:: Chivas Live - fundraiser for Chinese earthquake appeal

By: Carmine Pascuzzi

Dedicating the event to the victims of the May 12 earthquake, the Black Eyed Peas, Karen Mok, Pernod Ricard China and Chivas Brothers Limited donated 6 million RMB to the China Red Cross relief effort. Also, throughout the evening, guests were able to bid on five fantastic prizes, including a variety of personal items donated by the Black Eyed Peas, a guitar, a limited edition print and a framed Black Eyed Peas album, all signed by members willi.i.am., Fergie, Taboo and Apl.De.Ap. Karen Mok also donated one of her beautiful dresses to the auction. Overall, nearly 72,000 RMB was raised by the auction. These sums are in addition to the 2 million RMB donated by Pernod Ricard China on May 15.

Black Eyed Peas, who have dominated charts worldwide both as a group and as solo artists, played to an intimate audience of only a few hundred in the remarkable setting of the Shanghai Concert Hall - hosting a contemporary music event for the first time in its 78 year history. To achieve this, the interior was reconfigured for what was the Black Eyed Peas most exclusive performance in Asia to date, in front of the lucky few hundred holders of one of the money-can't-buy invitations. Appearing with Black Eyed Peas was Asian superstar Karen Mok, renowned singer and actress. Both artists took the opportunity to dedicate songs to the victims and survivors of theearthquake.

Black Eyed Peas' Will.I.Am spoke of the band's desire to use Chivas Live to raise money for the relief effort, “We fell in love with China and the Chinese people when we visited here before and so wanted to use tonight to do all we could to help the relief effort in the aftermath of the earthquake.” Also speaking from the stage during their song Where Is The Love?, he added “we send out love out to those people who lost people in the earthquake. Thank you so much China, thank you so much Shanghai.”

Karen Mok also commented, “Chivas Live was a good opportunity to raise as much money as we could for the China Red Cross relief fund, and everyone here has done their part to help as many people as possible after such a tragic event.”

Sophie Gallois, Chivas Regal global brand director commented, “Tonight was a unique event, with inspiring performances by the Black Eyed Peas and Karen Mok. The songs dedicated to the earthquake victims were deeply moving. Chivas Regal is continuing to contribute to the enormous relief effort that is happening here in China, and through Chivas Live tonight Pernod Ricard has been able to take the donations to over 8 million RMB. Over and beyond the donations, all at Chivas Brothers and Pernod Ricard China feel a sense of deep sadness for the tragedy that has hit the Chinese people, as well as admiration for the solidarity with which they are facing this.”

Tonight's unique performance is set to be broadcast across Asia and throughout China, enabling an audience of millions to share in the experience. The Shanghai Media Group will be broadcasting their show in mid-July on the News & Entertainment Channel, with MTV also broadcasting the show throughout Asia, also in July. Exclusive clips are also being posted here with footage including behind-the-scenes clips showcasing the experience of Chivas Live.

Here are pictures from the concert featuring the Black Eyed Peas. Karen Mok is shown in the bottom picture.