July 2009 Archives

Rita, one of the other writers for U2station (and a dear friend) has helped introduce me to many causes, organizations, and ideas of which I was hardly familiar with. Bono, Edge and Ali have supported or even helped develop many of these programs. One.org is probably the most familiar to even non-U2 fans, but non-the-less I am generally surprised how many people have never heard of it. So in short this is:

The DL on some important life altering organizations!

By Andre Paine

LONDON (Billboard) - BBC Worldwide Music, part of the commercial arm of U.K. broadcaster the BBC, has unveiled two new U2 shows that it is making available for sale to international broadcasters.

"U2=BBC: The History" and "U2=BBC" feature exclusive material from the BBC archive and a series of extensive interviews with the band.

Because of Bono

Blame it on her infatuation with an Irish rock superstar, a well-developed social conscience or pure intellectual curiosity.

Whatever her initial motivation, Abbey Fisher found her passion.

It was a cause worth going back to school for, traveling to Africa for and lobbying the country's political and financial leaders for:

Debt cancellation for the hopelessly indebted.

The David Byrne Journal

Mark E pointed out as we prepped for our show last night in Warsaw (at a not so big club/venue called Stodoła) that these undersized dates are in effect being subsidized by U2's world tour. The promoter of these dates, and of much of the U2 stadium tour, is Live Nation, the global conglomerate.

U2's world tour was brought to a standstill by protesters angry about noise from their last concert in Ireland.

The band may now miss their next performance in Gothenburg, Sweden, after angry residents blockaded a convoy of equipment leaving Croke Park Stadium, in Dublin.

"It might get loud" in Theaters August 14 in New York and Los Angeles

By Michael S. Eddy, Live Design

The U2 360° Tour, one of the largest tours ever, required a power and data network of equal scale. It needed to be quick and efficient to install and set up, have high network speed with absolutely no lag in cue reaction time, and it had to be rock-solid and flexible. Systems crew chief Craig Hancock worked with show director/designer Willie Williams from the early design phases of this production, and he engineered a power and data network that would satisfy all of the requirements of a tour of this magnitude.

The PRG Concert Touring group supplied the entire lighting package for the tour. The data and control system includes MA Lighting grandMA consoles and NSPs, Avolites dimmers and relays, City Theatrical SHoW DMX wireless DMX system, and as the backbone of it all the PRG Series 400â„¢ Power and Data Distribution System. There are a total of 25 universes of DMX with custom dimmer carts at the bottom of each leg of the structure. These contain Series 400 racks, S400 main breaker racks, the Avo Art 2000 dimmer and relay racks, strobe distribution racks, communications, etc. There are a total of four carts up on the catwalk in the roof structure that handle the power and data for the lights in the roof as well as on the pylon. Using the Show DMX system, wireless DMX is sent from the top of the pylon (the central vertical element) out to the seven satellite lighting positions that are around the top of the stadium.

By Lorna Nolan, Herald.ie

U2 had a well-earned day off from their tour -- but Bono still made time for a close friend's star-studded birthday bash.

The singer was among the guests who attended the 50th birthday of MCD supremo Denis Desmond at his Dalkey home.

Bono rubbed shoulders with Pat Kenny and his wife Kathy, Deirdre O'Kane, Slane Castle's Lord Henry Mountcharles and TV presenter Amanda Byram.

Robbie Wooton, U2's manager Paul McGuinness and property tycoon Johnny Ronan were also spotted making their way to the party yesterday.

Others included Michael Colgan, Noelle McCarthy, Jackie Rafter, Graham Beere, Paolo Tuillo, Robbie and Chris Moyles.

SHOWBIZ EVOLUTION: With their stunning 360 Tour, Bono and the boys have pushed the boundaries of stadium rock'n'roll performance on to a whole new level of brilliance

The world loves rock'n'roll. But, you know, since the ancient Greeks first perfected modern drama, ambitious performers have gone the extra yard for theatrical presentation. It's evolution, showbiz style.

When it was decided to stage a concert in Hawaii that would be the first to be televised around the globe, Elvis Presley demanded a spectacular new jumpsuit. It would be all white, have a cape and an eagle on the front.

Decades later Michael Jackson would plead with theatre director Trevor Nunn: "I want to be able to fly above the audience."

In Ireland, in the 1970s, a diminutive showband singer changed his name to Magic and fronted The Magic Band dressed in a suit that had a rows of twinkling electric light bulbs stitched into its seams.

IRISH TIMES REPORTERS

U2 returned to Croke Park tonight for the final of three Irish concerts in their 360° world tour.

Two Irish acts supported the band - Dublin pop rock trio The Script and Kildare's Bell X1. The gates opened at 6pm, the show starts at 6.30pm and U2 were due on stage at 9pm.

Gardaí earlier issued warnings about traffic around the stadium as the concert coincided with rush-hour, as well as the opening of the Ikea store in Ballymun and the commencement of a new bus gate restricting traffic at College Green.

One of the U2 social campaigns received a major boost last night when imprisoned Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was named Amnesty International's Ambassador of Conscience.

U2, who have used their world tour to spotlight calls for her release, formally made the announcement at the last of their three-night run at Croke Park.

This month marks the 20th anniversary of Suu Kyi's arrest.

Irene Khan, Amnesty International's secretary general, said the imprisoned opposition leader was an inspiration to the world.

"In those long and often dark years Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has remained a symbol of hope, courage and the undying defence of human rights, not only to the people of Myanmar but to people around the world," she said.

The Irish Times

IT'S LIKE this: every four years, U2 return home from their travels, set up their inordinately large and mostly innovative tent, and sing for their supper. No more and no less, they are entertainers, a rock band of a certain mature age that have been schlepping around the globe for over 30 years.

You would think by this stage that we (by this, I mean the band's die-hard fans, cynics, casual followers, staunchest critics, wry observers) would be weary of Adam Clayton's studied stoicism, Edge's adamant refusal to remove his skull cap, Larry's cavalier, muscular way with a white T-shirt, Bono's sincere humanistic nature. You would think that we would be tired of hearing, yet again, With or Without You, Where the Streets Have No Name, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Desire, Elevation and all the rest.

Irish Emigrant,

By all accounts the U2 concerts at Croke Park have more than lived up to expectations. Many of the 80,000 fans who filled the stadium on Friday were from around the globe and had travelled here to see the group on home territory.

Saturday's concert was equally successful and the stadium will be packed again tonight.

The Irish Times is of the view that when singer Andrea Corr marries Brett Desmond, son of financier Dermot Desmond, on August 21 the reception will be at the Doonbeg golf resort in Co. Clare and that guests will be entertained by U2. This is based on the fact that members of the golf club have been told that the course and facilities will not be available that day for security reasons.

The U2 link is based on the long-standing friendship between Andrea Corr and Bono and the fact that the band, currently on a concert tour, does not have an engagement that day.

Copyright © 2009 Irish Emigrant Publications

By Nadine O'Regan

Check in your cynicism at the door. U2 triumphed, after all.

The band might have failed to sell out their three Croke Park gigs (a symptom of Ireland's economic malaise, or of their struggle to shift copies of No Line On The Horizon?), and endured decidedly mixed recent reviews, not to mention complaints about everything from Bono's bombast to their tax-avoidance decisions.

But last Friday night, U2 blew aside the negativity to deliver a nuanced, energetic and at times genuinely breathtaking and spine tingling two-hour set.

It is interesting to hear Micheal Martin on the radio telling us that the minimum wage of €8.65 an hour must be open to review and, by implication, could be lowered.

Given that his own rate of pay per hour is nearer €100 (based on a 40-hour week), one wonders if he really has any grip on the reality of what he is suggesting.

John Mallon
Mayfield, Cork

By Eamon Sweeney

WITH such gargantuan amounts of hype, it's very easy to forget that this is a concert.

It's little wonder that U2 only play their home town every four years. If this was an annual bash both the band and audience would be completely burnt out from sheer exhaustion and over-exposure.

Former Artane Boys Band member Larry Mullen leads the band onstage and it's a stirring sight. They audaciously begin with four songs from the much maligned 'No Line on the Horizon' album. 'Breathe' is an unexpected and effective opener, although 'Get On Your Boots' is still an underwhelming and bloated lead single.

'Magnificent' is easily their best recent song and a soaring guitar solo from the Edge provides the night's first sweet moment.

The much discussed claw is an eye-boggling sight, but the most pleasing feature is that the quadrophonic sound system ensures the power of U2 in full flight is not deterred by Croker's dodgy acoustics.

As it gets darker, this huge glowing structure comes alive for 'The Unforgettable Fire' and a rivetting 'City of Blinding Lights'.

By Patricia McDonagh

BONO popped around for a chat at a family home near Croke Park at the weekend, and apologised if his band were making too much noise.

It is something that hardcore fans could only dream of, but Carol McGrain and family had one of the world's most recognisable rock stars hanging out in their front room.

Mrs McGrain (46), from Clonliffe Road in Dublin, was watching the band as they rolled down her street towards their massive Saturday gig in Croke Park.

By Richie Taylor

THE end is not in sight. Reports that supergroup U2 could be thinking about taking a long break or packing it in entirely after their current world tour have been rubbished by their soundman Joe O'Herlihy.

Joe, who has been with them since late 1978, said the group is showing no signs of stopping.

"They firmly believe that they are only starting, that it's getting better and maturing all the time. I couldn't see myself at this stage doing anything else. I have a great sense of belonging with U2."

And when U2 are not touring, Joe manages to keep himself busy all the time. "You have to keep yourself abreast of new technology all the time. Everything is changing so quickly.

The Independent,

Amid all the gloom, we remain a resilient nation. The weekend just gone and the week just coming show how we can, temporarily at least, put the economic gloom in some perspective.

Thousands of people bare their souls on the heavenly path to the top of Croagh Patrick in an extraordinary display of traditional faith and hope. Modern Ireland may have cast aside many of the outward manifestations of religion but there remains a huge core of belief and ritual that defy the circumstances. Long may it continue.

A few weeks ago, Bono and The Edge were interviewed on Jonathan Ross. Mr. Ross pulled out a favorite clip of every U2 fan, "Street Mission"...(fast forward to 4:43)

It was as if a new Pope had just been elected. In fact, to some people, it was probably just as important.

Here it was -- the performance we'd been waiting for all year. Indeed, only the harshest critic would admit to not feeling a little excited by the sight of white smoke emerging from the top of the 'Claw'.

And, as soon as those lads stood under it ... well, let's just say that homecomings have never been so loud.

The Independent

BELIEVE the hype. Choose joy.

The questions were asked of U2, and they were answered in pretty spectacular fashion at Croke Park last night. Magnificent, if you must.

"I surrender," Bono told the masses as he walked along the outer circle of the famous stage, arms outstretched, wallowing in the adulation early in the evening. He had, in fact, already won us over.

And that was before this stage truly came to life, helping to take the gig to another level entirely after the sun had set. Indeed, starting an hour later may have been advisable. "Look at yourselves," he implored the 80,000.

Mammoth gigs a testament to band's self-belief and ego, writes Barry Egan

By Barry Egan, Independent.ie

Forget Swine flu. Dublin is in the claw-like grip of U2 fever -- a pandemic that started on Friday night at Croke Park in front of 80,000 people and spread virulently unchecked again last night. It is expected to continue tomorrow for the final night. That's three shows and almost a quarter of a million tickets sold. Not bad for a country experiencing the worst downtown in its history . . .

Whatever your view on U2 and their tax affairs (Bono admitted to being "stung" by allegations of being a bit of a hypocritical toe-rag for urging first-world governments -- including Ireland's -- to increase aid to combat poverty in Africa while moving part of U2's business out of Ireland to take advantage of lower tax rates), you would want to be pretty mean-spirited not to see the joy U2's hometown shows brought to their city, not just in terms of finance (all the pubs, clubs and hotels in the capital were jammed) but in terms of pure unadulterated joy.

MUSIC RISING:

Music Rising is a charity co-founded by Producer Bob Ezrin and Gibson CEO Henry Juszkiewicz, with much support from U2's The Edge, to help in the purchasing of new instruments for the musicians of New Orleans affected by Hurricane Katrina.

"Music Rising" was the subject of a feature documentary directed by Canadian Don Young and produced by Frantic Films of Winnipeg, Canada. It was the highest-rated documentary in Canada during September of 2006. The film told the story of U2's efforts to raise money for the Music Rising charity. Contributing to Don Young's film, were musicians The Edge, Dave Matthews, Dr. John, Willie Nelson, Arlo Guthrie, Wolfman Washington, Breeze Cayolle, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan. The broadcast of this documentary was delayed when the marketing division of U2 Inc. demanded changes which resulted in a considerable amount of world exclusive U2 scenes being removed from the film at the last moment. The missing scenes featured The Edge visiting some of the hardest-hit sections of New Orleans where he met with residents, jammed with street rappers, prayed with local pastors, and was deeply moved by what he saw. Under considerable pressure to change the film Young resigned but eventually re-joined the project to protect the final cut. The rare and valuable U2 footage has never been broadcast. In 2007 "Music Rising" won two television academy 'Accolade Awards' and was broadcast in 27 countries, including the United States, where it aired on both VH1 and the Sundance Channel.

www.musicrising.org for more information

Check out the music video for I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight below!

U2 - I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight from David OReilly on Vimeo.

