ELEVEN WAYS OF HELPING OTHERS

I found this list on a blog on Tumblr.com posted by Dancing Dakini

The list of eleven ways of helping others deeply impressed me and I thank Dancing Dakini for their wisdom and kindness in posting this list for all of us.

I have written my own thoughts under each line item and hope these are helpful - I should point out that my comments are very much my own and not those of Dancing Dakini, but I hope that our dancing friend will approve :)

1) Alleviating the suffering of others and offering assistance in their work

When we meet people we never really know how they are feeling - are they suffering in any way - are they in pain either physically or mentally - maybe they are feeling fine and happy, which is great - but the bottom line is that everyone we meet at some time in their lives will suffer - be it depression, loss of family and friends, illness, loss of a job or position, an unhappy marriage or relationship - there are thousands of ways that we can suffer, therefore when we meet anyone it is so important to think kind and loving thoughts about them - why? Because they are just the same as you and me - I know its not always easy to think like this  - you get a parking ticket and you want to shout at the traffic cop - someone at work takes credit for something you have done and you want to scream - a manager gets angry at you for something you haven't even done - believe me we've all been there! 

Its not easy to be kind and compassionate to everyone you meet, but we can try and it becomes easier every time you think to yourself this guy or gal may be in pain or is suffering - try to be maybe a bit more understanding and show a compassionate front whenever possible - your own happiness will grow and grow - there is nothing more important than helping others to find happiness in their lives - and it brings happiness to you too..

2) Teaching worldly or spiritual skills to others

This is never easy unless you follow a deeply spiritual path yourself - this point is NOT about saying I am a Jehovah Witness or a Shia Muslim or a Pentecostal member, Mormon, Catholic, Protestant, Shia or any organised religion saying you must join us! - What this means is entirely about your deep inner values and the things that are more important than anything else in this world - LOVE, CARING, COMPASSION, HEALING.

Its not about indoctrination into some sect or even mainstream religion - its about how you live your life and about how you relate to everyone you meet - Its also about how you look after animals and caring about this incredibly amazing planet we live on - if we do not develop our compassion towards all living beings from the smallest ant to the largest elephant - to the poorest humans to the richest and most powerful - caring for black, white, red, coffee or yellow coloured people - who cares what people look like from the outside - this is not a fashion parade. party prom or media frenzy - its what is inside you and everyone that matters. 

We all have blood, we all get hurt both physically and mentally from time to time - we all suffer - no-one is better than any other - when I hear fundamentalist Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindu's or whomever shouting from the roof tops that they are RIGHT and THE ONLY PATH - this is utter nonsense - THINK ABOUT IT - the ONLY PATH is LOVE, CARING and COMPASSION - that is the heart and mind of any religion and of any human being - you can have faith and belief - that is your choice, but faith and belief WITHOUT a peaceful, loving, caring, compassionate path is no path at all.

Teaching people this, from a young age to old is a gift and a blessing to all sentient beings.

3) Returning the kindness we have received

This is so important - think of the love our mother gave us when we were a baby - I know there are terribly sad exceptions when babies are abandoned or treated cruelly, but most times a mother loves us completely and unconditionally - it is the most powerful love of all - and yet when that mother becomes an old lady and needs our help to look after her how many times do we read of abandonment in old folks homes - terrible loneliness, deprivation and cruelty - of course there are many loving families who look after their elder grandparents or great grandparents but it is so important to return the kindness we have received.

On a day to day basis even a returned smile matters - helping someone who has helped you - all these things matter enormously - they foster love and kindness in peoples lives and you can't do better than that. Bringing happiness is the greatest gift you can bestow on anyone - please remember this.

4) Removing dangers that threaten others and eliminating the causes of fear

This is not always easy but you would be amazed at the things people fear - it can be a fear of spiders or mice - or a fear of flying - a fear of speaking in public - a fear of crossing the road - a fear of open spaces - a fear of enclosed spaces - a fear of living… There are so many fears aren't there? People get scared of interviews; of making mistakes at work; of telling people they've made a mistake or done something wrong - we've all been there haven't we? 

Being there for someone means so much - helping people face their fears and helping them overcome them is part of the loving compassion that should rule all of our lives. It is a gift we can all give one another. Probably the greatest fear that all of us have is the fear of dying. Yet we rarely talk about this do we? Its something that is best not spoken about - we'll worry about that when the time comes - shove it under the carpet or the bed - pretend it doesn't exist and only affects other people not me! Well sorry guys its the one thing we will all achieve very successfully - that is dying. If you have the opportunity please read an extraordinary book titled "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" by Sogyal Rinpoche - it is an incredible read, quite fascinating and not scary at all - it is actually a joyous revelation and can be read by anyone of any religion, culture or belief (or non-belief). Suffering can be overcome and we can overcome this by following a true, peaceful and loving spiritual path based upon LOVE, KINDNESS and COMPASSION - they are all that ultimately matter.

