Concert for Princess Diana

Press Release:

CONCERT FOR DIANA - SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2007

Roger will be among the few performers invited to pay tribute to the life of Princess Diana.

The Concert for Diana was a huge success! Although Roger was recovering from a really bad flu and laryngitis, he connected with his audience on a global scale.

Even the Princes were singing along! Watch video clips from the concert below.

Andrew White from Hastings, England wrote this review of Roger's performance:

"At approximately 625pm ( UK time ) on 1st July 2007, Roger Hodgson took to the stage at the Concert for Diana, held at the new Wembley Stadium, London, England. This event was organised by Princes William and Harry to celebrate (what would have been) the 46th bithday of their mother, of whom so much has been said and written about.

Supertramp were one of Diana's favourite bands and it was great to hear that Roger would be playing at the concert. Indeed (and I'm happy to be corrected on this), it was long overdue that either Supertramp or Roger would play at one of these large all-star global concerts that seem to have become major events since Live Aid in 1985. What a fantastic occasion for this long-standing oversight to be corrected, for us all to see and enjoy !

With a brief reminder to the audience of the sales of "Breakfast In America," our man was there, in his white shirt and black trousers, playing at the keyboard at the end of a stage extension that went deep into the new Stadium itself. This gave Roger a chance to really connect with the audience, rather than play at one end of the huge Stadium itself.

I was surprised to hear the opening bars of "Dreamer" float out, but members of the audience recognised the song and were singing away. Such appreciation rose significantly when, halfway through the song, Roger launched into "Logical Song," which was Supertramp's highest placed single in the UK all those years ago. The Princes themselves were singing and dancing away with the audience, and this continued when the medley continued with "Breakfast In America" itself. The medley itself was a complete surprise to me, and a crafty way of saving time in getting 3 songs into a 2 song slot.

After acknowledging the Princes of knowing how to throw a great party, Roger launched into "Give A Little Bit," which was played in its entirety with great enthusiasm. Aaron MacDonald accompanied Roger on saxophone, and for the final verse and chorus, Roger and Aaron were joined by three female backing singers (names unknown to me) to bring the song, and Roger's set, to a close. The audience cheered on, having had a good sing-a-long to those four great songs.

Roger seemed to have enjoyed it all, and it was great to see him at this event, reminding everyone watching how good Supertramp's music still sounds after all these years. Having been present at the remarkable gig at Shepherd's Bush Empire in November 2005, and on the strength of yesterday's performance, Roger can look forward to his forthcoming UK Tour in October knowing that the fans will be there in vast numbers to support him. I, for one, cannot wait for the Royal Albert Hall gig.

From thecliffedge.com -July 1, 2007

Giving more than a little bit

View from the press box: Roger Hodgson sings Supertramp

LONDON 7:00: The English National Ballet gets a very warm reception as they perform “Swan Lake Act 4? followed by a 10-minute break in which the crowd does a faultless Mexican Wave. Ageing rockers Status Quo lead into Joss Stone, barefoot in a loose green dress, and then Roger Hodgson shows up to sing some songs from Supertramp’s bestselling “Breakfast in America” album. His “Give a Little Bit,” with just guitar and backup singers, has the crowd filling the stadium with its enthusiastic singing.

Concert for Diana: CTV.ca's top five moments

Updated Sun. Jul. 1 2007 6:13 PM ET

Tyrone Warner, CTV.ca

It was a spectacle inside Wembley stadium Sunday night with diverse acts from all genres firing on all gears - whipping the 65,000 in attendance into a frenzy. Here's the top five moments of the concert from our vantage point here at CTV.ca.

5. Roger Hodgson's "Give a Little Bit"

His voice might not have been perfect, but he with the billowing white shirt made the stadium feel nice and cozy with his trademark song. Seeing everyone clap in time together was magical -- a kind of moment not often had amongst these large affairs.

4. Kanye West's "Gold Digger/Touch the Sky"

Whenever Kanye hits the stage, there's an explosive energy that can't be beat. His performance of "Gold Digger/Touch the Sky" was classic, and he nailed it. Good on the princes for bringing some authentic urban flavour to the show.

3. Nelly Furtado's "Maneater"

Canada's finest confidently strode across the stage with a rocked out version of her hit song "Maneater." You could see that the crowd, including Prince William and Harry, loved every moment of it. Best part of all? Seeing Toronto MC Saukrates filling in for Timbaland and bringing his raw stage presence to the track. Also, the "clap cam" was in full effect, with the princes clapping away for Furtado.

2. Ricky Gervais's "Free Love on the Free Love Freeway."

This humble scribe can't hide his love for the original UK version of "The Office," so it's no surprise that Ricky Gervais, and his pseudo hit "Free Love," was one of our favourite parts of the show. Well that, and his performances of "The Dance" and "Chubby Little Loser," which was originally performed by David Bowie on his show "Extras," were both an expected treat.