(BLOG) RED
(RED) was created by Bono and Bobby Shriver to raise awareness and money for The Global Fund by teaming up with the world's most iconic brands to produce (PRODUCT) RED-branded products. A percentage of each (PRODUCT) RED product sold is given to The Global Fund, to invest in African AIDS programs, with an emphasis on women and children. JOINRED.COM
skip to main | skip to sidebar (BLOG) RED
(RED) was created by Bono and Bobby Shriver to raise awareness and money for The Global Fund by teaming up with the world's most iconic brands to produce (PRODUCT) RED-branded products. A percentage of each (PRODUCT) RED product sold is given to The Global Fund, to invest in African AIDS programs, with an emphasis on women and children. JOINRED.COM

Thursday, July 23, 2009
Win VIP Tickets to Katy Perry's Sold Out (RED)NIGHTS Show in NYC

We're gearing up for our next (RED)NIGHTS show with Katy Perry at NYC's Hammerstein Ballroom on Tuesday July 28th and we can't wait to see Katy go (RED). If you're in the NY area and forgot to get tickets we're offering you a few last minute ways to score them. Tickets are sold out now so they're some of the only ones left!

We've partnered with Thrilllist.com, Going.com and Time Out New York - those places famous for bringing you the best events in your area- to give you the chance to win tickets to the show. And they're not just any tickets. They're each giving away 1 pair of VIP tickets which provide admittance to the show, access to the VIP (RED) room, a (RED) goodie bag and a meet and greet with Katy herself! No transportation or travel arrangements are being provided so you'll have to find your own way there - but we promise a good time from there.

So if you're over 18, live in the NY area* and can't imagine staying home on Tuesday night and missing this show, visit the links below for your chance to be there:

On Thrillist
On Going
On Time Out

*Entrants must live in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk or Westchester Counties in New York State; Bergen County, New Jersey; or Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Posted by (RED) at 2:07 PM
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Look who stopped by to say hello to (RED) at TEDGlobal...

Yesterday, on a well dressed stage within an old Playhouse theatre in Oxford, England, two men called Bruno and Chris kicked off TEDGlobal. TedGlobal is a 4 day conference with 700 attendees, including some of the world's most brilliant and bravest minds, coming together to discuss how to change the world for the better.

This week the particular focus is the 'substance of things not seen'. We know that when we look around there are things we can observe: buildings, people, nature. And then there are things that run unseen through our lives. These hidden forces - social conventions, biological links, cultural frameworks, coded meanings - are the connective tissue that binds societies together, the engines that propel organisations and individuals forward. When illuminated, they offer vital insights into our relationships with one another and our world.

As TEDGlobal concentrates this week on those things not seen which drive change for the better, (RED)'s happy to be a part of it.

The (RED)Café at TEDGlobal

We've created a (RED)Café at this year's TEDGlobal. And we're so thrilled that so many people have stopped by already to say hi and to offer their help. One of which was a real privilege - his name was Gordon.

Unknown to all the attendees at TED the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, was making a surprise speech in the afternoon. Also unknown to the conference was that Mr. Brown has asked to meet the (RED) team to find out more about the (RED) initiative.

So, in the very small and very hot 'green room' of the Playhouse theatre the (RED) team had a private conversation with the British Prime Minister, discussing all our products, informing him about all the great support (RED) has on our social networks and providing him with an overview of the results in Africa.

British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, with (RED) International CEO, Seb Bishop

After words of thanks and great encouragement to everyone involved in (RED) Mr. Brown went on stage to deliver an important speech about our need to develop our shared global ethic to confront the challenges of poverty, security, climate change and the economy. You can enjoy this speech here: http://www.ted.com/talks/gordon_brown.html

We would love to tell you which (RED) product Mr. Brown will be ordering but this is a national secret which we have been sworn to secrecy...

Posted by (RED) at 1:32 PMTuesday, July 21, 2009
Denise's Success Story

Name: Denise Mushimiyimana
Country: Rwanda
Age: 11 years
Work: School student
Family: Mom, Dad and 3 brothers
Treatment: Began antiretroviral therapy in 2006

When (RED) first met Denise in May 2006, she was lying ill in hospital in Kigali with full blown AIDS. Her parents were desperately worried she wouldn't make it to her 8th birthday on 4th July that year.

Fortunately Denise was started on antiretroviral therapy which is available free in Rwanda thanks in part to financing from (RED) and the Global Fund. As a result, Denise not only made it to her 8th birthday, but by August 2006 she was out of hospital and back at school as this photo of her below at the time shows.

Photo Credit: © The Global Fund

Denise's swift recovery is another example of the "Lazarus-like" ability of antiretroviral therapy to restore very sick people with AIDS back to health in a short period of time.

It's now over three years since Denise started her treatment, and she is thriving, enjoying school and taking her antiretroviral (ARV) pills every day. The only clue of how sick Denise was just two years ago is some paralysis in her left arm, a result of an AIDS-related neurological condition.

Denise's Mom and Dad are also HIV positive and on antiretroviral therapy. Happily her three younger brothers are all healthy and HIV negative.

While Denise's parents struggle to make ends meet they ensure their family has love in abundance. And, thanks to having their health, they also have hope for the future.

September 2008 Denise with 2 of her brothers

For more stories on other recipients of lifesaving ARVs click here
Posted by (RED) at 2:02 PM
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Keep the Answers Coming

We have another couple answers for you if you responded to our call for questions on Facebook and Twitter of 'what do you want to know about (RED)?' Thanks for that! And if you didn't ask we hope you're learning a lot about us anyway! We'll be responding to the top 5 questions and today we've got questions 3 and 4.

How do you choose your partners and how much do they give away?

Let's start with the first part of this question - how do we choose our partners? It's about finding that right fit. We choose them and they equally choose us. We look for a couple of key things in the brands we partner with: a commitment to eliminating AIDS in Africa, great products and services, and a commitment to marketing those products so that we can generate a substantial amount of money for the Global Fund. Each part is equally important to us. Our partners make a contribution to the Global Fund, at no cost to you, each time you chose a (RED) product so its vitally important that we have great products that you'll love.

The kinds of brands that turn (RED) are progressive leaders in our mind. They are putting their best designers, merchants and retailers to work for people who may not be their customers but who are part of our global community. These companies give up to 50% of their profits to help fund AIDS treatment for people living with HIV in Africa who would otherwise not have access to treatment. The actual amount each company contributes varies - you can see this on our partner's section of our web site at - and to see the impact that individual products have, check out our impact calculator.

What new (RED) products are out there and do you have any new partners to come?

Yes! There are lots of great (RED) products out there. We've put together an album for you so that you can see highlights of what's currently on offer. Have a look, and if you like a product click on it to get more information about price and availability.

Our partners are constantly launching new (RED) products and some of the latest that have been launched are Gap's line of Graphic T-shirts for (RED) with new designs hitting stores every few months, the DELL (PRODUCT) RED Mini netbooks, the new (STARBUCKS) RED range, new Converse ONE HUND(RED) designs continue to be launched online, and new Hallmark card designs hit stores every few months. Please keep in mind that availability varies by country (and we're working on making (RED) available in as many countries as possible!).

As well as all these exciting products, we do have more partners to come. We can't share who they'll be just yet. But we do want you to be the first to know that we're launching several new partners by the end of this year!
Posted by (RED) at 11:32 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
IT'S SUMMER. IT'S STARBUCKS. IT'S (RED).

Summer is here (finally!) and now there are even more ways that you can be (RED) this season thanks to our friends at Starbucks. From the new (STARBUCKS) RED water bottle to the return of the (STARBUCKS) RED Card that will turn all of your Starbucks purchases (RED), you can continue to buy (RED) and save lives. Here's what's available (US & Canada only for now):

(STARBUCKS) RED Card
The (STARBUCKS) RED Card is back by popular demand. And let's you turn ALL your purchases at Starbucks (RED). Every time you use your (STARBUCKS) RED Card, Starbucks will contribute 5 cents US to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. All those cents add up and can make a real difference - especially as the medicine that's needed only costs around 40 cents a day per person. Limited availability so get yours today!

Available: At participating Starbucks stores in the U.S. and Canada and online in the U.S. Price: You decide how much money you want to load on the card. Minimum for online purchase is $15 (US).
(STARBUCKS) RED Double Wall Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Now you can help two causes in one: be eco-conscious while fighting AIDS in Africa. Available: At participating Starbucks stores in the U.S. and Canada and online in the U.S. Price: $19.95 (US) with $1 (US) being contributed to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

(STARBUCKS) RED Soft Touch Tumbler

Tired of disposable cups for your coffee? Use the (STARBUCKS) RED Tumbler instead. Available: At participating Starbucks stores in the U.S. and Canada online in the U.S. Price: $15.95 (US) with $1 (US) being contributed to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

(STARBUCKS) RED African Whole Bean packaged coffee

This blend of beans from East Africa is balanced and complex, with delicate acidity and a flavorful interplay of exotic floral and citrus notes. Available: 1 lb bags of (STARBUCKS) RED whole bean coffee available at participating Starbucks stores in the U.S. and Canada and online in the U.S. (STARBUCKS) RED 12 oz ground coffee bags also available at Target!
Price: 1 lb whole bean bag: $11.95 (US) with $1 (US) contribution and 12 oz. ground bag: $.075 (US) being contributed to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

(STARBUCKS)RED African compilation CD 'Whole World Is Africa'

Here's your gateway to the rich musical treasures of Africa. This compilation features Ethiopian jazz, Sengalese hip-hop and Malian Afro-pop.Great tunes by African artists, such as Alèmayèhu Eshèté, who's known as the "Ethiopian James Brown." Available: This summer only, at participating stores in the U.S. and Canada and online in the U.S. Price: $12.95 (US) with $1 (US) being contributed to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.
Posted by (RED) at 1:55 PM
Monday, July 13, 2009
Why the colour (RED)?

Thanks again so to all of you who answered our call for questions on Facebook and Twitter of 'what do you want to know about (RED)?'. We'll be responding to the top 5 questions and today we're on to question number 2:

Why the colour RED?

Because AIDS in Africa is an emergency and red is the color of emergency. 4,100 people die in Sub-Saharan Africa everyday from AIDS. There are 33 million people in the world living with HIV, 22 million of them are in Sub-Saharan Africa*. Its impact disrupts families, societies and economic development. Those who are ill are not able to work and take care of their families.

Yet AIDS is preventable AND treatable. For around 40 cents each day we can give someone the antiretroviral (ARV) medicine they need to regain strength and live a productive life. And this transformation can happen in just 60 days. It's a true transformation called the 'Lazarus Effect.' It's what happened to Sylvia when she started ARV treatment. Just click on the video to have a look.

*According to the UNAIDS 2008 Report on the Global AIDS epidemic

Posted by (RED) at 2:35 PM Friday, July 10, 2009
The Future Gets a Big Kiss

At the end of U2's first set of their first show on their first tour in three years, as 90,000 fans roared for more, for the encore they knew they had earned, Camp Nou (the soccer stadium for FC Barcelona) went dark and the massive cylindrical screen showed the exuberant face of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, saying: "...Who are the same beautiful people I see when I look around this place tonight in 360 degrees (literally). We are those people, we are the same person. Because our voices were heard, millions more of our brothers and sisters are alive thanks to the miracle of AIDS drugs and malaria drugs. They will be doctors, they will be nurses, they will be scientists, who will live to solve GREAT problems. Yes there are many obstacles of course. There are always roadblocks in the way of justice. But God will put a wind at our back, and a rising road ahead, if we work with each other as ONE."

At this final word - spoken in a rising soaring declaration of hope, the band was back, striking the first chords of "Where the Streets Have No Name" and the crowd pulsed, physically and audibly, like the fifth member of the band they are. It was one of the many moments in this show when this massive stadium - whose upper reaches felt, in the dusk before the band went on, like they were miles away filled with dots - suddenly curved in on itself and felt somehow small, intimate, immediate.

Part of this was due to the ingenious staging contraption that looked like that restaurant/control tower from LAX had just pounced into the stadium at midfield and was poised to jump off to Milan at any second. Its cylindrical screen expanded downward, spreading impossibly like those Chinese finger prisons.

But it was also because this crowd was a community. (RED) and ONE shirts were everywhere. Bono put on an FC Barcelona jersey ("Bono 1" on the back) "because they are the only team that, instead of advertising a brand, wears the UNICEF logo on their chests."

And the coolest thing of all was that the stage, concentric circles at the center of an ellipse, was framed by the (RED) ZONES - the best seats in the house - placed (appropriately) like parentheses on either side. Leave it to U2 to devise a way to not only circumvent the secondary ticket market, but to do so in a way that raises funds for the Global Fund - creating, in a way, the ultimate (RED) product.

Friends asked me why I flew all that way to see the first show. "Go see them when they hit the US and the kinks are out," they'd say. But as a long-time fan, and devout listener to the new album, I knew that this - the first time the band would play the songs from the new album in a true concert - was the moment the songs took on a life of their own. As 90,000 people followed Bono's call and response on "Unknown Caller," or erupted to Edge's guitar in "Breathe," echoed the "Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh"s of their masterpiece, "Moment of Surrender," the fans completed the songs. And at the end of the third song, as the fans went crazy and the band built to another verse, the giant screen caught Bono's face looking over at Edge with a huge smile. Happy to be back, I suppose, sending another album of amazing songs into the world.

Don @ (RED)
Posted by (RED) at 2:03 PM
Bono's New York Times Op-Ed: Rebranding Africa

President Barack Obama is en route to Ghana on his first official trip to Africa and Bono writes about it in today's New York Times. Here's an excerpt:

"No one's leaked me a copy of the president's speech in Ghana, but it's pretty clear he's going to focus not on the problems that afflict the continent but on the opportunities of an Africa on the rise. If that's what he does, the biggest cheers will come from members of the growing African middle class, who are fed up with being patronized and hearing the song of their majestic continent in a minor key.

I've played that tune. I've talked of tragedy, of emergency. And it is an emergency when almost 2,000 children in Africa a day die of a mosquito bite; this kind of hemorrhaging of human capital is not something we can accept as normal.