5) Consoling others when they are in grief

This point is very easy to understand - when people are truly suffering - through maybe loss of a loved one - to console them and be there for them is so important - we all need support from time to time and the all important spiritual path of love, kindness, caring and compassion naturally flows into consoling and helping people at all levels of day to day life. Kind support from another human being can mean everything to someone who is sad or in pain from grief - it is in your hands and your power to help everyone - and it will bring happiness in the end to both of you. 

6) Giving material assistance to the poor

Its not always possible to help and assist those unluckier than us at certain times in our lives - we may also have money problems - how to pay for the kids schooling; that damned speeding fine; the roof needs repairing; the business is in trouble… However, whenever you can all of us should do everything possible to help those less fortunate than us.

I have met and worked with a number of multi millionaires over the years, some of whom have been incredibly generous, participate in and donate to numerous charities - and helping at ground level as an example by providing food and shelter for the homeless - but I have also met many who are like Scrooge and do nothing or very little to help anyone - its great to make wealth for yourself and your family but not at the expense of hurting people - you can only sleep in one bed, watch one television, drive one car! Its also a gift to take care of people as much as you can afford to. 

There is so much poverty and unhappiness around us - it takes only a little giving and kindness to make a big difference

7) Helping those who experience problems that come when they have anger or desirous attachment

That most devious of problems "attachment"! I have had numerous fierce debates over the years about "attachment" - what do we mean by attachment and how can it be such a problem to cause anger and distress? Quite easily if you think about it.

We all get attached to someone or something - people become obsessed and attached to their work to such a level that it can affect families, marriages, their health and so forth. How many people are attached to money and making more money almost to the oblivion of everything else - attachment to accumulating power - this could be political power or it can mean power over others in the home, works place, club or society. Have you noticed how some people become so attached to their pets almost to the exclusion of all else - Men and women become so attached to their partner that it can get to a point that causes terrible jealousy and protectiveness at a level that causes much distress, pain and anger. 

True love is not about ownership of someone to the point of entrapping your partner so that they can't even speak with someone of the opposite sex - how many people live miserable married lives - I call it MARRIED ALIVE!  You see it all the time - the controlling husband who won't let go of the television remote control - the wife who has to watch endless sport because their husband won't let her watch what she wants to see or visa versa!

Good loving attachment is one thing - but greedy, obsessive and hurtful attachment is deeply damaging and if you can help people who suffer from this kind of attachment by pointing out that loving someone is wonderful, but being so attached to that person or work, money, property, gold or whatever is so wrong if it causes anger, pain and hurt. Think about it!

8) Helping others in a way that is appropriate to their own views and customs. We need to offer help in a way that is relevant to the them that they can accept, without attacking their beliefs or views.

People need to be communicated with in a way that they can relate to - with so much immigration everywhere - the diaspora of cultures is hard to keep up with. We read of so called "honour killings" of young women who do not agree to an arranged marriage - or of the dreadful abuses of women in many societies including millions of young girls and women who suffer the appalling FGM (female genital mutilation) - how can we help these people and indeed those with a whole string of less brutal but no less worrying problems. Most of these issues are cultural and religious where lack of education, wrong information, abusive practices, social and family pressures can cause intolerable harm - so how do we deal with these problems?

Education is one important route but on a personal level it often helps to quietly but convincingly talk to these families or whomever is facing the problems and try to find a common path or ground upon which to talk - it is no good crashing in and saying you are "totally wrong" or "wake up you're living in the 21st century now" - this doesn't help - we need to always be aware of people's beliefs and cultural background - I suppose ultimately it always comes back to those basic but such important words - CARING, LOVE, COMPASSION, HEALING & KINDNESS  - with these words affecting your every day life and as a guide to your way of thinking and how you live your life - you can inspire and guide even the most virulent cultural blindness and violence - I don't pretend its easy but we all have to begin the path of teaching people the real values that matter - VIOLENCE, HATRED, JEALOUSY, IGNORANCE, "PRIDE" (I'M RIGHT AND YOU ARE WRONG), AVARICE will always cause terrible SUFFERING

9) Encouraging those who have entered correct spiritual paths and helping them continue their practice

"Correct spiritual paths" - this is so difficult to define and yet so easy.

I personally follow a Buddhist path of meditation, mantra and tantra because it is such a loving, kind and compassionate spiritual path - it brings peace and joy and happiness to me and hopefully for all sentient beings - you meditate to not only bring peace and happiness for yourself but you do this so that you can help all people to find happiness and to stop suffering. Having said this I am not trying to make anyone a Buddhist - that is solely your decision

Buddhism is not a faith system - the three so called great religions that came from the Middle East Judaism, Christianity and Islam have dominated our history - produced great teachers and saints or saintly people who were healers and brought great joy into peoples lives - but these religions have also caused more pain and suffering than anything else - hundreds of millions of people have died in the name of God. Isn't it about time that today billions of people live in peace and harmony?

