News of Charity Gala Tribute on 2000-06-30
NME, 2000-05-03

 

SWOON IN JUNE!

Elvis Costello - One of the stars honouring Bacharach & David

Legendary songwriting partners BURT BACHARACH and HAL DAVID are to appear on the same stage for possibly the last time ever in a Charity Gala Tribute to the pair at the LONDON ROYAL ALBERT HALL on June 30.

The concert will feature musicians inspired by Bacharach and David covering their songs. Confirmed to appear at the event so far are Elvis Costello, Dionne Warwick, Lisa Stansfield, Jane Horrocks, Bob Geldof, Marti Pellow, Yazz and Sacha Distel.

In addition, Bacharach will play a selection of songs spanning his 30-year career, accompanied on stage by Hal David, who wrote the lyrics on of the pair's most famous tracks including 'Walk On By', ‘I Say A Little Prayer' and 'Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head'.

A spokesperson for the event told nme.com that the evening would be "presenter-led", and would provide a historical retrospective of the pair's influence on music. She added: "There are going to be bigger and more mainstream acts confirmed as the night takes shape, with special guest presenters and celebrity programme sellers."

The event has been organised to raise money for the charity Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, who fund music therapy for children. Most of the artists are working for free.

Burt Bacharach is one of the most important musicians of the last thirty years, with artists including Noel Gallagher and Robbie Williams citing him as a major influence on their work. Gallagher was so inspired by Bacharach that he performed a version of his 'This Guy's In Love With You' at a Bacharach tribute concert at the New York Hammerstein Ballroom in April 1998. However, as Oasis are playing Belgium’s Werchter Festival, he’s unlikely to make this event.

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