Rainbow Warrior Tribute Concert Announced
Auckland, Tuesday 14 June 2005: On the historic anniversary of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland's
Waitamata harbour, an array of New Zealand's top musicians, with special guests The John Butler Trio from Australia, are
playing a multi media tribute concert at the St James Theatre in Auckland.
On Sunday 10 July the John Butler Trio, Steriogram, D4, Che Fu, Don McGlashan, OpShop and Rhombus will band together for
the 20th anniversary event. The gig will both commemorate the tragic events of July 10 1985, but also celebrate New
Zealand's nuclear free status and support the vision of a peaceful and environmentally sound planet. The event will
include video projections of historic footage of the Rainbow Warrior on the giant screen at the St James.
"The Rainbow Warrior bombing happened not only to Greenpeace, but to New Zealand. 20 years later we remain nuclear free,
and Greenpeace is as strong as ever. This is an opportunity to both commemorate the bombing, and to celebrate," said
Cindy Baxter campaign manager.
The gig mirrors a Rainbow Warrior benefit concert performed in 1986 with Neil Young, Herbs, Split Enz and Dave Dobbyn.
"The Rainbow Warrior has always had a close association with music," says Baxter. "And this is a continuation of that
good tradition with a whole new generation of artists 20 years after the bombing." All artists have given their time
freely for the event, and proceeds will go to Greenpeace.
"The bombing the Rainbow Warrior and death of Fernando Pereira failed to stop Greenpeace and New Zealand in our mission
of stopping French testing in the pacific. Non-violent protest ultimately prevailed against France's arrogance and
violence and that is very important to recall to history. Our nuclear free status is something all New Zealanders should
be proud of," says Baxter.
On the morning of the anniversary, the Rainbow Warrior II will be in Matauri Bay for a commemoration service above the
wreck of the original boat, which is now host to a mature coral reef. She has spent the last two weeks out on the high
seas highlighting deep sea destruction.
Where: St James Theatre, Auckland
When: Sunday 10 July 7pm (Doors open 6pm)
How: Book tickets (only $40.00) online at www.ticketdirect.co.nz
ENDS
NB: As well as the concert, a re-recording of the classic song 'Anchor Me' by Don McGlashan will be released on July the
4th, with proceeds to Greenpeace. The unprecedented recording features vocals from Goldenhorse's Kirsten Morelle, Che
Fu, Anika Moa, Pluto's Milan Borich, Adeaze, Hinewehi Mohi and Nesian Mystik's David Atai & Donald McNulty.
'Anchor Me' composer Don McGlashan said "when Greenpeace asked to use 'Anchor Me' to mark twenty years since the Rainbow
Warrior's sinking, I was glad to help. Our country's response to the bombing was brave and steadfast - and it succeeded
on many levels. We still lead the world's resistance to nuclear weapons, and that's something to be very proud of."