February 2007

BECKETT DUPED BY 'CHANCELLOR' RORY BREMNER

Beckett duped by 'Chancellor' Rory Bremner

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Sunday Times Feb 25th 2007

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SIR RICHARD BRANSON AND AL GORE ANNOUNCE THE VIRGIN EARTH CHALLENGE A $25 MILLION GLOBAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PRIZE

Sir Richard Branson and Al Gore announced the setting up of a new Global science and technology prize – The Virgin Earth Challenge – in the belief that history has shown that prizes of this nature encourage technological advancements for the good of mankind.

The Virgin Earth Challenge will award $25 million to the individual or group who are able to demonstrate a commercially viable design which will result in the net removal of anthropogenic, atmospheric greenhouse gases each year for at least ten years without countervailing harmful effects. This removal must have long term effects and contribute materially to the stability of the Earth’s climate.

Sir Richard also announced that he would be joined in the adjudication of the Prize by a panel of five judges - all world authorities in their respective fields: Al Gore, Sir Crispin Tickell, Tim Flannery, Jim Hansen and James Lovelock. The panel of judges will be assisted in their deliberations by The Climate Group and Special Advisor to The Virgin Earth Prize Judges, Steve Howard.

WORLD’S MOST VALUABLE ELECTRIC GUITARS ARRIVE AT HARRODS

Harrods uses armoured security to receive legendary guitars worth tens of millions of pounds

Harrods is on high security alert today as it welcomed probably the world’s most precious musical instruments to launch Harrods Rocks and the Born To Rock electric guitar exhibition – including:

· The first ever electric guitar, the priceless “Frying Pan”

· Rory Gallagher’s signature 1961 Fender Stratocaster – much battered

· Keith Richard’s customised guitar - used on the Voodoo Lounge Tour with the Rolling Stones

· Jimi Hendrix guitar – Japanese model c.1960s Signed by Jimi Hendrix and the Experience at the Marquee Club

· Electric guitar customised by Hedi Slimane – ‘London: Birth of a Cult’ customised guitar covered in Swarovski crystals

· Electric guitar customised by Johnny Rocket – ‘Dirty Little Thing’ customised guitar – named after Velvet Revolver song

Delivered by a bullet-proof, fully armoured security van, the guitars were handled only by specialist guards wearing white gloves.

“Not since the Blue Empress Diamond, worth £8 million, was displayed at Harrods, did the store put in place such stringent security measures,” said Peter Willasey, Corporate Communications Director for Harrods.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES
· Sir Peter Blake, creator of ‘Songs I Love’ guitar in Rock Couture section of Born To Rock

· Joan Armatrading, is donating her Fender Stratocaster - 1957 to the exhibition (the same guitar which was used on tour in 1995 and again in 2005 - distinguishing feature is its bright red finger board)

· Daniel Gallagher, nephew of Rory Gallagher

· Mark Briggs, Visual and Creative Director, Harrods

· Peter Willasey, Corporate Communications Director, Harrods

For more info:

jackie@borkowski.co.uk
(07920 092 028)

lucie@borkowski.co.uk
(07768 367 167)
OR
Borkowski on 0207 404 3000

Notes to editors:

Considered the Mona Lisa of the musical instrument world and truly priceless, the “Frying Pan” has never before been outside of the United States. As part of the Harrods Rocks promotion from 1st February to 3rd March, the “Frying Pan” will feature in the Born To Rock exhibition exclusively at Harrods in the UK. It will be showcased under heavy 24-hour guard at Harrods, along with over 150 other priceless legendary and historic guitars, including those played Jimi Hendrix, Brian Jones, Keith Richards, Noel Gallagher, the Edge (U2), Marc Bolan, Neil Young and blues legend Rory Gallagher’s signature battered 1961 Fender Stratocaster.

Along with these historically significant guitars the exhibition will include Rock Couture – 50 beautiful and unique guitars which have been personally customised by many of the biggest names in fashion, music and design, including Bono, Nick Rhodes, Patrick Cox, Sir Peter Blake, Lord Richard Rogers, David La Chappelle, Jennifer Lopez, Graham Coxon, Philip Treacy, Theo Fennell and many more.