I am. Still, we soon got down to the grit of Sir Alex’s successor David Moyes. He told me that I shouldn’t worry, that DM is serious about football, “and… he’s Scottish”

Sentiments echoed later in his speech when he said:

“What I know of David is he’s hard working and has integrity. He’s also got a work ethic about him and he’s a serious football man. I think these are the qualities he’s going to need.” The Boss then paid tribute to his fellow Scot’s achievements with Everton.”He’s got a perseverance about him – look at what he’s done at Everton,” said Ferguson. “Eleven years without any tremendous financial backing, but he’s persevered with it and created some decent teams in the last few years. They are the qualities he’s going to need at our club. The one thing you have to do is definitely sacrifice and persevere – it’s not always a golden path of riches.”

I sat with Liam and Daniel from local indie rock band ‘Courteeners’ and had a fine time throughout the evening.

The line up of award winners is as follows:

Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year – Ben Pearson
Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year – Adnan Januzaj

Goal of the Season – Robin van Persie v Aston Villa 22nd April 2013 (second goal

Players’ Player of the Year – Michael Carrick

Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year – Robin van Persie

Later on, during the charity auction, the ‘Manchester United/Duran Duran Experience’ item raised £28,000. for their local children’s foundation. In total they raised £128,000. Well done to everyone involved.

I had a very pleasant chat with an old acquaintance and one of my football idols – Ryan Giggs. What a gentleman he is. The first thing he asked me was if I was still doing Yoga. I said that I was, but obviously not as much as he was doing.

Robin Van Persie has had an extraordinary season at United. He was rightfully voted by the public to receive the big POTY award. Afterwards he was asked about whether or not he was excited about the possibility of him winning the Premiership’s Golden Boot (or equivalent award) for scoring the most goals in the season. In reply, he spoke some very wise words; he said that he thought there should be many more trophies, for all the guys who’ve tried as hard as he has, that it wasn’t all about him.

And it got me to thinking, that we – who are football’s followers, as opposed to players, are always so eager to place one player above another; one player above all the rest. And is it possible that somewhere in all that, there’s a message which is saying something like: “you’re not like all the others, you’re the one we all approve of. And that must make you… well… more like us”?

Think about it.

SLB, London, May 16, 2013