NEWS
Elton John and Brandi Carlile have launched a campaign to try to offset the Trump administration’s cuts to HIV/AIDS funding.
The duo, who released their collaborative album ‘Who Believes In Angels’ earlier this month, are now working together on a joint venture between the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Carlile’s Looking Out Foundation.
Explaining the need for action, John has said in a statement: “Without prompt action, decades of progress in the global fight against HIV could be reversed, creating a global health crisis that we have both the power and the tools to prevent.”
“Our mission is more important than ever – we refuse to leave anyone behind – and I’m so fortunate that Brandi is not only a wonderful collaborator and artist, but a dear friend who shares my vision of a world where HIV care is prioritised and protected.”
Looking Out Foundation have committed to matching every donation up to $100,000, claiming it will “double the impact to protect HIV prevention and care services across the US and around the world”. You can donate here.
Carlile has said: “It was a lifelong dream come true for me to come together with my hero and friend Elton John to make our album ‘Who Believes in Angels?’, and now, we’re excited to announce that our foundations are also partnering to make our music mean even more.”
“Elton’s activism and work with the Elton John AIDS Foundation was what led me to Elton before I even heard a note of his music. It’s an incredible honor to launch this partnership and raise funds for the life-saving work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Rocket Response Fund at a time when support is needed the most.”
After his inauguration in January, Trump passed an executive order slashing the funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has resulted in major setbacks for many HIV/AIDS programs that rely on USAID funding.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation worked closely with USAID to co-fund HIV prevention and treatment programs around the world. In response to the cuts, the Foundation launched the Rocket Fund and Rocket Response Fund in an attempt to fill the gaps left by Trump’s actions.
John launched the foundation in 1992 and it is reported to have raised over $500million over the last three decades.
Elsewhere, John and Carlile brought their new songs to SNL earlier this month, playing ‘Little Richard’s Bible’ and ‘Who Believes In Angels’ as the musical guests on April 4.
The pair’s new album follows on from John’s 2021 collaborative LP ‘The Lockdown Sessions’, which featured Carlile along with the likes of Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, Stevie Nicks and Lil Nas X.
John has since opened up about his deteriorating eyesight, admitting that it has been a “very stressful time” adjusting to his new reality.
Meanwhile, the ‘Rocket Man’ star has co-signed Ed Sheeran’s open letter to the UK government calling for immediate and long-term funding for music education.
NEWS
In a major setback for the UK summer festival season, global drinks brand Pepsi has confirmed it is ending its relationship with Wireless Festival. The move comes after strong political criticism and public reaction to the festival’s decision to book American rapper Kanye West, who is now legally known as Ye, as a headliner.
The situation intensified this week after Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke out against the booking, according to reporting from The Guardian. Starmer described the decision as "deeply concerning," pointing to the artist’s past antisemitic comments and his open praise of Nazi related figures as being at odds with the values of the United Kingdom. His remarks reflect a wider position within the government that antisemitism must always be challenged firmly to protect the Jewish community and maintain public safety.
Recent releases from the rapper have added further controversy. In the previous year, he drew global criticism after putting out a song called Heil Hitler and attempting to sell products displaying swastika imagery. Although West later apologized in the Wall Street Journal and said his actions were connected to a manic episode, many critics believe his influence still presents serious concerns.
The event, which is planned for July at Finsbury Park in London, is now dealing with growing uncertainty. Aside from losing a key sponsor, there are also questions about whether West will even be able to enter the country. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has the power to refuse entry if someone is considered not beneficial to the public good. These rules allow the Home Office to refuse visas to individuals whose behavior or connections could increase social tensions or encourage hate.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has already urged officials to impose a ban on his entry, while organizations such as the Board of Deputies of British Jews have described the booking as "deeply irresponsible." With a major sponsor stepping away and increasing calls for government action, organizers of Wireless Festival now face significant challenges in keeping the event moving forward.