But as the example of Ghana makes clear, that's only one chord. Amid poverty and disease are opportunities for investment and growth -- investment and growth that won't eliminate overnight the need for assistance, much as we and Africans yearn for it to end, but that in time can build roads, schools and power grids and propel commerce to the point where aid is replaced by trade pacts, business deals and home-grown income."

Click here to read the full article.

Click here to sign up for our newsletter and stay in the know about (RED)

Watch ONE's video 'Yes, Africa Can' that captures Ghana's excitement about the President's visit

Posted by (RED) at 9:17 AM 1Thursday, July 09, 2009
New (Gap) RED Tees Available Now

We're loving the new collection of Gap's Artist Edition graphic t-shirts for (RED). Perfect for the summer - from the beach to the BBQ. This time around the artists range from the established to the up-and-coming and include James Jean, Geoff McFetridge, Non-Format by Kjell Ekhorn and Jon Forss, Deanne Cheuk, Keiko Itakura, Kari Modén, nomoco, James Joyce, Stephen Kelleher, Stina Persson and Celia Calle. The exclusive designs for $28 are available at Gap stores and online at gap.com. And don't forget 50 percent of the gross profits from the sale of Gap (PRODUCT) RED Artist Edition T-Shirts will benefit the Global Fund, to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

Here are some of our favorites:

Get yours now!

Posted by (RED) at 3:59 PM
You've Asked. We're Answering.

Thanks so much to all of you who answered our call for questions. We recently asked our fans on Facebook and followers on Twitter: 'what do you want to know about (RED)?' and we've picked out the top 5 questions to respond to.

Here's the answer to question number 1:
How much money has been raised and where does it go?

In the three years since we launched, (RED) partners and events have generated over $130 million to help eliminate aids in Africa. 100% of this money is put to work on the ground in Africa through the Global Fund. (RED) doesn't touch any of this money and the Global Fund does not take any overhead, so every single dollar has impact. To date, the programs supported by (RED) and Global Fund financed grants have reached more than 4 million people.

To determine where the money goes the Global Fund and (RED) agree to select countries where there is both need and where existing Global Fund HIV and AIDS grants are already working effectively. Ensuring results is critical. Currently (RED) money flows to Global Fund financed AIDS grants in 4 African countries: Ghana, Lesotho, Rwanda and Swaziland. And we should be announcing a new country soon!

So, how's the money used? While each program is unique and designed by the local country, they include antiretroviral treatment for children and adults, treatment to help prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, essential counseling and testing activities to reduce the overall risk of HIV transmission, and clear and accurate communications campaigns to promote prevention. Already, the programs (RED) money supports have provided:

111,000 HIV-positive people with antiretroviral therapy.

Over 70,000 HIV positive pregnant women with preventative antiretroviral therapy to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission.

3.4 million people with HIV testing and counseling.

And, beyond this, the programs have helped build health facilities, train health practitioners and care for children orphaned by AIDS.

So although there is more work to be done the impact of (RED) money so far has been overwhelming, thanks of course to your (RED) purchases.
Posted by (RED) at 1:11 PM 0 comments Links to this post
A Big Step Forward for People Living with HIV

The Global Fund has come out with great new global impact results this week and we wanted to share them with you.

In the past twelve months there has been an impressive 31% increase in the number of people living with HIV globally who have access to lifesaving antiretroviral therapy ... all thanks to programs the Global Fund finances. What's more, some of this increase is due to your support in choosing to buy (RED) which results in money flowing to Global Fund HIV grants in Rwanda, Swaziland, Lesotho and Ghana.

Other impressive Global Fund results released this week include the news that now 79 million people have been counseled and tested for HIV, that number is a 17 million person increase from the result the Global Fund reported at the end of 2008. Additionally more than 3.7 million AIDS orphans and vulnerable children have been provided with basic support - that's a 500,000 person increase since the report at the end of 2008. Fantastic news!

So thanks again for your continued support and your (RED) purchases - it truly is making a difference. Click here to learn more about the contribution the Global Fund has made in fighting AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Posted by (RED) at 12:26 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
(RED) Helps Facebook Launch Their New Fan Box

Become a fan of (RED) on Facebook in just one click. We're excited about a new tool that our friends at Facebook have launched. Check out the Facebook fan box widget on the right hand side of this blog. Now it's easier than ever to become a fan of (RED) on Facebook and to stay up to date with what we're doing to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. And even if you're not on Facebook you can follow our news feed and stay in the know straight from our website or our blog. We're excited to share this tool with you and to continue to grow our Facebook fan base. So if you're still not a fan become one now, we're just one click away.
Posted by (RED) at 2:23 PM
Thursday, July 02, 2009
"Know Your Status" - a Visit to the Timber Market in the Old Port, Accra

A man dressed in a t-shirt and jeans walks through the timber market with a loud-speaker, addressing the area's predominantly male workers in the local Twi dialect.
"Know your status. Come and test with us today, here in the market...." he begins.

Joshua is HIV negative, but his wife tested positive last year - a 'discordant couple' is the term used to describe them by health workers. Motivated by his wife's status, he has volunteered for the last few months with the outreach programme run by the Ridge Hospital in Accra, and he regularly joins a team of nurses and counsellors taking a mobile testing unit out into the local community.

Dr Sally-Ann Ohene, one of the HIV and AIDS specialists in Accra attributes the enormous uplift in HIV testing and counselling take-up to just such programmes. The programme she works on, partly funded by (RED) money via the Global Fund and organisations such as the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) has reached twice the number of people they had hoped with testing and counselling, over-delivering against their 2008 targets by more than 100%.

"People in Ghana do not go to hospital unless they are very sick - or visiting someone", explains Kwadwo Asante, of the NACP. And so the medical staff from the hospitals, with the support of the NACP and Ghana Health Services decided to take the staff into the communities.

The Ridge Hospital outreach programme has been running for two months. The timber market where we watched them in action is a vast, busy industrial area, providing work for a large number of Ghanaians, many from rural areas who also live and sleep in the manufacturing area.

Four testing 'centres' have been set up, each providing broader sexual health information, HIV testing and counselling, often by people who are themselves HIV positive. They call these people 'Models of Hope.'

Margaret is one such 'Model of Hope', and as well as volunteering at the Ridge Hospital, she is a key member of the outreach team. A large group of men were gathered around the testing table as we arrived, and one by one they took a number, sat themselves in the chair in front of her and were handed a plastic mouth swab. This relatively non-obtrusive means of testing - individuals vigorously rub the tooth brush-like swab stick around their mouths for half a minute - allows people to receive a result around ten minutes later.

Nearly 400 people were tested in total by this mobile unit on the day we visited; for those who test positive, immediate counselling was on hand and arrangements made to follow up with further testing at the hospital, and treatment being provided as required. People like Margaret, and Richard, another HIV positive counsellor, were able to give first hand advice and support. In Margaret's words, "to make them know they are not alone."

The professionalism, dedication and integrity of Margaret, Joshua, Richard, the medical teams and administrative staff is inspiring. They work tirelessly in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and their efforts are clearly being felt. The stigma of HIV within communities is still strong, but the prevalence levels of the virus are falling and the numbers of Ghanaians who 'know their status' is rising. For those infected, antiretroviral (ARV) treatment allows them to manage the virus and carry on living active lives. And the programmes funded by the Global Fund, with money from (RED) purchases are a significant factor in this huge shift. There's a long way to go, but things are moving in the right direction, and with your support, these outreach teams will continue to play a fundamental role in helping to eliminate HIV and AIDS in Ghana.

Here's to the teams in Ghana, and here's to all of you for supporting (RED). Thank you. Buy (RED), Save Lives. It makes a difference.

Lisa @ (RED)

Posted by (RED) at 8:58 AM Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Starbucks Visits Rwanda to See (RED) Money in Action

Starbucks chairman, president and ceo, Howard Schultz, joined (RED) at the Treatment and Research AIDS Center (TRAC) in Rwanda last Friday to see firsthand how funding generated by Starbucks and other (RED) partners can help to make a difference in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. TRAC is Rwanda's national HIV and AIDS research center housing the country's busiest HIV clinic. Read more about the visit and about Starbucks latest (PRODUCT) RED offerings in U.S. and Canada participating stores here.
Posted by (RED) at 10:57 AM 1 comments Links to this post
U2 kicked off their 360 Tour in Barcelona last night: (RED)Zones are here!

What a great concert! U2 kicked off their 360 Tour last night at Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium. 'We've got a space station designed by Gaudi ' Bono told the rapturous 90,000 capacity crowd. The band opened the show with Breathe, a track from their latest No 1 album No Line On The Horizon and went on to dedicate Angel Of Harlem - originally inspired by Billie Holiday - to the late Michael Jackson.

Were you one of the lucky ones to get a ticket in the (RED)Zone? U2 have allocated a (RED) Zone VIP area at every show throughout the tour. These premium location tickets were auctioned when the tickets went on sale with net proceeds helping the Global Fund and (RED)'s work to fight AIDS in Africa. We'd like to say a huge thank you to all of you who lent your support and who successfully bid on these (RED) Zone tickets.

The U2 360 Tour will play 15 cities in Europe finishing at Cardiff's Millennium on 22nd August before heading to North America 20 shows starting in Chicago September 12th. In 2009, in just 44 shows the tour will perform for over 3 million fans. And (RED) will be at all shows, with our sister organisation ONE, letting people know how they can get involved in both helping eliminate AIDS in Africa through (RED) and fighting extreme poverty through ONE.

Back to the show though....

The 360° Tour features a round stage positioned on the stadium floor with the band surrounded by their audience, the natural progression of their previous tours. By elevating the sound and lighting equipment, the walls that traditionally obscure performers from their audience are removed. This has also allowed greater capacity and a lower general ticket price.

The stage is designed by long-time collaborator Willie Williams and architect Mark Fisher who have worked together with U2 since ZooTv. Advances in technology and digital communication have allowed Williams to create an overhead expandable cylindrical screen made up of 500,000 pixels.

'The band has been moving further into the crowd with every tour. Tonight they've arrived. Willie and Mark have spent five years perfecting this beautiful and extraordinary frame, once the crowd came in tonight, we got lift-off! Said U2 manager Paul McGuinness.

"U2 has always put on the most exciting live show. They've really raised the bar with this production they want the best for their fans and based on the reaction they have absolutely delivered" said Arthur Fogel, CEO Global Touring/Chairman - Global Music Live Nation. U2 360 Tour is produced by Live Nation Global Touring. For complete tour and ticket information visit: http://www.livenation.com/ and http://www.u2.com/
Posted by (RED) at 8:06 AM 3 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
CHECK OUT WHO ELSE WEARS THE (red)CONVERSE

It's none other than Maria Shriver, California first lady and friend of (RED). She's sporting her (RED) Converse's while teaming up with first Lady Michelle Obama to volunteer last week at a San Francisco elementary school as part of President Obama's United We Serve plan. And for other influential women of (RED) don't miss Converse's new Women in (RED) series which currently features 1HUND(RED) artist Amy Ruppel. Keep up the good work ladies!
Posted by (RED) at 12:49 PM
Friday, June 26, 2009
Happy Birthday to Grandmothers and Grandsons

At (RED) we love birthdays. It's a time when the work that you all do in supporting (RED) really hits home. Because of you and your purchases of (PRODUCT) RED, we've been able to get life-sustaining antiretroviral (ARV) therapy on the ground in Africa to people living with HIV, People who, thanks to funds contributed by (RED) initiatives, are celebrating their birthdays this month.

Little Katleho from Lesotho is seven this month. His mom, Caroline, is HIV-positive and every year around this time she stops to think about how Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission treatment (PMTCT) helped her give birth to her healthy and beautiful son. She was pregnant with Katleho when she learnt that she was HIV positive and was able to access PMTCT antiretroviral therapy.

It's hard to believe looking at this beautiful photo of the two of them below that one of them is HIV positive and one is not. But that's the power of the PMTCT treatment which your (RED) money helps finance in Lesotho, Swaziland, Rwanda and Ghana.

Caroline and her healthy son Katleho

From little boys to grandmothers: "This Thing" in Ghana turns 55 later this month. She goes by the nickname "This Thing" because stigma is quite a problem for many people living with HIV in Ghana. This lively and spritely HIV positive grandmother began taking antiretroviral therapy four year ago.

"This Thing" chuckled when she told me: "I'm strong, I can do anything a man can do".

And she does work hard. "This Thing" is typical of many grandmothers in Africa as she plays a vital role not only in helping support her immediate family but also by helping to care for her daughter's children so her daughter can work and earn some money as well. In fact, thanks to ARV's which (RED) helps finance in Ghana, "This Thing" is just like any grandmother in her village.

Happy Birthday to everyone who has a birthday this month.

Greta
Posted by Sarah at 1:09 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Sunday, June 21, 2009
An Inspiring Visit To Korle Bu HIV Clinic In Ghana

This has been my first trip to Africa. And it is one I will never forget.

On the trip, we visited Korle Bu HIV clinic in Accra, Ghana, one of the largest hospitals in Africa with one of the busiest HIV clinics in the country. Dr. Addo, the head of the National AIDS Control Program, took us on a tour of the Fevers Unit, the Chest Clinic and the laboratory and pharmacy. The Fevers Unit is where they treat all of their HIV patients - there are over 10,000 registered patients. It is called the Fevers Unit because before HIV existed this was where they treated tropical diseases. Today, it operates almost 100% to support and care for HIV patients. We met the nurses and technicians who have endless spirit and are some of the most inspiring women and men I've met. Their dedication to their patients and their firsthand telling of the miracle of antiretroviral medicine (ARVs) is incredible to hear first hand.