1. Tom Jones singing "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor"

Jones, who is well known for his reinterpretations of classic songs just added the Arctic Monkeys into the canon of songs that people must cover when he did his own horn-infused take on this punky song. I bet the Monkeys probably lost it when he busted this out.

By Howard Gensler - Philadelphia Daily News - July 2, 2007

If being princes becomes a bit of a drag, William and Harry could always try their royal hands at concert promotion.

Their daylong celebration yesterday for what would have been Princess Diana's 46th birthday went off without a hitch - even the fickle British weather cooperated with sun.

And while NBC hacked the event to ribbons to fit into an hour time slot last night, VH1's day of coverage was quite entertaining and surprisingly moving.

One thing about those big Wembley stadium concerts is that British music tastes are eclectic and the Brits stay loyal to their rock 'n' roll gods.

Status Quo? Roger Hodgson of Supertramp? They had everyone up and singing as much as the younger, "hipper" acts.

So kudos to the princes for keeping the event British and personal and deftly mixing new sounds (The Feeling, Natasha Bedingfield) with their mum's favorites (Duran Duran, Elton John).

It shows the clout of Diana 10 years after her death that VH1 would dedicate five hours to a concert hosted by people we don't know, featuring video tributes from scads of regular blokes and lots of old photos and home movies.

But seeing a parade of diverse talents like Kanye West, Bryan Ferry, Fergie, Tom Jones, Joss Stone, Rod Stewart, Pharrell Williams, Nelly Furtado, etc., plus Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman and Donny Osmond singing Andrew Lloyd Webber songs, plus Ricky Gervais plus the English National Ballet overwhelming the huge stage with a selection from "Swan Lake," and it was like going back in time for a Sunday airing of "The Ed Sullivan Show."

So, why, again, is the variety show dead?

Sons remember Diana with star-studded concert

Publisher: Ian Morgan

Published: 02/07/2007 - 08:17:37 AM

More than 60,000 people attended an emotional night to remember at the Concert for Diana staged by Princes William and Harry.

The young royals marked the 10th anniversary of the death of their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, with a pop extravaganza at Wembley Stadium last night.

The princes had a little help from the women in their lives, with Harry sharing a kiss with girlfriend Chelsy Davy as the event began.

William was joined in the royal box by Kate Middleton, fuelling rumours the couple are back together.

They did not sit together, however, and Kate brought along sister Pippa and parents Michael and Carole for company.

Both girls helped the princes organise the six-hour concert, which featured a line-up of top names including Sir Elton John, Lily Allen, P Diddy, Kanye West, Rod Stewart, Take That and Joss Stone.

Prince Harry, 22, kicked off proceedings with a cheeky: "Hello, Wembley!"

He and William addressed a crowd of 63,000 in the stadium and a global TV audience of 500 million watching in 140 different countries.

"This event is about all that our mother loved in life - her music, her dancing, her charities and her family and friends, said William, 25. "We just want you to have an awesome time and enjoy the line-up."

Yesterday would have been Diana's 46th birthday.

The concert ended with never-seen-before home movie footage of her childhood. Many in the crowd hugged and wiped away tears as they watched images of her as a smiling toddler and a young girl playing on a swing, riding her bicycle and dancing for the camera.

The young princes were the stars of the show.

Harry couldn't resist cracking a joke at the beginning, saying: "When William and I first had the idea, we forgot we would end up standing here desperately trying to think of something funny to say. We'll leave that to the funny people - and Ricky Gervais."

Throughout the day in the front row of the Royal Box they took part in Mexican waves, held their arms aloft to Rod Stewart's Sailing, joined in the mass sing-along for Take That's Back For Good, and danced away to Maneater by Nelly Furtado.

Harry also used the occasion to deliver a special message to his Household Cavalry squadron serving in Iraq, listening via a live radio simulcast.

The Prince said: "I wish I was there with you. I'm sorry I can't be. But to all of those on operations at the moment, we'd both like to say - stay safe."

Harry, a Cornet in the Blues and Royals, was banned from serving in the front line in Iraq over fears for his safety.

The princes introduced one of their mother's favourite acts, Duran Duran, before taking their seat in the Royal Box.

Chelsy wore a low-cut black dress while Kate looked more demure in a smart white jacket.

They were joined by cousin Zara Phillips and her rugby player boyfriend Mike Tindall, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and a host of friends.

Diana's siblings, Earl Spencer, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, and Lady Jane Fellowes were also among the guests at the concert, as was photographer Mario Testino, whose famous black and white images of the Princess filled the stage as the backdrop during Elton John's opening set.

After a morning of rain showers, the sun came out for the start of the gig.

Sir Elton John, who sang Candle In The Wind at Diana's funeral in 1997 and was one of her close friends, opened the concert with Your Song.

He also closed the event with Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting, Tiny Dancer and Are You Ready.

Throughout the day, artists dedicated songs to Diana.

Duran Duran played Rio in memory of "this country's favourite princess", while the likes of Joss Stone, Sir Tom Jones and Roger Hodgson of Supertramp played songs they knew were her favourites.

