Back again for the fourth year running and we once more had the pride and privilege of producing one of our quality bestsellers – the Sound and Vision annual music heritage event, held at Abbey Road Studios to raise money for Cancer Research UK.  An incredible collection of iconic music, photography, art and memorabilia is put up for auction, combined with intimate performances by leading musicians to an audience of four hundred.  Aside from organising the artwork displays with our bespoke-built suspension system, Drive was responsible for the entire event production including stage and set design, lighting & sound, stage management and catering.

This years’ event, hosted by X-Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary, took on a vintage look, with the on-screen graphics and artwork reflecting the incredible history behind Abbey Road Studios and the unique place it holds in the annals of contemporary music. Photography up for bidding included images by Gered Mankowitz (Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix), David Bailey (Noel & Liam Gallagher) and Jude Edginton (Paul Weller, Leona Lewis). Some truly outstanding pieces were up for grabs with the highest winning bid topping £15,000 for a Beatles piece by Tom Murray called ‘Altogether Now’.

Entertainment commenced in Studio 2 with an expressive acoustic set from acclaimed American singer-songwriter Diana Jones accompanying the guest previews of some of the live auction items, followed by pop music’s soul brother, Lemar, performing his smooth R&B grooves in Studio 1. The highlight of the evening was a duet by Paul Weller and Kelly Jones of the Stereophonics performing ‘That’s Entertainment’, executed with such vigour that they each broke guitar strings but played on regardless. Absolute Radio broadcast the event live to the nation.

Working together with event patron Whispering Bob Harris and his production company WBBC, we ensured yet again that the evening was a roaring success. Bob himself, with the legendary Joe Brown amongst other star Rock-n-Roll veterans, took to the stage in person to show their appreciation at the end of the night and celebrate the commitment made to this important charity. The event raised a staggering £202,000 - an astounding feat, smashing the 2008 record by £40,000. Year on year the funds raised by Sound & Vision have increased by around £30,000 - and considering the challenges faced by business during a national recession, this year’s total can only be seen as exceptional.

We were subsequently nominated for the Cancer Research UK ‘Supplier of the Year’ Award and were delighted to scoop the ‘Highly Commended’ title at the CRUK Business Supporters Celebration Awards 2009.

Once again, a MASSIVE thank you for all your hard work on Sound & Vision. It was an incredible night and we are absolutely thrilled to have broken the £200,000 an incredible £40k up on last year! As ever the event presented its own challenges but you never faltered in helping us to find a great solution and the night was executed perfectly.
Jacqueline Ashton - Special Events Manager CRUK

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website