The (RED) Global Fund HIV/AIDS grant in Ghana currently provides a significant portion of the financing for antiretroviral therapy nationally. They are doing so many impressive things to eliminate AIDS in Ghana. They are working hard on decreasing prevalence rates, on increasing the number of babies born HIV-free, and on providing treatment so that people can live with HIV rather than dying from AIDS.

We had the privilege of speaking with one of the HIV positive patients at Korle Bu who is currently receiving ARVs. He spoke of his experience going on the ARVs and the stigma attached to being HIV positive. In Ghana there is a tremendous amount of stigma towards people with HIV. But they are working to change this. The hospital has seen great success with a "Know Your Status" campaign that is being supported in the local communities by the staff at Korle Bu. One week a month they go out to the local communities to encourage testing so people can know their status and either receive the treatment they need or know that they are healthy and take precautions in their daily life. The patient we met is feeling good thanks to ARVs and has the support of his wife and family. By taking the ARVs he has a chance at living a long, healthy life.

Today I came away with an overwhelming sense of hope. There is a lot of work still to be done in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Ghana but the continued contributions for the Global Fund and Dr Addo's work from the sale of (RED) products are helping Ghana's efforts in that fight. It's a powerful thought - that the purchase of an (Apple) RED iPod in Tokyo or a pair of (Converse) RED sneakers in the U.S. can contribute in this way.

Jen @ (RED)
Posted by Sarah at 7:58 AM
Friday, June 19, 2009
Visiting HIV Clinics in Ghana

After an incredibly educational trip to Ethiopia, we have finally made our way to one of the four countries that (RED) money is working in - Ghana. Boy, it's HOT here!

Today we're planning on visiting facilities that are funded by the Global Fund and supported by (RED) - I'm really looking forward to seeing our (RED) money at work. (RED) money goes directly to The Global Fund which invests it in HIV/AIDS programs on the ground in Africa. We're very proud of the fact that the every cent of the donation that any of our (PRODUCT) RED partners such as Apple or Gap sends to the Global Fund from the sale of a (RED) product gets to Africa -no overhead is taken out.

We are on our way to see two hospitals where we will learn more about HIV testing, counseling, and ARV treatment. One of the hospitals focuses on prevention of mother to child transmission and hopefully we will get to meet some of the mothers and their infants who have successfully completed the transmission treatment. More than 70,000 HIV positive pregnant women have received preventative antiretroviral therapy to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission due to support from funds from the Global Fund and (RED) so this will mean a lot to us.

Our trip so far has been amazing. We have met so many people here that are affected by a variety of challenges and yet still stay so strong, determined and hopeful in the face of their adversity. Meeting them has been my favorite part so far. We'll be reporting back later on today's visits.

Molly @ (RED)
Posted by (RED) at 9:57 AM
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Listening and Learning in Africa

We just wanted to share some photos of a school we visited in Ethiopia today. Even with the strain of limited resources Ethiopia is making strides to increase their student enrollment. In fact in sub-Saharan Africa the proportion of primary school age children enrolled in school increased from 56% in 1999 to 70% in 2006 - the fastest increase of any region. Thanks in large part to debt relief and development assistance that's an increase of 34 million children in primary school between 1999 and 2006. In Ethiopia alone, the Minister of Education told us that they have put 15 million additional children in school in the last 16 years.

Posted by Sarah at 10:51 AM
Who's the Daddy?

It's Father's Day on June 21st in most countries around the world. Many of us here at (RED) will be spending our Father's Day returning from this week's trip to Africa. As we interact with other fathers a continent away from our own, we'll undoubtedly be thinking of our own dads and how important they are in our lives. Important? Yes. In style? Not always! (RED) has a few gift ideas that can help in both style tips and more importantly, in helping other dads and their families in Africa.

Posted by (RED) at 10:31 AM Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Coffee Break

A look at day two from our delegation traveling through Ethiopia and Ghana.

What was one of today's great highlights? Efficiency, energy and entrepreneurialism harnessed around Ethiopia's oldest product: coffee. For someone that treasures their morning latte, it was truly an inspirational lesson.

Ethiopian's take their coffee seriously, which is not surprising given that it contributes 60% of their export earnings (valued at $525 million) and employs 15 million farmers.

Our first briefing was at the Coffee Cooperative, an efficient model of scalable enterprise that provides farmers with a platform to sell their coffee. Over the last decade, this cooperative has successfully grown in size and scale.

Our next stop was the "Coffee Plant and Warehouse Enterprise," a plant that processes over 600 metric tons of coffee per year. We were immediately captivated by the "Stacking and Storage Plant," the spot where the Cooperative coffee first arrives from various farms. The delivery team of 150 unload the bags from the truck and run with lightning speed--with the 85 kilo bag on their head--to their next teammate, who stacks the unsorted coffee bags on a trolley and runs even faster to deposit the bags into the sorting area. Next, four durable machines sort the beans by grade, depositing them into the "sorting room." Here, 200 women hand sort the beans, the sound of their peaceful efficiency in stark contrast to the high-pitched hum of the earlier machines. Finally, the sorted coffee is stored until the order is fulfilled and sent to the port of Djibouti.

And why the speed of the runners, who deliver 85 kilo bags with great hollering and cheering during an eight hour day? Load balancing of the four processing machines ensures consistency of operation. Now that's a stimulant!

This energetic plant employs approximately 1000 people - 380 contractors, 400 women and 150 delivery men. Plum jobs are the permanent employees - paid over one dollar per day, with eligibility for an annual bonus, limited healthcare and the opportunity to benefit from the sale of the "by product husks." Temporary workers are paid 50 cents a day, with a three month contract.

Our last stop of the day was a true inspiration. The Ethiopia Coffee Exchange (ECX), founded by Dr. Eleni Gabre-Madhin, opened in April 2008. The ECX, an open outcry system, now trades 100% of Ethiopia's coffee, plus a portion of other grains. This is Africa's first electronic commodity exchange: a model of trust, transparency and integrity. Now that's inspiring entrepreneurialism!

-Juliet Flint

Posted by Spencer Kent at 3:27 PM Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Visiting the Mother-to-Mother Program

Our first on-the-ground post from our delegation traveling through Ethiopia and Ghana.

Yesterday we spent time at the Mother-to-Mother program at Adama Referral Hospital in Ethiopia. The hospital is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS service site, currently providing over 12,000 people with HIV care and more than 7,300 people with antiretroviral therapy.

The Mother-to-Mother program offers support groups for expectant mothers who are newly diagnosed with HIV. Mothers already living with HIV gather with expectant mothers recently diagnosed with HIV to mentor, educate and listen to each other.

Visiting with the mothers at the Mother-to-Mother program was a rare opportunity for an intimate discussion. We were able to speak on a personal level with mothers suffering from HIV, but these women didn't speak of suffering. They spoke of surviving. They were gathered together to support one another through the experience of having a child while being HIV positive. I was moved by their stories and their perseverance. They were attending support groups twice a week, working to be strong mothers to their children and helping to spread the word about HIV prevention. As our discussion ended, one woman asked that we not forget them. My memory is strong. It was a true honor.

-Kathleen Biden

Posted by Spencer Kent at 3:31 PM
(RED)NIGHTS this week

Thanks to all of you who were with us to kick off the (RED)NIGHTS concert series last Friday night with The Veronicas in New Orleans. It was a great show! If you missed it, relive some of the fun by looking up #rednights on Twitter. Or simply follow us @joinred and hear us tweeporting live from the shows.

This week is packed with even more amazing concerts that save lives. There's Matisyahu tonight in LA, Santigold in Dallas on Wednesday (6/17) and Lisa Hannigan in NYC on Friday (6/19). And the hope is for (RED)NIGHTS to live on beyond the nights of the incredible shows. We like to think of it as a digital road trip and for those that are going to the shows, we'd like your help in sharing your (RED)NIGHTS with others.

So if you're attending one of the shows this week here's what you can do to help spread (RED)NIGHTS:

- Tweet about #rednights and #name of the band
- Upload your show photos to Flickr and be sure to tag them with REDNIGHTS and the name of the band
- Upload your show videos to YouTube and be sure to them with REDNIGHTS and the name of the band

We'll soon be getting all this great content op on the site at www.joinred.com/rednights. It's coming soon!

Enjoy the show.

Angela @ (RED)
Posted by (RED) at 1:53 PM
Good Morning Ethiopia!

Hi. This morning, I looked out at a sight I've never seen before--early light coming over the hills of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A few of us on the (RED) team are lucky enough to be on a learning tip with our colleagues at ONE and a diverse group of policy leaders. We are in Ethiopia because--while it is not a (RED) country--Ethiopian Health Minister Tedros is using innovative practices to get care, including HIV testing and treatment, to the people who need it most.

By the way, all of Addis seems to be under construction--which makes sense because "Addis" means "new!"

We started the day driving out into the countryside to see how HIV care is administered there. After some hectic stop and start traffic, the road opened onto a beautiful valley. Out first stop was a ten-room Health Center where the locals can go to get basic services, including antiretroviral treatment. Every morning, more than 200 people line up to get their medicine. This is not a hospital but, on average, two babies are born here every day. The best part is that everyone gets tested, they know how to protect babies from getting HIV during childbirth, and all the ARVs are free.

Next, we went to a more rural area in Nazrat where Ethiopia's innovative health extension worker program is at work. We met one of the 30,000 new health extension workers--she is 20 years old and responsible for the health of everyone in her village. (Don't know about you but I would not have been ready for that at 20.) She was amazing--seeing patients in a three room "Health Post" in the morning and doing house calls in the afternoon.

On the way out, a couple invited us to their village to see their new bed net being hung. This simple net will help to prevent them getting Malaria when the rains come next week. The whole village was full of kids--many of them wearing home-made Obama t-shirts that say "Yes We Can" n English and "God Follow You" in Amharic.

We ended the day at a hospital in Adama where we met doctors focused on helping HIV+ women give birth to HIV-free infants. We met with a support group run by African mothers on ARVs called "Mother to Mother." They live in extremely poor circumstances but despite this they offered us coffee and popcorn and told us their stories.

The organizer told us through a translator that when she found out she had HIV, she left her home in fear and lived in the bush for days until she was exhausted. That was nine years ago--we have come a long way since then. Here we were, surrounded by beautiful HIV+ women and their HIV- free children. The medicine works.

A member of our group asked the translator if there was anything the women wanted to ask or tell us. The youngest member in the group spoke immediately. Our eyes moved to the translator but for a few moments he did not speak. "Please don't forget that we are here."

It was a day we will never forget.

Colin @ (RED)
Posted by Sarah at 1:03 PM
Monday, June 15, 2009
A Continent on the Move: Listening and Learning in Africa

(RED) and our sister organization, ONE, are bringing a diverse delegation of influential policy and business leaders to Ethiopia and Ghana this week to see how strong African leadership and smart donor investments are helping people in Africa fight their way out of poverty. We feel so privileged to be making this trip.

We'll be exploring a wide spectrum of issues and we will have the good fortune to hear from a variety of people in an effort to learn which policies and investments are achieving results, what programs and approaches are not working and what more is needed.

We will be visiting health, agriculture, education and trade projects and we'll be meeting with government leaders, program implementers, entrepreneurs, intellectuals as well as people who are directly impacted by the work that we do. In Ghana, we will spotlight how contributions from the sale of (RED) products and the power of (RED) consumer action are helping to provide lifesaving treatment to thousands of people who are HIV positive. It's because of the conscious choice you are making to buy (RED) that we have been able to generate more than $130 million to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Thank you.

We're so looking forward to the trip and to bringing our experiences to both (RED) and ONE supporters. We will be blogging and tweeting on the trip and look forward to sharing the journey with you.

The (RED) Team
Posted by (RED) at 10:36 AM
Thursday, June 11, 2009
The (RED) Zones at U2's 360° Tour

As you may have read, U2 have allocated a (RED) Zone VIP area at every show throughout their upcoming 360° Tour. These premium location tickets were auctioned when the tickets went on sale with net proceeds helping the Global Fund and (RED)'s work to fight AIDS in Africa. We'd like to say a huge thank you to all of you who lent their support and who successfully bid on these (RED) Zone tickets.

"(RED)'s contribution to the Global Fund in just three years is over $130 million. This is not only helping hundreds of thousands of people in Rwanda, Swaziland, Ghana and Lesotho where the money is at work on the ground but (RED), through its partners' marketing efforts is also having a tremendous impact on public awareness of the HIV pandemic in Africa. We are honoured to have both the crucial support of the money flowing in, and the vote of confidence in the Global Fund's way of providing aid."

Professor Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director of The Global Fund To Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria
Posted by (RED) at 11:10 AM 1
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
(RED) Attends the KIN Global Conference at the Kellogg School of Management

Last week I participated in KIN Global - a conference hosted by the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University just outside Chicago. It was a three-day gathering of about 200 people from around the world who came together to discuss one topic - the importance of innovation in building global prosperity.

A wide range of people joined the discussion and it was wonderful to hear so many viewpoints. From Admiral James G. Stavridis, Commander of the United States Southern Command who discussed the importance of public/private partnerships in creating prosperity in South America, to Kimmie Weeks, Executive Director of Youth Action International a non-profit working to rebuild war torn African communities, and John Simon, the former ambassador to the African Union, the discussions and insights were fascinating.
Admiral James G. Stavridis

The topic was broad and the discussion fierce. Ideas flowed freely - some that may work, others that may not - yet what was as important was the ability to exchange these ideas with people from around the world, across many different disciplines

I walked away both excited and hopeful for where we are headed as a global society. There is a growing tide taking us in a direction where corporations will realize that doing good means doing good both financially and socially; where addressing the needs of the bottom billion means also engaging these individuals in the process and creating prosperity along the way; where military 'strength' takes on new meaning and creates economic opportunity as a way to head off the need for violent conflict; and where we recognize that our natural resources, when managed correctly, are core to sustainable economic growth and security.

