The Alarms “Rocks” tours in US and UK, leading up to “Everest Rocks”! Dallas, TX – On October 9, 2007, 35 musicians, mountaineers, artists, cancer survivors and supporters will embark on a fourteen day trek to the base camp of Mount Everest. This journey will be followed by an acoustic set at base camp and a rock concert in Kathmandu. “Everest Rocks” is the climax of a campaign to bring more awareness to and raise money for the Love Hope Strength Foundation (LHSF) founded by two-time cancer survivor and rock icon, Mike Peters of the UK band “The Alarm” and fellow cancer survivor James Chippendale, president of CSI Entertainment one of the country’s largest entertainment and sports insurance brokers. Peters, Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom, UK folk artist Nick Harper, Glenn Tillbrook of the Squeeze and acclaimed MTV producer Alex Coletti are just a few of the music luminaries making the trip to Everest. “James and I feel passionately about getting as many of our friends in our industry involved in our efforts,” said Peters. Our close connection with musicians worldwide allows us to create innovative, music related, outreach and awareness programs to people around the world who might not have the same resources we did during our battle with cancer. We look forward to spreading love, hope and strength through this foundation.” “Empire Rocks” was the first of the groundbreaking gigs in the “Rocks” line-up. In April, Peters with Billy Duffy (The Cult), Slim Jim Phantom (Stray Cats) and Dave Wakeling (English Beat) performed “Strength” on the observation deck of the Empire State building after walking 1,576 steps up to the top. The rousing new single is available for download on iTunes, proceeds go to LHSF. It was the first live concert held atop New York City’s tallest building, and a successful prelude to the ultimate high: Everest Rocks. The event was overseen by famed music producer Tony Visconti (David Bowie, Morrissey, Thin Lizzy.) A video of the performance was captured by Alex Coletti the Emmy award winning MTV producer and creator of MTV Unplugged series and can be viewed on YouTube:
“Snowdon Rocks”, held in the band’s home turf of Wales on June 22nd and 23rd, was another huge success. Peters symbolic hike 3,560 feet above sea level and high altitude performance at the summit of Mount Snowdon raised $80,000 for LHSF charities and the Wales hospital where Peters was treated for Leukemia. Seeing this mountain everyday from his hospital bed, Peters vowed to climb this and other mountains when he recovered. The Mt. Snowdon trek and Snowdon Rocks concert can be viewed on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watchv=PJ0oWCpMues&mode=related&search = The Alarm can be seen as part of the Rockin the Colonies tour that kicked off July 1, 2007 at in Detroit and takes them around the country throughout the month. Mike Peters was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 1995, cancer returned in 2006 when he was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocyte Leukemia. He continued to tour with his band while undergoing treatment. In 2000, James Chippendale was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukemia and was given 50-percent chance of survival. Peters and Chippendale founded LHSF in January 2007. Its mission is to provide cancer patients and their families the same opportunities that Peters and Chippendale received including access to information, quality cancer treatment, medications and support. LHSF is currently working with The Nepal Cancer Relief Society on a project that will help fund and provide equipment for a local cancer clinic. I am keeping busy this summer touring with the band and promoting the Foundation but I must stay focused on gearing up for Everest. Its not easy getting to base camp, says Peters. But, when I was going through chemo, I promised myself when I got healthy I would climb a mountain every year to celebrate life. This year I will make the trek to Everest with my friends, family and fellow survivors. Next to beating cancer this will be one of the most challenging physical accomplishments in my life. The entire Everest Rocks journey will be captured for a documentary that is being directed by MTVs Coletti and produced by Brian Isley. The taping will include the training, kickoff events, trek, base camp acoustic set and rock show in Kathmandu. For more information check out http://www.LOVEHOPESTRENGTH.com More about the Love Hope Strength Foundation: Love Hope Strength Foundation (LHSF) is an international not-for-profit organization with chapters in The United States, United Kingdom and Australia, founded by leukemia survivors Mike Peters, of the Welsh Rock Band the Alarm and James Chippendale, President of CSI entertainment. The goal of LHSF is to give people with cancer the same opportunities Peters and Chippendale received including access to information, quality cancer treatment, medications and support. Cancer Center Support Network: LHSF will provide critical funding for cancer centers worldwide to provide better access to quality treatment and give the best chance at survival. The Nepal Cancer Relief Society is the first LHSF project and a test market for future projects. Through The Nepal Cancer Relief Society, LHSF will sponsor the clinic at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital and provide funding and needed equipment. The goal of LHSF as future sponsors is to help clinics all over the world provide treatment and save thousands of lives. Online Patient Support Network: LHSFs online support network will provide a filtered and vetted listing of information and resource. This website will serve as a tool for those dealing with cancer and will include links to the leading doctors, treatments (pharmaceutical, integrative and complementary) hospitals, treatment centers, diet, exercise, meditation/prayer, clinical trials, books, support groups and Alan Hobsons Ten Tools for Triumph.