Religion, whatever path you choose has to be about kindness, caring, love, healing and so forth - it cannot be about vengeance; domination; we are right and everyone else is wrong; do people really believe that God wants people to kill others? Its impossible - we are created equal as human beings and it is our duty to take care of others and the animals and planet around us - we have the brains, the mind and the responsibility this gives us. Not to kill just because someone doesn't believe in what you believe - this is unforgivable and we must eradicate this thinking but show the world that we care, we love and we want to bring peace, happiness and love to everyone - No this is not some whacky new age thinking - this is essential to the lives we live and without it I truly believe the human race cannot survive.

10) Helping those who have entered wrong paths and mistaken views to enter correct spiritual paths.

I think I tried to deal with this in (9) above - but the important criteria is to try and make people realise that when their teachings advocate any form of harm to any being - they must be made to realise that this is so fundamentally wrong. No-one has the right no matter who they are to kill or harm anyone - this is the basic law of humanity - all the religions clearly state this - but then mankind gets involved and in the name of God declare all kinds of laws and rights and wrongs - all man made and all in the name of God. It is terribly convenient to blame God for what men have declared - I believe in the human race but humans need to be educated to think for themselves - and to learn to think clearly and objectively.

I met a nice young man recently who declared himself to be a fundamentalist Muslim - we talked in a perfectly friendly way - he was a nice young fellow but after awhile he started saying things that made no sense whatsoever - "I hate music" - I hate dogs" - I said to him how can anyone hate a dog - or hate music - its hard to hate Beethoven's ninth symphony or  other glorious compositions - you can say you don't like a piece of music that's perfectly reasonable - but to say you hate all music makes no sense whatsoever - likewise "I hate dogs" - you might be a bit frightened of dogs, you make not be interested in dogs but to say you hate every dog is not only idiotic but makes no intelligent sense. He said these were the teachings -  well I am sorry all teaching can be questioned indeed they should be questioned because they were made by men and women - made by flesh and blood - I do not believe that any God that created all of us (if that is what you believe) would say "you can love cats and sheep and cows but not dogs"? People have to use their brains and not blindly believe some teachings that are so obviously wrong at every human level.

How can you hate a living and breathing creature - this brings into mind the statement that human beings are supreme - well we are not - all living creatures are important - without the trees and plants you wouldn't be able to breathe - without insects, birds and bees pollinating tress and plants you would have any of them and you would die eventually - I not a biologist but you get the point.

Everything is interconnected - without the moon, the sun, the rain and all of the supporting life that this wonderful plant provides us - we wouldn't be here - so damned well respect every form of life - this is logical and nothing to do with religion - but of course it has to do with religion - why because all religions teach love, caring, kindness and compassion - so please don't forget the most important thing in our lives - is to help others and to care for everyone of all creeds, cultures and colours - we are all one and it is our duty as humans to care for one another and this fabulous planet we live on - and never forget it please. 

11) Helping others by using whatever miracle powers we possess.

Last but not least in this eleven point list - what miracle powers do we possess? We possess the most amazing powers to help and heal - we have our MIND and this is such a powerful thing if used with love and caring. I wrote a long blog on MIND last September so I won't go into great detail - but we have the ability to achieve great things - and that goes for all of us. Our love and compassion can bring peace and happiness to people and animals

We have the ability to heal - there are numerous books on this subject but we know that everything in this world is ENERGY - everything is made up of atoms and quarks and other scientific names at different levels - the atoms in a table or chair are not the same structure as those in humans but they exist - I'm no physicist so forgive my rather feeble attempts to explain energy - however, it is a fact that everything is energy and we can use this energy in positive, loving and healing ways - MIT, Yale, Harvard and other leading universities have done major research into energy levels and how we can heal ourselves of the most virulent diseases - Meditation is a proven route to bring peace and healing to each of us and that has nothing to do with religion - but is a spiritual practice to heal ourselves and others.

This is not the blog to go into great depth into these issues but I pray that all of you will think about what we do every day and how we can use our tremendous powers of our mind, creativity, love, compassion and kindness to bring some happiness and peace into this troubled world of ours - please think before you explode in anger - please think about the suffering that people go through - please think about how you can bring some happiness to everyone you meet - that is a real spiritual path

Thanks for reading

IN LIBYA? LIONEL RICHIE, JOSE CARRERAS & THE VIENNA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN LIBYA AT COLONEL GADDAFI'S COMPOUND IN TRIPOLI - ARE YOU MAD?

