Stars coming out for charity

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Stars coming out for charity
July 25 2006

By Gordon Barr, The Evening Chronicle

Geordie rocker Andy Taylor gave his backing today to the launch of a special gig on Tyneside. The Duran Duran star was due to announce a musical and comedy show to raise funds for teenagers with cancer, but missed his flight from his base in Ibiza to Newcastle.

Instead, Taylor gave his backing to BandStand - a one-off show featuring some of the UK's best known musicians and comedians.

Already in the line-up are Jools Holland, Ross Noble and Johnny Vegas, with Taylor hoping he will be able to make it too.

The event is in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust and will raise funds for a new unit planned at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

BandStand is on September 16, at The Sage Gateshead. It will comprise of a show featuring top comics and a live music performance.

The Cancer Trust is renowned for its annual music concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall and this is the first event on this scale outside the capital.

Taylor pledged his full support to the project.

The Trust builds specialist wards for teenagers with cancer at NHS hospitals.

Along with the unit at the RVI, TCT has six others across the UK and funds raised through BandStand will go towards a new unit at the RVI.

Born and raised in Cullercoats, Taylor, 45, has first-hand experience of cancer. His father, Ronnie, recently died after a long battle with the disease.

The majority of the musician's family still live in North Tyneside and his dad saw him play at the Metro Radio Arena two years ago as part of the group's reunion tour.

Duran Duran made a triumphant comeback in 2004 with all five original members being honoured at the Brit Awards with an outstanding contribution to music award.

Taylor quit the band back in 1985 at the height of their fame.

Tickets for BandStand went on sale today and are available from The Sage.