Eurythmics staged a mini-concert on the River Thames, Monday 5 July 1999, to launch their first major tour in 10 years. Proceeds from the set of worldwide tour dates will benefit the charities Greenpeace and Amnesty International.
| On TV - Entertainment Tonight, 5 July 1999
Annie says: "Both of us are quite conscious people when it comes down to environment and human rights--we always have been...I had a thought, that I really wanted to do something like that, but then there was a defining moment because Dave actually bumped into 2 guys, who were working for Greenpeace, in the street and sort of hauled them over and just talked to them about it. Then we just called Amnesty and then we had a meeting and it all sort of evolved from that, really."
Dave says, "We can help Amnesty and Greenpeace get another million members just by them being involved in something that we're doing, and that we can put a spotlight on it." Annie follows with, "See, what really thrills me about it is the fact that we are so privileged, and we so often feel that we have no power, but actually, if we join organizations like this, we can affect people from all around the globe, and I feel that is so incredibly potent." |
The tour was launched when Eurythmics performed a short gig on board Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior II moored on the River Thames in London. "We are so proud to be here. This is a very noble boat," Lennox told the crowd that gathered to watch the show. Eurythmics came together on the boat to perform five numbers: 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)', 'There Must Be An Angel', 'You Have Placed A Chill In My Heart' and new songs 'Peace Is Just A Word' and 'Beautiful Child'.
Speaking about their reunion Stewart said: "It's been so long that we actually forgot how good it was to write songs together and play together."
He added: "We had a great time making the album and playing the songs. It's a great feeling. We've written songs that are really going to be fun to play together live."
The "green" theme was inspired by the band's desire to do something positive for the environment and human rights at the start of the new millennium. "We're giving all the tour profits and all the merchandising and everything connected with the tour to the two organisations," explained Stewart.
He added that he and Lennox aim to encourage concert-goers and album-buyers to make a personal pledge of at least £10 to Greenpeace and Amnesty International over the Web.
Sources:
Music365, Dotmusic, BBC Online, Robert's Eurythmics page peacetour.net