LIONEL RICHIE, JOSE CARRERAS & THE VIENNA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN LIBYA AT COLONEL GADDAFI'S COMPOUND IN TRIPOLI - ARE YOU MAD?   I suppose the answer to that is YES!

As I look at the appalling situation in Libya today, I reflect on the day that we presented a wonderful concert in Tripoli a few years ago. Here is how it happened:

I received a phone call early March 2006 from my dear friend Elissa Murtaza at that time founder and CEO of Mirage Promotions the number one concert company throughout the Middle East based in Bahrain and Dubai (later becoming Live Nation Middle East) - asking me whether we could find some artists to perform in Libya as part of a United NatioAsns Peace Concert to be held in Colonel Gaddafi's compound in Tripoli, Libya.

Well, I had received some strange requests in my time, but this beat the lot!  Colonel Gaddafi; his personal compound in central Tripoli; Libya - all the political implications - no forget it – it’s impossible.

Despite the obvious objections and concerns there was one redeeming factor – this event had the approval of the United Nations (UN). The event was to be planned as a peace concert in memory of the 40 people who died including Col. Gaddafi’s adopted daughter Hanna when President Reagan ordered the bombing after accusing Libya of involvement in the bombing of a nightclub in Berlin. The bombing took place on April 15^th 1986 and this concert was the 20^th anniversary of this sad occasion.

The concert was to be held in front of the ruins of the building that had been bombed and was in the same condition as the day the bombs fell. Needless to say this was a daunting task.

First of all we wanted to make sure the UN had approved of this high profile concert and were giving it’s blessing. It didn’t take long we soon received a letter from UN confirming this – but how to get a major artist to perform – that was the question?

The initial request from the Libyan authorities was for Elton John and Luciano Pavarotti, well they were not available on the dates concerned – So Elissa and I put our heads together and she went for Lionel Richie being one of the most popular artists in the world and a hell of a nice guy too. I went for someone to replace Pavarotti and after some pretty tough talks secured Jose Carreras and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra.

(Jose Carreras)

I was amazed we had succeeded to get two great artists to perform but the UN backing and support was critical in this matter – if we hadn’t had that this event would not have happened. But now we had to manage the concert from staging, sound, lights, travel, hotels, visas, catering, dressing rooms – you name it!

Monica Hamill (from our London office) and I flew to Tripoli and met up with Elissa who had arrived the day before at the only major hotel and awaited the artists. Needless to say booking a symphony orchestra into hotels is never easy let alone in Libya!

I went straight to the site of the concert and had to go through numerous security checks – I don’t think I have ever seen so many Kalashnikovs – and this was supposed to be a peace concert!

Gaddafi’s compound was enormous surrounded by high walls and watch-towers manned by troops. The compound was covered in grass and trees, with Camels strolling around – there were what appeared to be air vents that popped up from time to time like large man made flowers or maybe periscopes. I had the feeling there was a whole city underneath me but I could never see anything to prove this.

It was my first sight of the house that had been bombed and it was a sad sight by any standards – broken walls, staircases, furniture, tiles everywhere – lives taken in a flash – what a waste and terrible tragedy – its always the innocents that get hurt somehow (of course all this was taking place before the subsequent demise of the leader Colonel Gaddafi). However, what worried me most at that moment, was the tall statue of a big fist crushing an American jet that was situation immediately behind the stage plumb in the centre where the artists were to perform.

I was incensed and immediately called Elissa back at the hotel home base camp. We had to get this statue covered – how can we have an American Artist Lionel Richie and for that matter a world star such as Jose Carreras performing a peace concert directly in front of a statue of a massive fist crushing a jet?

Endless talks went on with the organisers about this issue and we were promised everything would be fine – so I headed back to the hotel. We spent a tense night because we were putting artists and musicians into their rooms.

We were up early the next morning and the stage build up continued – so did our discussions regarding the “big fist” – tents were erected on site as dressing rooms and one of those large camper vans (home on wheels) appeared as one of the dressing rooms. Jose Carreras arrived and he was met at the airport and whisked to the hotel suite.

The next day – the day of the concert things were getting more and more tense – because the issue of the “big fist” was not getting resolved. I went early to the site again and stood on stage insisting that this statue be covered – by now everything was getting worse – I saw Gaddafi get out of his Range Rover and stare at me from a distance – the Libyan team around me were getting frantic – Gaddafi did not want his statue covered – well tough shit – I wasn’t going to allow the artists onstage until it was covered and Elissa said the same. We had to stand firm, but it was getting scary.

In the meantime a big tent had been erected for Lionel Richie’s dressing room and we were asked if it was OK for Lionel – I remember us saying the tent is lovely but its empty – can we please have some chairs and a table and maybe a mirror? In the end the tent got furnished in some way – probably the oddest dressing room Lionel has ever worked with.