Most importantly, the time I spent here reminded me how important these conversations and debates are. Taking time to surface new ideas, stretch our thinking and find ways to take action on new opportunities is always an invigorating experience. Thank you to all who attended that helped provide new ideas for (RED) and who are off taking action on many of the new ideas from the week.

To find out more about the conference and the Kellogg Innovation Network visit http://www.kinglobal.org/
Susan, CEO, (RED)
Posted by (RED) at 4:03 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Monday, June 01, 2009
Win VIP Tickets to (RED)NIGHTS on Facebook and Twitter This Week

This week, we'll be giving away pairs of special VIP tickets to a few of the upcoming (RED)NIGHTS concerts - The Veronicas, Matisyahu, Santigold and Lisa Hannigan. It's our VIP Sweepstakes where you can win tickets to a great show, and also have a chance to hangout with the band. (RED)NIGHTS is a concert series that saves lives. 26 incredible shows in the US to raise money and awareness about AIDS in Africa, a preventable and treatable disease.

Starting on Tuesday, June 2nd and running through this Friday, June 5th, we'll be giving away these special VIP tickets on Facebook and Twitter to the following US-based shows:

The Veronicas at the House of Blues in New Orleans on June 12th
Matisyahu at The Wiltern in Los Angeles on June 16th
Santigold at the House of Blues in Dallas on June 18th
Lisa Hannigan at the Gramercy Theater in NYC on June 19th
How to enter:

The Sweepstakes are taking place on Facebook and Twitter only so you'll need to Fan us or Follow us to participate.

On Twitter

Starting on Tuesday 2nd through Friday 5th, we'll be giving away a pair of VIP tickets to a (RED)NIGHTS show daily. Here's the schedule - on Tuesday it's The Veronicas, Wednesday we're giving away Matisyahu, on Thursday Santigold and Friday is Lisa Hannigan.
Each day we'll let you know what tickets we'll be giving away on that day. You'll have until 11:59 PST on that day to enter to win.
To enter, make sure you are a follower of @joinred and then simply send us an @reply or just RT with the message for the day (it'll be different each day). We'll select a winner who'll get a pair of tickets from all the @reply Tweets and Re-Tweets we receive from the time we announce up until 11:59pm PST on that day.

Starting today, we'll announce a special event on Facebook for each of the 4 upcoming (RED)NIGHTS shows.
You'll need to be a Fan of (RED). Then simply RSVP to the (RED)NIGHTS event you'd be interested in attending. You'll have until 11:59pm PST on Friday, June 5th to submit your RSVP.
Each lucky winner receives a pair of VIP tickets from all the Fans who RSVP 'YES' to the specific (RED)NIGHTS events.

What you need to know...the rules:

You'll need to be a (RED) fan on Facebook or following us on Twitter (or both if you'd like to double your chances)
Winners receive a pair of VIP tickets that provide access to the show and a chance to meet the band.
No transportation or travel arrangements are being provided - it's just the tickets and the good times at the show.
To be eligible you need to live in the US city or surrounding areas where the show is playing and you need to be a certain age:
New York show: 16 years old or over and live in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk or Westchester in New York State; Bergen County, New Jersey; or Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Los Angeles show: 13+ and live in City of Los Angeles or the following California counties: Ventura, Kern, San Bernardino, Riverside or Orange
Dallas show: 13+ and live in City of Dallas or the following Texan counties: Ellis, Johnson, Tarrant, Denton, Collin, Rockwall or Kaufman.
New Orleans show: 13+ and live in City of New Orleans or the following Louisiana counties: Saint Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson or Saint Tammany

Once named, winners need to fill in an eligibility confirmation and release form before receiving the tickets.
Check out the Sweepstakes Rules for Twitter and for Facebook for full details. By entering you are accepting the Sweepstakes Rules.

And if you happen to win...

If you are that special someone who wins, we'll send you a Direct Message on Twitter to let you know or message you on Facebook. We'd love to show up at your door with cameras and all but Ed McMahon wasn't available.

So, that's it in a nutshell. Be sure to check out the Sweepstakes rules for Facebook and Twitter - by entering you are accepting the 'Sweepstakes Rules.'

Good luck. And please help us spread the word.

Facebook

Twitter

(RED)NIGHTS

Official sweepstakes rules: Twitter and Facebook
Posted by Sarah at 7:58 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Penelope for (RED) at Cannes

Earlier this week friend of (RED) Penelope Cruz hosted The Hollywood Domino Party at the Cannes Film Festival despite suffering food poisoning and the flu just days before. The Domino Party aimed to raise money for the Global Fund in the spirit of (RED). Guests included Lily Cole, Alberta Ferretti, Stella McCartney and Paris Hilton. Thanks for your support Penelope!
Posted by (RED) at 3:07 PM
Thursday, May 21, 2009
THE MINI IS NOW MIGHTY

Say hello to the latest product from (RED) - the red colored Dell Mini netbooks. These must-have (PRODUCT)RED netbooks are light in both price and weight - starting at $299, under 2.86lbs and as thin as 1.12". They are affordable, compact, good looking and now there's a reason to love them even more. Dell is contributing a portion of the proceeds from each sale of a red colored Mini to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

They come in 4 versions: 9", 10v, 10" and 12" and all have webcams, built in WiFi and Bluetooth.

Now, here are those all important details: size & money

For all of you college students out there we just wanted to send congratulations on wrapping up another year, or maybe even graduating. And a special thank you message to our college ambassadors who have worked with us this year to help promote (PRODUCT) RED and raise awareness about AIDS in Africa. Tien at Harvard, Kelsey at University of San Diego, Simon at Notre Dame, Mike at Sacred Heart University, Jordyn at University of Wisconsin and Stephanie at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University - we are so appreciative of your efforts! Check out some of the great work they've been doing all year here.

Our ambassador Mike Fazzino, a junior at Sacred Heart University studying Business Administration and Political Science, was even recently featured in his university's Alumni Magazine as a trustee scholar. In addition to working with (RED), Mike also started the ONE campaign on his college campus to help raise awareness about extreme poverty and preventable disease. Thanks Mike for all of your hard work this year and for using your voice to spread the (RED) word.

Take a read through Mike's interview below:

Favorite Courses
The Business School at SacredHeart was a big pull for me.Jack Welch is a name that everyone knows in business. Once I started taking courses here, though, I realized that I was also really interested in politics. I think there's a misconception that anyone involved in business has to be a greedy person. At Sacred Heart, my courses have taught me to appreciate the term "cre- ative capitalism," which basically means integrating your ability to be socially aware with the need to make a profit.

Proudest Accomplishments
I started the One Campaign at Sacred Heart, which is part of a worldwide, nonpartisan public interest group dedicated to eliminating poverty and disease worldwide. I've helped recruit Sacred Heart students to join the initiative, which has two million members at different universities around the country. It's wonderful to see the number of students interested in that common goal grow.

Biggest Surprise
I'm from Woodbury, Connecticut, and I never intended to stay local when I was looking at colleges. I'm surprised that I could get such a high quality education so close to home. My family has a lot of teachers in it, so I really appreciate the value of a good education.

What's Next
I'm doing an internship right now with (PRODUCT) RED, a brand that partners with big companies like American Express, Apple and Gap to raise money for The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Each partner company creates a product with the (PRODUCT) RED logo and gives a percentage of its profits to the Global Fund. This has opened my eyes as a young businessman learning to be socially responsible and made me think that I might volunteer abroad once I graduate instead of joining the workforce right away. If Sacred Heart has taught me anything, it's that you can only learn so much from sitting in a classroom.

Posted by Max at 11:31 AM 0 commentsMonday, May 18, 2009
(RED) Makes a World of Difference

If you've ever bought a (RED) product, your choice was heard loud and clear at the 19th Board Meeting of The Global Fund in Geneva, Switzerland. Since a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every (RED) product goes directly to the Global Fund, you and the $130 Million dollars you have helped contribute so far were at the table alongside ambassadors from countries all over the world. Like you, they were there to celebrate the 2 million people that have been given treatment for HIV thanks to the Global Fund, and to push forward in the fight against HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

Despite the stormy economy, people from all over the world are joining together to step up the fight against HIV. The time is now. The medicine is effective and cheap. The need is great. We can save millions of lives.

Caption: Global Fund Chairman Rajat Gupta visiting Lusaka in 2008. Photo courtesy of The Globe and Mail 2008.

It's such an important time that Global Fund Board Chair Rajat Gupta convened a special session on HIV/AIDS. I wish you could have been there--it was a great snapshot of why the Global Fund works. First, we heard Anil Soni, CEO of the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative, the group that has done so much to bring the price of the medicine down, speak passionately about ways to make sure countries get the right drugs at the lowest price. Then we heard Carol Nawina Nyirenda, a Global Fund Board Member from Africa who is HIV+. Carol runs the Community Initiative for TB, HIV/AIDS, and Malaria (CITAM) in Zambia--she spoke very precisely about what needs to happen on the ground to win the fight against HIV/AIDS. She concluded with a simple reminder, "Please remember, to us, this is not a project...this is our life".

So, there is more that we need to do, but you should know that your (RED) choices create money for medicine that really works and that means more lives are saved every day. On behalf of the worldwide community that drives the Global Fund, thanks for being (RED).

Colin @ (RED)
Posted by (RED) at 11:39 AM
Friday, May 15, 2009
(RED)NIGHTS Rocks in Rolling Stone Magazine

Check out the article below that's in the latest issue of Rolling Stone. It's their Live issue and hits newsstands today Friday May 15th, so make sure you grab a copy. Rolling Stone offers some great coverage of (RED)NIGHTS, our concert series that saves lives. And don't miss the quote from Santigold expressing how easy it is to get involved in the fight against AIDS through (RED) - we hope you feel the same way.

(RED) Campaign Preps Concerts

Fall Out Boy, Santigold, All-American Rejects and O.A.R. are some of the artists who have signed on to participate in the new (RED)NIGHTS concert series, an initiative from Bono's (RED) campaign. A portion of the proceeds from each concert - there are 26 total, but not all dates have been announced - will go to the Global Fund, which raises money to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. "I've wanted to get involved in the fight against AIDS for a long time, but I wasn't sure what to do," says Santigold. "I'm glad someone found a way to make it easy to get involved." The series will culminate with a multi-act show in New York on World AIDS Day, December 1st.

For more information on (RED)NIGHTS Posted by (RED) at 8:43 AM Thursday, May 14, 2009
Want to learn more about the President's plan for the U.S. Global Health Policy? Tune in today at 1pm

The Kaiser Family Foundation will be hosting a live interactive webcast this afternoon at 1pm EST on the global health initiatives of President Obama's Fiscal Year 2010 budget proposal. The webcast will feature an expert panel including our sister organization ONE's Director of Government Relations Tom Hart. Topics to be discussed include what has been allocated to support global health efforts abroad, including the President's Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI).

If you're interested in watching you can see the live studio webcast on the Kaiser Foundations website.

Posted by Spencer Kent at 9:03 AM Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Witnessing the promise of ARVs

I'm in southern Africa visiting a country we hope to announce shortly will be the next country recipient of (RED) dollars, thanks to your continuing support in choosing to buy (RED). I can't say which country or which Global Fund HIV grant will be involved yet, but stay tuned!

As part of my visit, I've been meeting a number of HIV positive people who are just beginning antiretroviral therapy which helps enable people living with HIV to lead healthy, lives.

It's hard to imagine what people like Miriam, Eunice, Maureen and others must feel at this often life-changing and very challenging time. For some, like these three women I met this week, beginning antiretroviral (ARV) therapy happens just days after they learn they are HIV positive for the first time. Not only that, but the reason they went for an HIV test in the first place was because they had all fallen ill and weren't getting better.

Imagine processing all of this news about your health when you are feeling very ill and weak. But instead of feeling despair, these women have shown dignity and optimism for the future. They now know that having the HIV virus, which left un-treated will evolve in to AIDS and certain death, need not be a death sentence any more thanks to antiretroviral therapy.

Each of them speak about their hopes and plans for the future including their desire to be healthy enough to look after themselves and their children. That's a future these women couldn't have contemplated before the availability of ARV's.

Greta @ (RED)
Posted by (RED) at 1:23 PM
Katy Perry is the newest (RED)NIGHTS artist

This just in! Cherry ChapStick fan Katy Perry has been added to our list of (RED)NIGHTS artists and will be turning her July 28th show at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom (RED). Tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10am at livenation.com . We're so happy to have Katy on board!

And remember to keep checking back with us as there's many more artists and locations to come. To get ticket info and to check out the other artists that have turned their concerts (RED) click here.

Posted by (RED) at 9:14 AM
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Gap (PRODUCT) RED T - As Seen on TV

Check it out! Leonard Hofstadter (left) -- played by Johnny Galecki -- wears a GAP (PRODUCT) RED Graphic T on a recent episode of The Big Bang Theory. Want your own? click here.

Gap contributes half of the profits from each Gap (PRODUCT)RED T directly to the Global Fund.

Posted by Spencer Kent at 1:28 PM
Monday, May 11, 2009
Say hello to (RED)NIGHTS - a concert series that saves lives

We're so excited about our news today! We're launching a new (RED) event - (RED)NIGHTS. 26 incredible shows in the US to raise money and awareness about AIDS in Africa, a preventable and treatable disease.

