Sir Paul backs instrument 'amnesty'
Published 01/10/2014
Sir Paul McCartney, Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood and singer Jessie J have given their backing to a national musical instrument "amnesty" which has already collected 3,000 items.
Chart star Labrinth has handed over a guitar, while Laura Marling has given a dulcimer as people around the UK pitch in help provide instruments for primary school children in need.
The amnesty was launched by pianist James Rhodes to coincide with his Channel 4 series Don't Stop the Music Campaign, with people encouraged to drop unwanted instruments into branches of Oxfam.
One branch of the charity's chain of 700 shops has collected 41 instruments and the highest individual donation has been 15.
Most popular so far have been unwanted violins, followed by guitars, while more unusual items have included a bowed psaltery (a type of zither) and a sitar.
Other stars who have pledged their backing include Damon Albarn, Kaiser Chief's Ricky Wilson, Tinie Tempah and U2's The Edge.
Sir Paul told how it was a teenage gift which put him on the road to fame and fortune, saying: "If it hadn't been for my dad giving me a trumpet on my 14th birthday, which I traded for a Framus Zenith guitar, I'd have never joined The Beatles."
Encouraging others to make donations, he said: " You might inspire a future rock star."
James is delighted by the success so far and said: "It's completely overwhelming that so many outstanding musicians are backing the amnesty.
"We must give every child the opportunity to learn a musical instrument.
"Thousands of kids have a hunger and thirst to learn music that is simply not being met.
"It just doesn't add up, does it?
"They're not just m issing out one of life's great pleasures, but on an activity proven to boost self-confidence, discipline, teamwork, concentration, and performance in other subjects."
Further details of the amnesty - which runs until October 17 - are at www.dontstopthemusic.co.uk.
Press Association
Sir Paul McCartney is backing a musical instrument amnesty
www.dontstopthemusic.co.uk
Paul McCartney, Sting, Tom Jones and Ronnie Wood back our amnesty!
02 October 2014
Oxfam Supporter Sir Paul McCartney, Sting, Sir Tom Jones and Ronnie Wood are the latest stars to add their support to the Don’t Stop The Music Instrument Amnesty.
They join Jessie J, Labrinth, KT Tunstall and many more of the brightest and biggest names in the charts – each one passionate about giving young people the same musical opportunities they had. “If it hadn’t been for my dad giving me a trumpet on my 14th birthday, which I traded for a Framus Zenith guitar, I’d have never joined The Beatles,” said Paul McCartney. “So drop your instrument at Oxfam and donate your instrument to James’ Don’t Stop The Music Instrument Amnesty. You might inspire a future rockstar!”
Tom Jones emphasised the life-changing impact of music, saying: “Musical instruments, no matter how simple and humble or complex and intricate, have a profound power to unlock untold expression in all kinds of people, no matter who they are or where they come from.”
One of those people is Sting, who declared: “Picking up a guitar saved my life and to this day gives me joy every time I pick it up. The opportunity to learn and play music is something every child should experience as a right.”
Classical pianist and the man driving the instrument amnesty, James Rhodes, said:
“It’s completely overwhelming that so many outstanding musicians are backing the amnesty.
"We must give every child the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. Thousands of kids have a hunger and thirst to learn music that is simply not being met. It just doesn’t add up, does it? They’re not just missing out one of life’s great pleasures, but on an activity proven to boost self-confidence, discipline, teamwork, concentration, and performance in other subjects.
“Not every child will go on to have a career in the music business. But by not supporting them in these vital early years, we could be missing out on the next Adele or Simon Rattle. The UK music industry is worth an incredible £3.8bn to our economy.”
Other star supporters of the amnesty include Damon Albarn, Kaiser Chief’s Ricky Wilson, Tinie Tempah, James Blunt, Editors, The Edge, Laura Mvula, Labrinth, Neneh Cherry, Laura Marling, Ella Henderson, Kelis, John Newman, Una Healy from The Saturdays, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Basement Jaxx, Maverick Sabre, Anna Calvi, Newton Faulkner, KT Tunstall, DJ Fresh, Wretch 32, The Vamps, Crystal Fighters, Elyar Fox, Billy Ocean, Neon Jungle, Imogen Heap, Bombay Bicycle Club, Wild Beasts, James Vincent McMorrow and Luke Pritchard from the Kooks.
Donate an instrument
Watch stars’ appeals on YouTube
Instrument Amnesty
Courtesy of MPL Communications
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