By this time Lionel had arrived and he very kindly agreed to attend a press conference at the hotel, which was covered by local television and some of the world’s press – Reuters, CNN, BBC etc.

Back to the site – we still hadn’t got this bloody statue covered. About an hour before the artists were due to arrive we got the statue covered, but everyone around the stage (at least the Libyans) were obviously very frightened. Elissa and I were at our Bulldog best – shoot us if you like, but come hell or high water, that damned statue gets covered or no concert!

The artists arrived – the audience arrived and were welcomed by Gaddafi’s daughter – the model like Aisha (known in the western press as the Claudia Schiffer of North Africa) – we had an Arabic speaker with us so we knew what Aisha was saying which wasn’t very complimentary to all of us non Libyan party - in fact it was damned well rude – this peace concert was looking less and less peaceful.

However, we needn’t have worried Lionel Richie came on stage with his trio of musicians and knocked out the audience who waved and sang and clapped to his songs – Lionel left the stage to rapturous applause – a short interval and then the glorious voice of Jose Carreras backed by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra – the problem was that the mainly Libyan audience didn’t understand opera, so some left! The VIP's, Ambassadors and press rightly adored Jose's performance – he is such a marvellous artist and professional – he sang magnificently and the show went on and we and the artists had done our job in the most difficult circumstances.

After the concert was over – everyone left leaving Elissa, Monica and I to take care of the musicians of the orchestra (Lionel and Carreras had gone back to the hotel and in Lionel’s case he flew straight out that night). It took us hours to get the coaches and everyone back and all their instruments in open air trucks. We obviously, weren't flavour of the month after the statue issue!  Exhausted, but happy that this event had taken place – I think we got some sleep that night but not much – we all left the next day deeply relieved that this concert had taken place and that we had survived. I remember sitting on the British Airways flight to London, being very relieved we were out of Libyan air space!

(The Vienna Symphony Orchestra)

It was only later than we learned that most if not all the Libyan team were put in prison after the show – no doubt because of the “Big Fist” being covered and Colonel Gaddafi being most displeased. What a nightmare - it is our understanding that they were all released after a couple of months - they had been helpful and welcoming and they should not have endured this nightmare.

When we learned some months later that the civil war had started - more pain, misery and suffering for the people of Libya ending in the capture and death of Muammar Gaddafi. No-one was very surprised at what developed in Libya, but despite that we experienced an extraordinary moment in history – probably the only UN endorsed peace concert that ever took place in Libya under the eyes of Colonel Gaddafi - We survived it - and the music filled the air that hot balmy night in April. 

April 18, 2006

BBC NEWS Reported:

Libya has marked the 20th anniversary of the US bombing raids on Tripoli and Benghazi with a high-profile concert.

US soul singer Lionel Ritchie and Spanish tenor Jose Carreras performed in front of the bombed house of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in the capital.

About 40 people died in the attacks on 15 April 1986, including Col Gaddafi's adopted daughter, Hanna.

President Ronald Reagan ordered the strikes, accusing Libya of involvement in bombing a nightclub in Berlin. Two US soldiers and a Turkish woman were killed and least 230 people injured in the explosion.

Compensation

The BBC's Rana Jawad in Tripoli says the anniversary of the raids on Libya was marked in a surprisingly festive way.

A crowd of diplomats, businessmen and politicians was brought to their feet, with soul veteran Lionel Ritchie dominating what was called the "concert for peace".

"Hanna will be honoured tonight because of the fact that you've attached peace to her name," Ritchie told the audience.

In 2001, a German court ruled that the Libyan secret service was responsible for the Berlin attack.

Tripoli has agreed to compensate victims, but refuses to do so for the US families saying Libyans also had a right to be compensated.

Relations between Washington and Tripoli began to improve in 2003 when the Libyans renounced weapons of mass destruction. The US has now lifted most of its sanctions against Libya.

IN SPORTS VENUES: BEYONCE, SHAKIRA, ELTON, ROD STEWART AND .....

(Shakira's concert at OAKA the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece with Elissa Murtaza and I)

Major football clubs (Soccer for our American friends!), arenas and other iconic venues in many countries around the world, wanted to present major concerts at their venues. Some of our most exciting experiences have been when we produced concerts for these organisations and all kinds of venues in many countries around the globe - marvellous memories - huge audiences having a great time - what can be better?

Beyoncé in Moscow Olympic Stadium and Egypt at Port Ghalib in the Red Sea with Elissa Murtaza and I)

What do these artists have in common?