To kick off the series, (RED)NIGHTS artists Santigold, The Veronicas, Gomez, O.A.R., Fall Out Boy, Lisa Hannigan and The All-American Rejects will turn one of their upcoming concerts (RED). Click here for ticket info. And there'll be more artists to come. Here's what Marc Roberge of O.A.R. has to say about being a (RED)NIGHTS artist: "If bringing awareness to what (RED) is doing helps one person receive antiretroviral treatment and live a healthy life we have accomplished our goal." Thanks Marc!

We want everyone to enjoy the series so no matter where you are in the world, we're hoping you'll come to see and hear a little bit of (RED)NIGHTS online after the shows. And we'd love everyone who'll be coming to the concerts to help with that - we're developing our website to give people the chance to upload videos, photos, comments and reviews after the night. Those at the shows will also be able to tweet away on the night. We're planning a digital road trip and we hope you'll be taking it with us.

See you on the night or online. We can't wait!

Posted by Max at 9:02 AM Friday, May 08, 2009
Christy Turlington: philanthropist, mother, and friend of (RED)

With Mother's Day coming up in the U.S., we wanted to share with you a great article by the Associated Press on supermom Christy Turlington. As a close friend of (RED)'s Christy has hosted our Mother's Day brunch for the last couple of years, yoga posed in a Gap (PRODUCT) RED tank top for Annie Leibovitz and even traveled with us to Swaziland to see how (RED) money is put to work first hand - and that's not everything.

These days Christy is committing herself to health issues and currently studying a master's degree from Columbia University's School of Public Health, and directing a documentary on the risks and successes of maternal health around the world. With 2 young children of her own she has come to understand the importance of mother and child care and she is eager to make a difference in the lives of other moms. (RED)'s co-founder Bobby Shriver can't say enough about her "...she grasps it very deeply and she cares about motherhood and illness...if she ever wanted to run for office, she'd be very good."

So thank you Christy for all of your work for (RED), for the many lives you have already touched and for the many more you will continue to. Happy Mother's Day!

To read the full story on Christy click here.

Angela @ (RED)
Posted by (RED) at 10:25 AM Thursday, May 07, 2009
We have news. Big news.

It's going to be about a new (RED) event. And it's to do with music.

We'll be announcing it first via email on Monday. Sign up and be the first in the know.
Posted by (RED) at 12:18 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
TIME Magazine's Q&A with Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Just reading a great article on Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa's first female head of state in Africa. After asking people to submit questions TIME magazine selected the top 10 and sat down with her.

Here's what she had to say in response to the following Q: 'With the criticisms recently launched against foreign aid programs, do you think Africa is better off without them?'

A: 'No, Africa can still use structured, focused aid. The problem is that aid should be properly used. It must support the government's own development agenda. And the country itself should use its own resources well. I think in a few places in Africa, this is happening.'

If you're interested in reading more take a look at the full article here.
Posted by (RED) at 1:40 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
The (RED) l Global Fund road-trip has begun

(RED) and the Global Fund have recently hit the road to visit our partners. And by partners we mean the likes of Starbucks, Gap and Apple - the brands we work with that produce (RED) products. As some of you may know the way (RED) works is that our (RED) partners send up to 50% of the profits from the sale of (RED) products directly to the Global Fund. (RED) does not touch any of this money and what's more, the Global Fund doesn't take any overheads either.

It was inspiring to have our partners meet the Global Fund face to face and get to talk about what (RED) money is doing on the ground and how we can all maximize our efforts to ensure the highest contribution levels to the Global Fund, and ultimately to those people living with HIV in Africa.

At the meetings not only did (RED) partners learn the incredible impact their contributions are having every day but we also had a chance to hear Christoph Benn's personal journey of becoming the Director of External Relations and Partnerships at the Global Fund. Christoph has dedicated his life to the fight against HIV. He is a physician with special training in Tropical Medicine and Public Health who saw the AIDS emergency developing first hand when he was a doctor in Tanzania in the late 80's. He was also part of the group of people who set up the Global Fund. Then United Nation's Secretary General Kofi Anin called for the creation of a Global Fund that would allow countries who otherwise would never afford it to create their own programs to address the AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria crisis. Created in 2002, the Global Fund is now the world's largest funder of AIDS, TB and Malaria programs in the developing world, and (RED) it's highest private sector contributor.

Christoph's story of seeing firsthand what the AIDS pandemic has done to people in Africa and how important ARV's and (RED) money is today was incredibly motivating and energizing for me, personally, and for our partners. We at (RED) are so grateful to have him on our team.

We're planning on video taping Christoph at our next meeting so that we can share his story and the work of the Global Fund with all of you. Stay tuned!

Jen @ (RED)
Posted by (RED) at 6:32 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
(RED) contributes $130 million for the Global Fund - impacts 4 million people

As you may know, the money that (RED) partners and events generate goes straight to the Global Fund, the organization we work with that puts the money to work on the ground in Africa. And we just received a great report from the Global Fund updating us on the impact (RED) dollars are having. Since we launched, (RED) dollars have supported Global Fund financed grants that have reached more than 4 million people impacted by HIV or AIDS in Ghana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Rwanda. That's really incredible to hear!

Specifically, that means that there are more than 111,000 HIV-positive people on antiretroviral therapy, more than 70,000 HIV positive pregnant women have received preventative antiretroviral therapy to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission and more than 3.4 million people have undergone HIV testing and counseling due to support from funds from the Global Fund and (RED). And, beyond this, the (RED) money also supports grants that finance health facilities, train health practitioners and care for children orphaned by AIDS.

The beauty of the (RED) model is that 100% of the money generated goes straight to work in Africa. (RED) doesn't touch the money that our (RED) partners contribute. And the Global Fund doesn't take any overhead either. So, $130 million has been raised in three years thanks to your purchases and $130 million will go to these programs. Thank you so much.

You can find out more details about all of the impact that (RED) and the Global Fund is making on the ground in Africa at www.joinred.com/Learn/HowRedWorks.aspx.

Julie @ (RED)
Posted by Max at 1:32 PM
Monday, April 27, 2009
(RED) & Christy Turlington Burns celebrate mothers

The sun was shining in New York on Saturday - we couldn't have asked for a brighter day for (RED)'s annual Mother's Day celebration which was once again hosted by Christy Turlington Burns.

Around 40 women and children (and 2 lucky men) gathered at Mario Batalli's Del Posto restaurant in the Meatpacking District for an afternoon that gave us some insights into (RED)'s work and the important role that women play in the fight against AIDS.

Susan Smith Ellis, (RED)'s CEO, welcomed guests, who included Wendy Murdoch, Aimee Bell from Vanity Fair, Dr. Ayoade Olatunbosun-Alakija and Veronica Kelly. She thanked everyone for the support they have shown (RED) - in just three years (RED) has raised over $130 million and has impacted 4 million people through Global Fund financed programs.

While the children were entertained by Lou the magician and were busy colouring and painting Mother's Day cards (thank you Hallmark!), the women heard about the impact of (RED)'s work.

(RED) CEO Susan Smith Ellis and Christy Turlington Burns

Christy drew on her experiences from a trip she took to Swaziland as a friend of (RED). What struck me was Christy's statement that the life expectancy of women in Swaziland is 39 years old. Yet, for those living with HIV/AIDS this doesn't necessarily need to be the case if they have access to anti-retroviral treatment. HIV/AIDS is a treatable illness. And that was the point that Professor Stephen Nicholas from Columbia University brought home to us.

For those with HIV/AIDS, anti-retroviral drugs can help them lead a productive life. When we think of the crucial roles women play as care-givers, as well as providers in the family, the impact of having women with HIV lead productive lives becomes all the more apparent. Professor Nicholas also spoke about how pregnant women with HIV will not necessarily pass the illness on to their children, if they have access to medicine during pregnancy. He talked about his own personal experience as a pediatric AIDS practitioner in Harlem and how his program has succeeded in practically eliminating cases altogether. He is happily nearly out of this job! He knows first-hand that this disease can be controlled, and even eliminated, if the right education, prevention and treatment steps are taken.

It was a great bunch of women who came together over the weekend to celebrate mothers here, in Africa and around the world. Happy Mother's Day.

And if you're wondering what to give this Mother's Day be sure to check out some of the great (RED) products we have available for her.

Chrysi @ (RED)

Professor Nicholas

I love it when I'm on the road for (RED) in Africa - nothing brings the (RED) idea to life more than meeting the children, the teens and the adults who are alive today thanks to the lifesaving and sustaining power of antiretroviral therapy that keeps their HIV virus at bay.

It's this same antiretroviral therapy costing around 40 cents a day that has enabled Narte and Dorcas in Ghana; and Pamela and Bolelwa in Swaziland and Lesotho to celebrate their birthdays this month.

I know I take aging for granted; in fact I have to admit I don't like the thought of getting older. But then I remember Bolelwa in Lesotho telling me how she was given just a few weeks to live when she was first diagnosed ten years ago as a scared 21 year old. But Bolelwa is an amazing, intelligent and brave woman and she refused to believe the misinformed health worker who told her this and went about finding out how to access the antiretroviral therapy which she knew could help her survive.

This Friday, a decade later, Bolelwa celebrates her 31st birthday!

When she first began taking ARVs all those years ago, Bolelwa was forced to sell her furniture and she knew she couldn't have afforded to continue that way. Now the medicine is free to people who need them in Lesotho - and that's thanks to financing from (RED) and the Global Fund (the organization which invests (RED) money in AIDS programs on (RED)'s behalf).

So if you had a birthday this month why not savor it even more knowing that for Narte, Dorcas, Bolelwa and Pamela; each and every birthday is a gift and an occasion they will probably never take for granted.

Happy Birthday friends,

Greta

Bolelwa Falten in November 2008
Posted by Spencer Kent at 9:18 AM Watch Girl Skateboard for (RED)

Check out the new video that our Special Edition partner Girl Skateboard has created for (RED). Art Director Andy Jenkins and pro skater Mike Carroll talk about what working with (RED) means to them and how they hope to raise awareness of the AIDS crisis in Africa just by doing the things they do everyday - skating and designing boards. In Andy's words "it's pretty cool that something that we do on a day to day basis can help people in Africa with HIV and AIDS get the medicine they need."

Posted by Spencer Kent at 3:39 PM 5
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Conversations

By ANGELA PROUT

Last Thursday night I had the pleasure of attending 'Conversations' an event organized by our Converse partners to celebrate the Converse 1HUND(RED) collaboration series. The Converse 1HUND(RED) is a project that Converse launched in January of last year, to mark their 100th anniversary and to bring artists and creative talent from around the world together, to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. The intention was to take some of the most original minds and harness their creative energy into a vehicle for change, to create a movement by turning art into power. From 400 selected artists Converse chose 100 different designs. Graphic artists, fashion designers, musicians and more have contributed to '100 visions of a better world'. With a white Chuck Taylor All Star shoe as their canvas each artist went at it, designing their shoe, inspired by their own devices, and lending their creative power to an idea designed to change the world. And the event set out to embody just that - challenging everyone to engage in 'Conversation' about (RED) and the issue of AIDS in Africa, and in continuing that talk, to build awareness and take action to do something about it. (RED) Global CEO Susan Smith Ellis, (RED)WIRE founder Don MacKinnon and I were all humbled to take part.

Hosted at New York's Aquavit by Converse's Creative Director Scott Patt (designer of shoe #38), musical artist Lupe Fiasco (designer of shoe #80) and renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson, the intimate dinner brought a number of cultural influencers together. Additional 1HUND(RED) artists in attendance included fashion designers Miho Aoki and Thuy Pham of United Bamboo, installation artist Terence Koh, and fashion designers Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock of Vena Cava. The venue exhibited a selection of 1HUND(RED) shoes with the artists' original sketches displayed alongside. The event was set to the melodies of a kora (an African string instrument which sounds like a harp, with the body like a guitar with a drum on the end) played by Muhamadou Salieu Susso, the first cousin to Gambian master kora player Papa Susso. The cuisine was an eclectic mix from Ethiopian chef Marcus Samuelsson, served sharing style, from salmon skewers to couscous to honey ice cream. The night gave tribute to many different inspirations from Africa.

As dinner began Scott thanked us all for being there. He thanked (RED) for the initiative we have taken to partner with our brands to raise funds and awareness for HIV in Africa. He also gave special thanks to each of the artists who lent their talents for the collaboration. I had the pleasure of sitting beside Michael White, who paid homage to his late brother graffiti artist Dondi White by supplying original sketches from Dondi's journal to Converse to design a shoe that represented Dondi's iconic style - the first shoe in the 1HUND(RED) collection. As executor of his brother's estate Michael spoke of being conservative about offering up his brother's work. To ensure the authenticity of Dondi's art Michael only releases it for projects he knows Dondi himself would be a part of. Partnering with Converse (PRODUCT) RED was a no brainer for him. I even witnessed Marcus' friend Andrew ask him for some powdered sumac spice: a tart, deep red spice made from dried berries of the sumac bush, a favorite of his to season salads with and an essential ingredient in Middle Eastern cooking. Within 2 minutes Marcus had emerged from the kitchen with a container of sumac in tow and sent it around the table for us all to smell. Marcus joined us for dinner, after toasting the night and offering words of appreciation for (RED). Having lost his mother to tuberculosis he is an avid supporter of the Global Fund and the work being done in Africa to eradicate disease.

Everyone had a story to share, to fuel the conversations we were there to have. It was a celebration of art and inspiration, of Africa and the power of change. I left wanting to continue the conversation, something we work to do every day here at (RED). I hope when you're finished reading you will do the same.