BEYONCE, SHAKIRA, MARIAH CAREY, GEORGE MICHAEL, ROD STEWART, NEIL DIAMOND, THE WHO, BON JOVI, ELTON JOHN, MARIAH CAREY, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, BRYAN ADAMS, REM, PHIL COLLINS SCISSOR SISTERS, JAMES BLUNT, CARLOS SANTANA, GIRLS ALOUD, BILLY JOEL, LUCIANO PAVAROTTI, JOSE CARRERAS, BILL BAILEY, RONAN KEATING, MEATLOAF, PINK, PHIL COLLINS, CAT STEVENS and many others - they all performed for clients in sports stadiums, arenas or similar venues. We were honoured to negotiate for our clients these artists performances in concert.

(The adorable and hugely talented Shakira)

It’s a strange thing but you would be surprised how little non football/soccer activities take place in many football club stadia, not only in the UK but throughout Europe, the Middle East and indeed globally. Of course this is a generalisation, but in the soccer world, this is true.

(Elton John rocking the night away)

When you study soccer games schedules during each season it becomes clearer as to why these emporiums of sport can only present a very limited program of events during their ‘closed’ period - althoigh these issues don't apply to all sports . For one thing these grass pitches have to be protected and even when the ground is closed during the summer break, the grass and grass/artifical materials on most pitches today,  have to be re-grown (if only grass) or replaced and if you attempt to even suggest a concert, the war begins with the groundsman! 

(Red Hot Chili Peppers were sensational)

New words enter your vocabulary like Teraplas and other examples, which is a unique covering of the precious grass on the pitch allowing it to breathe and preventing its destruction whilst hordes of head bangers and metal heads surge and trample over the ground.

(Jon Bon Jovi - sold out concerts)

Have you ever seen an audience of passionate and dedicated fans stampeding through the gates upon opening time as they (literally) hurtle, punch, shove, push and prod their way to the front of the stage to get the best possible positions?

(The Who stormed the stadiums)

Protecting the pitch is just one of the obstacles to overcome when deciding to present a major rock or pop concert in a sports stadium - Getting into the ground can be a daunting experience – you would be amazed to know that many grounds only have very small entrances onto the pitch – therefore when an artist like BON JOVI arrives with dozens of enormous Euro-Trucks with staging that is more than 5 stories high you can see that a tiny entrance is hardly helpful! In one case in South Korea, large cranes had to lift the staging high over the stands and into the ground. As new stadiums and arenas are built today, much of these problems have changed, but back in the day, many moons ago - these were some of the problems promoters faced.

(Bon Jovi at Bristol City Football Club)

We first began working with the football, rugby and cricket clubs decades ago – Murrayfield/Edinburgh and Aberdeen in Scotland, Bristol City, Hull City, Norwich City, Swansea City, Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forrest, Derby County, Hampshire and Sussex County Cricket Clubs in the UK plus those in Ireland, Poland, throughout the Middle East (Lebanon, Dubai, Qatar, Abu Dhabi), Russia, the Ukraine, Kazakhstan are just some of the locations we have worked in.

(George Michael's great concerts in Abu Dhabi, Moscow at the Olympisky Stadium and in Kiev's Olympic Stadium)

Having agreed in principle which artist the venues want to secure it is our job to approach the management and agencies that exclusively represent the artists – we go into battle and get the best deal we can. It definitely helps if we can offer a run of dates rather than just a one-off deal.

(Michael Stipe and REM were amazing)

Having negotiated the date and the fees, we then have to manage the technical riders, which can be a interesting to say the least: Everything has to be budgeted for and priced including: Staging, huge video screens, sound systems, lighting rigs weighing mega tons, crowd control barriers, front of house control desks, on-stage monitors, spot light towers, seating on the pitch, sight line calculations for those seated in the stands, dressing rooms, catering areas, production offices, backstage security, stewards, ticketing operations and all of this to be agreed before an announcement is made or advertisement placed.

(Audiences just loved Neil Diamond)

Advertising and marketing these concerts is a skill in itself – sometimes you can make an announcement in the press and suddenly you sell out – but it doesn’t always work like that – indeed more often than not you have to work hard to sell out some of these venues. The initial burst of publicity involving local newspapers, TV and radio backed up by a barrage of social media announcements will create a surge of ticket buying and in today's world Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, Rihanna and all those other Mega Stars, sell out within minutes!  

("Do ya think i'm sexy" Rod Stewart performed some great concerts)

Press interviews with the artists, meets and greets before the show (if the artist will agree), getting the artist from the airport or Helipad, police support - Traffic control and parking for the public arriving in droves. Have you ever tried parking 60 massive Euro-Trucks?

It's great fun if you don’t weaken :)

(Rod singing his great hits)

It has been a great honour to negotiate and contract these artists and a thrill to watch excited audiences having a great time. This is the real joy – the joy of giving happiness as well as producing a successful,  profitable and memorable event.

The great Carlos Santana at the Silverstone Race Track and in Dubai

Mariah Carey thrilled audiences in Beirut

Who can forget seeing and hearing Beyoncé on stage in action - unforgettable - Neil Diamond in full flow singing "Sweet Caroline", "Love on the Rocks", and hit after hit – seeing Michael Stipe of REM strutting his stuff singing "Losing my Religion", whilst wearing an Ipswich Town Football Team shirt! – The Rocket Man himself Elton John playing piano in a solo concert to 25,000 people gently swooning to “Your Song” and then dancing to “Crocodile Rock” – the Red Hot Chili Peppers thrilling the audiences with stompin’ rocking performances (Flea is such a great bass guitarist) – Billy Joel pounding out "Uptown Girl", "Piano Man" and a "New York State of Mind" – Rod Stewart performing the American Song Book classics with a big orchestra and then rockin’ the night away with “Do ya think I’m sexy”, "Maggie May" and "Downtown Train" – Phil Collins playing that stunning drum intro to "In the Air Tonight", Carlos Santana wailing away - Meatloaf pounding out "Bat out of Hell" – Bon Jovi driving his largely female audience crazy adoringly with “This is Love” – The Who rocking “My Generation” and "Tommy" – George Michael performing for the first time in years knocking the audiences out with his great hits and the whole stadium singing like a monstrous mantra “Freedom” –  Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) singing his iconic hits - amazing moments

(Mr PIano Man Billy Joel)

Phil Collins in action)

Car Stevens (Yusuv Islam in Lebanon and Qatar)

Memorable concerts – Stunning performances – Venues in many lands around the world filled with happy crowds of adoring fans having a wonderful time – not bad – not bad at all!

Have a GREAT DAY...

ENRIQUE IGLESIAS CONCERT IN DAMASCUS, SYRIA REMEMBERED

(Enrique on stage - on a walkway into the audience- in Damascus, Syria)

It is so difficult to look back at 2007 and remember the wonderful and exhilarating concert by Enrique Iglesias that took place in the centre of Damascus (capital of Syria) with Enrique Iglesias thrilling an audience of 10,000 or more. Especially when we know about the hell and suffering caused by the appalling war that has overtaken this wonderful land. We read daily of horrific atrocities being carried out on all sides. We must all pray for peace and healing to return to this war ridden land.

However, there have been lovely and happy moments and I am writing about one that we created and worked on:

Enrique Iglesias posted the following statement on Facebook on September 9 - it has had 35,830,684 hits to date: Enrique wrote:

“I had a concert in Damascus, Syria on July 4th, 2007 and had nothing but good memories of the people over there. My prayers are with the people of Syria and all the innocent children, women and men that have lost their lives or are suffering during this horrible conflict”.

(On stage in Damascus)

This was the first western style popular concert to be held in Damascus, Syria for 30 years or probably much longer, and I am deeply proud together with my team from London to have negotiated, contracted, managed and presented this concert.

It was an important event on so many levels – the very first major pop show for three decades. Everyone said it couldn’t be done – but it happened and Enrique gave the concert of his life – it was a stunning success and to think that in only a very short time this great country would be torn apart by the most savage, ghastly and horrific civil war is tragic beyond belief. Words fail to express the horror of what has happened to this country and the lovely, welcoming and fun-loving youngster’s who happily danced, clapped, sang along with and enjoyed Enrique’s concert. 

I was first approached by Rasha Mouakeh of Libaladi Events based in Damascus. Rasha and her partner in business Louia Marden Bey hadn’t any previous experience of presenting major concerts – but they were massively enthusiastic and welcoming – we were trying to achieve something truly difficult but the collective will was there to win through. Looking back now at that concert and the hoops we had to jump through to make this work were daunting to say the least.

First of all we had to persuade Enrique to perform in Damascus. I know that many people tried to persuade him not to come, but with great credit to Enrique he followed his heart and agreed to perform. The contracts were finalized – the venue agreed, which in itself was difficult – we originally aimed for a different historic site, but the area was too small – so we moved to the Old Fairground near the centre of Damascus. The site would hold around 10,000 people (seated and standing) - on the day, I believe the audience was larger than this.

I made a number of trips to Damascus to check out the site, the hotels, security and all the things on our long check list – we settled on the date of the concert July 4, 2007 and the announcements were made.

My advance production team headed by Sarah Whitmarsh arrived, as did my own crew with Lisa Pearce, Laura Smith and others. The stage was built, lighting, sound and screens brought in from Beirut – the scene was set.

I remember so well standing at Damascus airport waiting for Enrique’s private jet to arrive from Miami – it was such a thrill when he stepped off the plane. A fleet of cars whisked him and his musicians off to the hotel.

The concert was great, truly wonderful – the audience loved Enrique and he loved them. The atmosphere was electric and I recall feeling an enormous sense of achievement and happiness that it had gone so well.