Scott Patt and Marcus Samuelsson

Susan Smith Ellis and Lupe Fiasco - Photo Credit Patrick McMullan

Terrence Koh

The Converse Team

Vena Cava

Posted by Spencer Kent at 9:45 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Monday, April 20, 2009
(RED) Rocks in the Fortune 500 Issue

A few months ago we got a call we didn't expect to receive. It was from Fortune magazine asking if we wanted to be part of their Fortune 500 issue. We were surprised to get the call. After all, we're not a Fortune 500 company. They called us because we work with a number of Fortune 500 brands and because of the unique position we sit in between the corporate and public sectors. The editors at Fortune were intrigued by how the (RED) model has helped channel the marketing efforts and business profits from several Fortune 500 companies to help save the lives of some of the poorest people in the world -- those living with HIV in Africa who cannot afford the 40 cent a day medicine they need to stay alive.

So earlier this month our board gathered in a studio in New York with the Fortune team for what turned out to be a music-filled, fun hour-long photo shoot. This was the first time, actually, that (RED)'s board had gathered for a photo. Our board is made up of Bono, lead singer of U2 and co-founder of (RED), Bobby Shriver, co-founder of (RED), Tom Freston, Principal, Firefly3, Juliet Flint, Partner KPCB, and (RED)'s Worldwide CEO, Susan Smith Ellis. Together at the shoot, we took a moment to reflect on how far we've come in three short years since we launched - thanks to the support of the brands we work with as well as the support of all of you. It was also a moment for us to look ahead at how much more there is to do in raising awareness and funds for our 'shareholders' - those living with HIV in Africa.

Click here to read about (RED) in the Fortune 500 issue and here to watch Susan Smith Ellis and Bobby Shriver talk about (RED) for the magazine. We may be the ones being featured but it's thanks to our partners, supporters and all the people who chose to buy (RED) that we've been able to generate more than $130 million for the Global Fund, the organization we work with that puts the money to work on the ground in Africa. Thank you so much.

The issue hits newsstands on April 27.

Photo Credit: Ben Baker for Fortune Magazine
Posted by Spencer Kent at 9:39 AM 1 comments Links to this post
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Blog Archive
â–¼ 2009 (75)
â–¼ July (15)
Win VIP Tickets to Katy Perry's Sold Out (RED)NIGH...
Look who stopped by to say hello to (RED) at TEDGl...
Denise's Success Story
Keep the Answers Coming
IT'S SUMMER. IT'S STARBUCKS. IT'S (RED).
Why the colour (RED)?
The Future Gets a Big Kiss
Bono's New York Times Op-Ed: Rebranding Africa
New (Gap) RED Tees Available Now
You've Asked. We're Answering.
A Big Step Forward for People Living with HIV
(RED) Helps Facebook Launch Their New Fan Box
"Know Your Status" - a Visit to the Timber Market ...
Starbucks Visits Rwanda to See (RED) Money in Acti...
U2 kicked off their 360 Tour in Barcelona last nig...
â–º June (14)
Check Out Who We Spotted In (CONVERSE) RED
Happy Birthday to Grandmothers and Grandsons
An Inspiring Visit To Korle Bu HIV Clinic In Ghana...
Visiting HIV Clinics in Ghana
Listening and Learning in Africa
Who's the Daddy?
Coffee Break
Visiting the Mother-to-Mother Program
(RED)NIGHTS this week
Good Morning Ethiopia!
A Continent on the Move: Listening and Learning in...
The (RED) Zones at U2's 360° Tour
(RED) Attends the KIN Global Conference at the Kel...
Win VIP Tickets to (RED)NIGHTS on Facebook and Twi...
â–º May (14)
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I thought I'd write a sort of introduction entry and let you all know a bit about me. I'm new to this public blogging thing so I hope I don't make a complete arse of myself. Many thanks to Jon and Rita for getting me over to U2 Station, I love it here already!

Well I gather this has probably been the bands outlook from the start and they continue to aim for no particular line on the horizon. There is no stopping these boys. Sticking around so long as a band is a very challenging thing to do. A select few have accomplished this. So what is U2's secret to keeping this never-ending point going? Well a band must be able to shift each album with what is current without losing "their sound", but at the same time avoid sounding like previous albums (one hit wonder syndrome). A musician must create charismatic performances and be able to connect with the audience on a personal level. U2 does this extremely well. If you have ever sang "40" at the end of a concert while hearing the chanting voices all around you it creates this indescribable high; that is a connection only a GREAT performer can produce. Passion is the foundation to being great in anything really. U2 has a passion for music, perfection, people, and the world. Many people see bono as a preacher and think he shouldn't mix music with politics. Well I say finally someone is using their achievements in life to give something back to the world and the fans that have supported them along the way. These men are not just musicians a few of the members are men on a mission. I love the lyric "Every generation gets a chance to change the world" in the song titled I'LL GO CRAZY IF I DON'T GO CRAZY TONIGHT it is so true. Bono is involved in so many programs it is almost amazing how he gets sleep, some including www.one.org, www.data.org, www.joinred.com , and so many more. The Edge is involved in a program he helped start as well www.musicrising.org, (I am very proud and supportive of all U2's contributions to these organizations so you will be seeing me write and post information throughout on these subjects). So until one of these things fail I don't think we will see the end of U2, after this (I call a B sides that's not called a B side) album and gravity defying 360 concert tour. I guarantee you all we will see them back in the recording studio.

PLEASE SUPPORT EDUN!

By SHAWN POGATCHNIK (AP)

DUBLIN -- Bono and U2 rocked more than 80,000 fans in Dublin as the Irish supergroup's latest world tour hit new emotional highs Friday night on home soil.

A deafening roar welcomed the Dubliners as they launched their three-concert homestand at Croke Park, Ireland's biggest stadium and a cathedral to Irish nationalism. The band's "360" tour -- featuring its underselling 12th studio album, "No Line on the Horizon" -- switches from Europe to North America in September.

"We are so young -- as a nation!" shouted the 49-year-old lead singer Bono.

Crowds braced for downpours threw their raincoats aside as an unexpected sunset gave way to a starry Dublin night.

The organization DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa) was established in 2002
by Bono and Bobby Shriver, along with activists from the Jubilee 2000 Drop
the Debt Campaign.[97] DATA aims to eradicate poverty and HIV/AIDS in
Africa.[97] DATA encourages Americans to contact senators and other
legislators and elected officials to voice their opinions.[97]

2007 Liberty Medal Recipients
The National Constitution Center's 2007 Liberty Medal was awarded jointly to Bono, U2 lead singer and activist, and DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa), the advocacy organization he co-founded to combat poverty and disease in Africa. The prestigious Medal, and its accompanying $100,000 prize, recognizes Bono and DATA's groundbreaking work in raising awareness about and spurring a global response to the crisis of AIDS and extreme poverty in Africa. The public ceremony took place on Thursday, September 27, 2007 at the National Constitution Center on Philadelphia's Independence Mall. The prize money will be donated to DATA.

DATA has helped focus public attention on how to beat AIDS and extreme poverty in Africa by working closely with politicians, the media and celebrities. In 2005, DATA and campaigners around the world helped persuade the G8 nations to reach an unprecedented agreement that included $25 billion in additional development assistance for Africa by 2010, broad debt cancellation, universal access to education, and near universal access to AIDS and malaria treatment and prevention. DATA is monitoring the G8's progress on keeping these commitments and holding government leaders to public account. If kept, these promises will save millions of lives and mark a turning point in the West's relationship with Africa.

Bono's acceptance speech!http://www.constitutioncenter.org/libertymedal/lib_medal_bono_transcript.pdf

Liberty Medal Recipients......

2008 - Mikhail Gorbachev
2007 - Bono & DATA
2006 - George H.W. Bush & William J. Clinton

2005 - Viktor Yushchenko
2004 - Hamid Karzai
2003 - Sandra Day O'Connor
2002 - Colin Powell
2001 - Kofi Annan
2000 - James Watson & Francis Crick
1999 - Kim Dae-jung
1998 - George Mitchell
1997 - CNN International
1996 - King Hussein & Shimon Peres

1995 - Sadako Ogata
1994- Vaclav Havel
1993 - Nelson Mandela & F.W. de Klerk

1992 - Thurgood Marshall
1991 - Médecins Sans Frontières & Oscar Arias

1990 - Jimmy Carter
1989 - Lech Walesa

IN GREAT COMPANY, I WOULD SAY!......

The Liberty Medal is awarded annually by the National Constitution Center to men and women of courage and conviction who have strived to secure the blessings of liberty to people the world over. The Liberty Medal was established by We the People 2000 celebration of the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution to heighten recognition of the principles that founded this nation and to serve as a lasting legacy to the Constitution.

The Liberty Medal was administered by the National Constitution Center for the second time last year, when Bono, U2 lead singer and activist, and DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa), the advocacy organization he co-founded were honored for helping focus public attention on how to beat AIDS and extreme poverty in Africa. In 2006, the Medal was awarded to President George H.W. Bush and President William J. Clinton. A global initiative of the Constitution Center, the Liberty Medal reflects the values of the U.S. Constitution -- a belief in justice, fairness, self-governance, and a balance between individual rights and communal responsibility; in the power of people to effectuate change; and in resolving issues through deliberation, compromise, and respect for diverse viewpoints.

Past Liberty Medal winners include Vaclav Havel, Nelson Mandela, Shimon Peres, Kofi Annan, and Sandra Day O'Connor. The Medal has also been awarded to organizations, including Doctors Without Borders and CNN International. Six former recipients of the Medal have subsequently won the Nobel Peace Prize.

U2 are the biggest band in the world and I have personally met Bono and I love him to death. This doesn't mean that I am going to stand around and tell the world (and him) that I love everything that he and the rest of U2 are doing. And I think that the Bono I have met would respect that. At least I hope he would. If he doesn't, then I feel sorry for him. I remember Bono saying in an interview once that he fears being in a room filled with nothing but people on his payroll because he knows that he may not be getting their honest opinion on things. I respect him too much to not give him an honest opinion.

U2 will donate €5m to a national music tuition programme which will offer children and young people the opportunity to learn a musical instrument and/or avail of vocal tuition.

The Ireland Funds will begin a campaign to raise a further €2m for the scheme, which will be administered by Music Network and introduced nationwide on a phased basis from 2010 to 2015.

Commenting, U2's The Edge said: "Being around music at a young age was important for us and we were lucky to have it at school. We had been looking for some time for a way to get involved in an initiative in music education in Ireland.

Advertisement"After talking to various people in Ireland about what to do, we came to the conclusion that the Music Network scheme is really well thought out and that we, in partnership with the Ireland Funds, should just get behind it."

The Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe, said, "I'm delighted that U2 and the Ireland Funds have agreed to join us as partners in progressing the music agenda in Ireland. We recognised the gaps in music education in 2001 when a feasibility study was commissioned to examine how a national system of publicly supported local music schools might be provided.

"The pilot schemes which Government has funded since 2004 will now provide the model to roll the scheme out nationally. We are very grateful for the support of U2 and the Ireland Funds for the programme over the next six years. It has the potential to create a true legacy for music education in Ireland."

Jul 22nd, 2009 2:41 PM EST
By Emily.Stivers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vb8NSLwmHM8 ( MATT DAMON's VIDEO)

As part of his advocacy work on behalf of clean water and sanitation around the world, actor and advocate Matt Damon recently visited new water projects in India. While there, he took the opportunity to thank the more than 100,000 ONE members who signed our petition to senators asking them to cosponsor the Durbin-Corker Water for the World Act, and showed us an example of the kind of projects this bill will support. Senators Durbin (D-IL) and Corker (R-TN) have led the charge so these types of project can reach over 100 million people globally.

Check out the video:

Thanks in part to the efforts of ONE members and our partners, support for the Water for the World Act is growing in the Senate. Since we began our campaign in early June, 8 senators have signed on as cosponsors. And just since our last update, Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) has signed on, bringing the total count to 14 cosponsors:

Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL)
Sen. Bob Corker, Bob (R-TN)
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)
Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL)
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI)
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
Sen. Byron Dorgan D-ND)
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT)

Our legislative experts estimate we need 20 cosponsors to get the bill a hearing and move it through the Senate, so we're going to keep our campaign open in the hope of accumulating even more grassroots support -- hoping to meet our goal of 150,000 petition signers -- for the Water for the World Act. If you haven't already, you can sign the petition here. And be sure to share it with your friends, here:

On Thu, Jul 23, 2009 at 5:01 PM, :

ONE is turning to its community of artists, friends, members and staff for their top picks on creative works that have enhanced their knowledge and understanding of the richness of African culture and arts. Today we have a recommendation from Anna Getaneh (bio below):

ARISE, the world's first magazine on global African style, culture, business and politics, has partnered with Africa Fashion International (AFI) to present ARISE Africa Fashion Week. The fashion world has always looked to Africa for creative inspiration and ARISE fashion week provides a platform for African designers to take centre stage.

A few weeks ago, the First Arise Africa Fashion Week was held in Johannesburg. Coinciding with the FIFA Confederations Cup, this was the first time over 50 designers, from all over Africa came together and presented their latest collection in over 25 shows. It was a great launch, a great platform for young, emerging and established designers to showcase their work and network with leaders in the fashion industry.

Please check out http://www.africanfashionint.com/ to learn more.

-Anna Getaneh

Anna Getaneh is a former acclaimed international model, a humanitarian and cultural entrepreneur. She is the Creative Director and Founder of African Mosaique, a Johannesburg-based international enterprise that manufactures and promotes high-end African inspired clothing and accessories. It does this while celebrating African fashion, art and culture.