I could never have envisaged the horror and nightmare that was to befall this wonderful country. What has happened to those 10,000 and probably many more kids and parents who had such a great time? What is happening today to the millions of refugees and those living in appalling conditions, starving with little hope of relief – those in pain, wounded, suffering with little or no medical help – to remember and pray for the millions who have died and their families facing unbearable loss. 

I urge everyone to pray for these people and this war torn country – to bring peace back to this lovely historic land. A chance to rebuild from the ashes and to bury the hatreds, fear and loathing that such a war brings. We must as human beings have faith and pray that out of this horror the roots of compassion, caring, love and decent humanity can emerge and flourish. Syria does not need rampant ideology – it does not need tribal and religious hatreds – it needs HEALING with LOVE and COMPASSION  - NOTHING ELSE WILL DO.

Whatever your race, religion, creed, nationality, belief and experiences – we all of us must pray together and work towards a peaceful solution to this crisis. We are all human – we all bleed, breathe, suffer, feel pain and need love.

Please remember the most important human MANTRA:

Hatred, Ignorance, Blind Ideology, Greed, Violence, Jealousy all bring SUFFERING

Love, Compassion, Caring, Healing and Forgiveness all bring HAPPINESS

For those that remember this concert you will be pleased to recall the press reports:

Enrique Iglesias Performs in Damascus

By SAMAR KASSABLI

The Associated Press

Thursday, July 5, 2007; 12:14 PM

DAMASCUS, Syria -- More than 10,000 fans, many of them teenagers, cheered and danced the night away at a performance by Enrique Iglesias, the first concert by a Western pop singer in Syria in over 30 years.

The 32-year-old Latin heartthrob charmed his audience with many of his hits, including "Hero," "Escape," "Love to See You Cry" and "Just Wanna Be With You," as well as songs from his new album, "Insomniac."

Iglesias said he wasn't concerned about performing in Syria, "although many people have told me not to."

The sold-out concert began late Wednesday and ended after midnight at an open-air stadium near the 11th-century Damascus citadel. Ticket prices ranged between $30 and $200. A large crowd gathered outside the venue, built specifically for the event, where two giant TV screens were set up.

"I like his songs and his father's songs," said 24-year-old business graduate Sandy al-Haj, referring to Julio Iglesias.

"Syria should invite other world singers," she said.

Although Syria is rich with culture, historic and tourist sites, Western celebrities have largely stayed away from the autocratic country for years. However, Syria has been taking small steps to open up the Socialist-style economy and allow greater opportunities and access to information for young people.

The concert was organized by the private company LiBaladi, but other private Syrian companies and Syrian expatriates helped with the financing. Revenues, according to organizers, will go to Syrian charities.

10,000 people at Enrique Iglesias concert in Damascus:

Washington Post. 

US Latin singer Enrique Iglesias has performed a charity concert* near the Damascus Old City to 10,000 people. It is the first western pop concert in Syria for 30 years.

It happened at the old fairground. Tickets cost from $30 but huge TV screens were put up outside, where many more people watched for free.

There was some doubt about whether Iglesias would come to Syria. But after his team visited the country, and said that it wasn’t a terrorist haven, he went ahead with the concert. He is now extending his stay in Syria to do some sightseeing.

Iglesias concert first in Damascus in 30 years

Associated  Press
Published Thursday, July 5, 2007 2:28PM EDT

DAMASCUS, Syria - Latin heartthrob Enrique Iglesias enthralled Syrian fans with his latest songs at a much touted concert, the first by a Western pop singer in Damascus in 30 years.

More than 10,000 Syrians, many of them teenagers, cheered and danced the night away at the live concert held late Wednesday. It ended after midnight at a huge open air stadium, built specifically for the event, near the 11th-century Damascus citadel.

A large crowd gathered outside the stadium, where two giant television screens were put up.

Tickets to the event-ranging between US$30 and $200-were completely sold out. The performance was organized by a private Syrian company called "LiBaladi,'' Arabic for "To my country,'' but other private Syrian companies and Syrian expatriates helped with the financing. Revenues, according to organizers would go to Syrian charities.

The performance was the first of its kind in Syria in over thirty years. Although rich with culture, historic and tourist sites, Western celebrities have largely stayed away from the autocratic country for years.

However, Syria has began opening up in recent years, taking small steps to open up the Socialist-style economy and allowing greater opportunities and access to information for young people.

The 32-year-old singer said he wasn't concerned about coming to Syria "although many people have told me not to.''

The Grammy-award winner charmed his fans with a selection of new songs from his latest Album, "Insomniac,'' released last month, as well as many of his greatest hits including "Hero,'' "Escape,'' "I love to see you cry'' and "Just wanna be with you.''

Young Syrians were thrilled to be there. "I like his songs and his father's songs,'' said 24-year-old business graduate Sandy al-Haj, referring to Spanish. 

Thanks for reading this post and I hope that all of us will do whatever we can to help this sad and horrific situation.