Anna's hallmark is her passion about children and development. Most notable she has spearheaded the establishment of The Ethiopian Children's Fund a US 501c3 not-for-profit development organization formed in the US, and a registered NGO in Ethiopia in 1997. To date, close to $2 million has been raised and invested in the ECF Village Project, an integrated development project for children and young people in Aleltu, 55km north of Addis Ababa. ECF Village comprises a school, a clinic, a feeding centre, a vocational centre and an environmental program. It provides various education, health and nutrition services for 400 poor, vulnerable children, mostly orphans.

www.ethiopianchildrensfund.org

Ronan McGreevy, Irish Times

U2's stage show for this weekend's series of concerts at Croke Park is the biggest in rock music history, the band's tour director has said.

The colossal edifice, which resembles a giant claw, is nearly 60 metres high and the same distance wide.

It is currently being put in place for the concerts which take place on Friday, Saturday and Monday nights.

Craig Evans said the band had spared no expense in putting the 360 tour together and the travelling party numbered around 500 people with 2,000 people in each city being involved in ancillary activities such as ticket sales and promotion.

By Ellen Lampert-Gréaux

"The 888 LED panels move apart from their neighbors in a very organic way as the screen expands and starts to grow, and audience tries to figure out what's happening," explains Matt Davis, a senior designer at Hoberman Associates and project director for their work on creating this groundbreaking, transformable LED screen, which was built by Barco and its subsidiary Innovative Designs. "The programming allows for the video images to be distorted as the screen elongates and stretches, or not, as you like. Once it stops being static, there are whole new options for the video content. The screen becomes a graphic geometric monster and the band is inside of it." To add to the effect, the LEDs on the edge of each screen can be used as rings of lights spinning around the images. "They are having fun with it, learning what works," Davis adds. "It's great to see what people are doing with our creation."

I'll Go Crazy If I Dont Go Crazy Tonight has premiered on Youtube. The music video is directed by David O'Reilly and is an animated ensemble piece. It's rumoured that Alex Courtes is directing another music video on this song which features live footage of U2 on their U2 360° Tour.

The full video can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmJgdXkAqMU

Belfast Telegraph,

Charity began at home today for Irish rock group U2 as it pledged five million euro (£4.3m) towards the next generation of musicians.

The band announced plans to co-fund a scheme that offers youngsters in Ireland the chance to learn an instrument or have vocal tuition.

The Ireland Funds - a fundraising organisation - will raise a further two million euro (£1.7m) for the initiative, to be run by Music Network.

U2 is bringing its 360 world tour to home soil this weekend with three nights in Dublin's Croke Park.

Guitarist The Edge said: "Being around music at a young age was important for us and we were lucky to have it at school.

By Ellen Lampert-Gréaux

Nobody has ever seen anything quite like it: one of the most exciting, innovative elements of the U2 360° tour design is the expanding video screen based on a Hoberman sphere* and his patented "Iris Structure" as seen in the Iris Dome at The Museum of Modern Art in New York. "Mark Fisher and Willie Williams came up with the idea for an elliptical video screen, and their vision was spot-on," says Matt Davis, a senior designer at Hoberman Associates and project director for their work on creating this groundbreaking, transformable LED screen, which was then built by Barco and its subsidiary Innovative Designs.

EDUN FACTS

1. EDUN launched in Spring 2005.

2. EDUN was founded by Ali Hewson and Bono.

3. EDUN is a for-profit business - founded on the premise of trade as a means of building sustainable communities in developing countries to help foster economic growth rather than provide charity.

4. EDUN utilizes locally run factories in Africa, South America and India. EDUN does not build and does not own these factories.

5. EDUN conducts audits by non-profit monitoring and training organization Verité. In addition, EDUN internal staff (production team and senior management) visit each factory at least twice a year and personally work with them to try to improve compliance infractions through coaching and feedback.

By Eamon Sweeney, Irish Independent

There's been a rake of monster gigs this summer with Bruce Springsteen, the Eagles and AC/DC having already performed, not to mention Oxegen and the Live at the Marquee shows in Cork. But they're all small fry compared to next week's juggernaut steamrolling into Croke Park.

On June 30, U2 kicked off their latest tour in Barcelona. Onstage in Paris last week, Bono said, "Thank you for coming out and thank you for giving us a great life. Thank you for giving us the chance to build this madness, this space station."

This space station is the so-called "claw" that's the centrepiece of the 360° tour. The fact that Croker will see only 270° of the claw has been the subject of some consternation. Rather than getting the full show that's already got rave reviews from Camp Nou and the San Siro, Irish fans feel they're not getting the full 360° deal.

In the ripping new documentary 'It Might Get Loud,' Jack White, the Edge, and Jimmy Page hold forth on the electric guitar--what it's like to rock, and how it saved their lives. Will Welch talks to two of the three about struggles, inspiration, and the rebellion that made them want to shred. Warning: You'll feel silly for playing Guitar Hero

By Will Welch, GQ Magazine

UNLESS YOU'RE a long-haired hesher who spends Saturday afternoons riffing at the local Guitar Center, "electric-guitar documentary" might sound like a wildly dubious premise for a feature-length film. Not so, though, when the film's subjects are Jack White, the Edge, and Jimmy Page, and the man behind the camera is An Inconvenient Truth director Davis Guggenheim. It Might Get Loud surges with the electricity of a cranked-up amp as it rambles from the mansion where Led Zeppelin created "Stairway to Heaven," to Jack White's Tennessee farm, to the school where U2 was born, collecting intimate, inspiring stories from three of rock's most accomplished and enigmatic shredders. To find out more, we plugged in with Jack and the Edge and hit "record."

By DANIEL KREPS, Rolling Stone

U2 have joined the masses on Twitter, establishing @U2_360Tour (http://twitter.com/u2_360tour) to give fans a look at life on the road and backstage on their 360 Tour, which is currently in Europe. So far, the Twitter feed has only hosted photos from the band but no text, so Bono hasn't had to confine his thoughts to 140 characters just yet. Judging by the Twitter timeline, the photos were taken as the band traveled from Paris, having played two nights at the Stade De France, to Nice, where U2 were set to play Parc des Sports Charles Ehrmann last night, July 15th. A press release indicates that the bandmembers are snapping the photos themselves.

Belfast Telegraph

Croke Park is only asking U2 to foot a fraction of the cost of replacing its hallowed turf after their concert there because algae are killing the grass anyway.

The pitch has been dug up in advance of the band's three Croker gigs as part of the band's 360 degree Tour later this month.

But bosses at the stadium said it would be unfair to hand the whole bill for replacing the pitch to Bono and the boys because it needs replacing anyway.

While U2 are only being asked to pay 30pc of the €1.2m cost of the project, stadium director Peter McKenna said this was the fairest way to split the bill.

He said: "The way we look at it is, we would have to replace our pitch in 2010, because of an algal layer that is about 5cm under the surface.

by Chris Matyszczyk, CNet

While preparing myself for a feature-length period being upended by Bruno, the Austrian arbiter of taste, I was struck by a sight almost as strange as Bruno in khakis.

The screen was adorned with an ad for U2. Well, it appeared to have been paid for by BlackBerry, but I wonder just how much it might do for perhaps Canada's finest brand.

As some erudite commentators have pointed out, the ad bears a remarkable resemblance to an Apple ad featuring Coldplay. And even to an Apple ad featuring, um, U2.

Which might make one wonder just what machinations might have occurred in order for such a faintly familiar work to see digital light.

What is really quite beautiful about the BlackBerry brand is that it was created without the obvious help of advertising.

By Bono, New York Times Contributing Columnist

DATELINE: Imminent. About now, actually.

Soon, Air Force One will touch down in Accra, Ghana; Africans will be welcoming the first African-American president. Press coverage on the continent is placing equal weight on both sides of the hyphen.

And we thought it was big when President Kennedy visited Ireland in 1963. (It was big, though I was small. Where I come from, J.F.K. is remembered as a local boy made very, very good.)

But President Obama's African-ness is only part (a thrilling part) of the story today. Cable news may think it's all about him -- but my guess is that he doesn't. If he was in it for a sentimental journey he'd have gone to Kenya, chased down some of those dreams from his father.

Filmmaker Martyn Pick directed this alternate version of U2's Get On Your Boots. The verdict from U2 Station? Even better than the real thing.

Band's 100-date world tour will be responsible for emitting up to 65,000 tonnes of CO2

Alistair Grant, thelondonpaper

U2 and Bono have been criticised for the carbon footprint created by their mammoth world tour.

The 100-date, 18-month odyssey, which kicked off last week, will see the multi-millionaires emit up to 65,000 tonnes of CO2, which would be equivalent to Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr flying from Earth to the planet Mars - and back.

The £90m U2360 tour also features three 390-tonne stages criss-crossing the globe, along with 200 crew and backstage staff.

By Neil McCormick, The Telegraph

Early on in discussions for the launch of the latest U2 tour, Bono floated the possibility that they would become the first band to play a gig on the moon. Larry shot that idea down however. He pointed out that there would be no atmosphere...

Ah, the old ones are ... well, not the best ... but the old ones, anyway.

Ever since U2 blew the possibilities for live event staging wide open with their multi-media Zoo TV tour, they have been caught in a peculiar trap: how to satisfy audience expectations for hi-tech, cutting edge spectacle while rooting the experience in the very human, emotional contact with fans that is at the heart of their appeal. In other words, how to make it bigger and more intimate at the same time.

First off, hey Great Administrator God, since you have turned off censoring, can I cuss in my blog. I ask this because, after seeing the Ultraviolet video we have streaming, I can only say, "What the fuck?".

I kind of like the lazer jacket because I think it may be a cool effect to those sitting in seats higher up in the stadium. i even like the rope, which I affectionately call the "monkey rope". I think this suits Bono and will be great once he figures out what he should do with it. What I don't like about it is that it looks like a big steering wheel with the microphone in the middle. As a monkey rope, it works well. As a microphone hanging down from the top of the stage, what the fuck? Or, maybe my complaint is that it covers his face during most of the song. Please tell me, is this the only song that uses this micriophone contraption?

After watching the concert footage, I realized something that I haven't thought of, no mater how close I get to the stage, at some point I will be looking at butt. (Because the stage rotates). Now, I love U2, but I can see old butt sitting in my living room.

The stage concept is Magnificent. But it screams for some hard core Pop or Achtung Baby.

As for the mask, I have a better idea. Hey U2 Gods, if you are lsitening, instead of having us download and print out a ridiculous mask, how about just having each one of us donate a dollar to Amnesty International? I figure it will probably cost me about that much in paper and ink (and time) to print out that mask. Imagine how much money that would be if each concert goer donated a dollar?

Now that I have complained, let me just remind everyone that we are U2 fans and we finally get to see a concert. Perhaps we should not look a gift horse in the mouth!

Achtung, Baby!!!!

At last night's Camp Nou show, Bono wore a special leather jacket with 240 built-in lasers, designed by Moritz Waldemeyer. The lasers were designed along the silhouette of his jacket and they can be seen in the video below as U2 performed "Ultraviolet (Light My Way)". One thing that is uncertain however is, did U2 fans receive any eye damage from Bono's jacket?

Brian Boyd, Irish Times

"Ground control to Major Tom," sang David Bowie as the four members of U2 walked onto the stage of Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium last night to begin their "360 Degree" world tour. It was a fitting choice of introduction: on this tour U2 are unveiling a revolutionary new stage design -- "the Claw" -- which looks like a spaceship held up by four spindly legs.

This configuration means there is no stage as such, allowing the band to play in the round. The impression you get is that the band are sitting in the palm of the audience's hand.

Waiting for night to fall in Barcelona so they could show off their impressive light show, the band didn't take to the stage until 10 p.m. local time but they were ecstatically received by a 80,000 crowd. Kicking off with a muscular "Breathe" from the new album, they then turned it up to 11 for "No Line on the Horizon," "Get On Your Boots" and "Magnificent."

Pierre Perrone, Independent (London)

Nothing, not the sneak preview footage on the band's website, nor the pictures on the front pages of the Spanish dailies Qué! or La Vanguardia can prepare you for the monstrous sight that welcomed 90,000 rabid U2 fans inside the home of Barcelona FC.

The aliens have truly landed on the hallowed turf of the European and La Liga champions and winners of La Copa Del Rey. As envisioned and co-designed by Mark Fisher and Willie Williams, the stage for U2's 360° tour looks like a spaceship or a supersized version of HG Wells' War of the Worlds tripod Martian fighting machines with a dash of Catalan visionary architect Antoni Gaudi thrown in for good measure.

It certainly affords every single one of the capacity crowd inside Europe's biggest stadium a clear view of the biggest band in the world returning to the live arena after four years, the longest hiatus in a career that has already lasted three decades and seen them sell 150 million albums.

Melanie Finn, Evening Herald

Soccer star Damien Duff partied the night away with a gang of pals from Dublin as U2 rocked Barcelona on their opening night.

Clad in a distinctive Cavalli shirt and a pair of gleaming white jeans, the Newcastle player was in flying form at the official aftershow party in the exclusive Arts Hotel.

Sporting a dark tan from a recent holiday, Damien was thrilled to see the Irish stars kickstart their world tour.

Gorgeous Phantom FM presenter Michelle Doherty wasn't stuck for admirers as she caught up on all the gossip with old pals.

Ben Harding, Reuters

BARCELONA, June 30 (Reuters) - U2 kicked off their first tour in three years on Tuesday, rocking a raucous Barcelona crowd of around 90,000 and reaching for the stars with a live link-up to the International Space Station.

Featuring one of the biggest concert stages ever built, the U2 360 Tour will visit 31 cities across Europe and North America and entertain an estimated three million people. More dates are expected to be announced in 2010.

Fans surrounded the circular platform inside Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium, allowing for a bigger audience and lower average ticket prices during the global recession.

"All around Spain, all around the world, things are difficult. Thank you for coming back to us again and again," Bono said during the high octane show.