Former England soccer captain David Beckham, there to introduce Take That, took the stage to huge cheers.

He said: "I am truly honoured to be here today to help celebrate the incredible life of the most amazing lady this country has seen for many, many years.

"She was the nation's lady, the nation's princess, always has been and always will be.

"I think what the princes have achieved here is truly remarkable and the nation should be so proud of them."

Other presenters included Sienna Miller, Jamie Oliver, Kiefer Sutherland and Cat Deeley, and there were video tributes from Nelson Mandela and former US president Bill Clinton.

Sutherland described Diana as "one of the great icons of giving".

X Factor and Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell introduced one of the acts.

He dropped his usual Mr Nasty act to congratulate William and Harry on a job well done - and even offered them both jobs.

"You have put on one heck of a show. In years to come, if you ever get tired of running the country, you can come and work for me producing TV shows," he told the laughing princes.

Among the most popular acts of the day were Lily Allen, who sang hits Smile and LDN; Supertramp's Roger Hodgson, who led the crowd singing Give A Little Bit; Rod Stewart; Take That; and a medley of Andrew Lloyd Webber hits which included old and new Josephs Donny Osmond, Jason Donovan and Lee Mead performing Any Dream Will Do.

One of the more poignant moments of the day came when P Diddy sang Missing You.

He wrote the song in memory of record producer Notorious B.I.G, who died in the same year as Diana.

William and Harry joined in as every member of the 63,000-strong crowd sang the words.

The US star ended by looking up at the heavens and saying: "We miss you, our princess."

There were boos for former Prime Minister Tony Blair when he appeared in a video message.

But they turned to applause by the end as Mr Blair said: "I would like to pay tribute to William and Harry. I know their mother would be very proud of them.

"Despite being so clearly a princess she was also quite obviously a human being. People knew that and they loved her for it.

"I think that in William and Harry the qualities that made Diana special live on."

Other performers included Fergie, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Will Young, Status Quo and the English National Ballet, of which Diana was a patron.

There was a heavy police presence around the stadium and ticket-holders had to go through stringent security checks before entering, but there were no complaints.

From Yorkshire Post

Princes join in fun at Diana concert

Princes at the concert. PA

Princes William and Harry joined crowds in a stadium-wide Mexican wave during the Concert for Diana at Wembley last night.

The princes joined in the fun with the 63,000-strong crowd at the special gig they organised in memory of their mother, on what would have been her 46th birthday.

Prince Harry also gave girlfriend Chelsy Davy a kiss on the lips as he settled into his place next to her in the front row of the VIP section after he and WIlliam took to the stage.

The pair danced to Sir Tom Jones's rendition of Kiss and to one of their mother's favourites, Roger Hodgson of Supertramp. Other performers included Bryan Ferry, Will Young and Natasha Bedingfield.

The concert began with Elton John singing Your Song and ended with an Andrew Lloyd-Webber medley.

From Guitarblog.com:

Roger Hodgson Gives A Little Bit More

Roger Hodgson of Supertramp strummed a 12-string acoustic guitar earlier this week like he was leading a campfire sing-a-long, and 63,000 fans of Diana at Wembley Stadium sang along, enthralled.

Many in the audience were no doubt mere glints in their parents’ eyes in 1979, when Supertramp released their seminal album Breakfast in America. Even fewer were around in 1977 when “Give a Little Bit” was the first track on Supertramp’s Even in the Quietest Moments. Still, the intro chords and opening lyrics are as familiar to Baby Boomers as they are to Gen X, Y and Z.

If you need a reminder as to why insane speed shredding is not the sine qua non of arena adoration (and we all need that reminder from time to time), just read the reviews and watch the footage (labeled “GALB”) on Hodgson’s site regarding what an aging icon can do with a 12-string and a decent PA system.

From stereoroid.com:

Today’s big music news is the Princess Diana Memorial Concert, which did not sound at all promising, but passing through the channels now there was one pleasant surprise: Roger Hodgson, by himself, has got the whole of Wembley Stadium singing Supertramp songs. “Well, this is cosy, innt?”

From The Bog Standard Blog

I have been watching...

The Concert for Diana

...and so far have been impressed by...

Rodger Hodgson, I'll be on the lookout for songs by Supertramp now.

From orchidaworld.com

Lady Di is still alive

Lady Diana is still alive today on 1 July 2007, almost ten years after the tragic accident in Paris.

In an inspiring show to her honor in Wembley Stadion her memory is kept alive by persons who still have very warm memories of her and by artists who dedicated songs to her. Roger Hodson from the band Supertramp says that her message was all about giving. It’s true. Lady Di really gave and inspired people to give a little bit, to give a little love, to give a little smile and to give generously to charity.

And you know what? They say as long as they talk about you, you’re not dead. Lady Di must be smiling from above and enjoying this show. What a couple of great sons she has. What a proud mother she must be. Today’s show, on the occasion of her birthday, shows that Diana’s legacy is alive and kicking.

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Messages to Roger about his performance:

Click drop down to read messages

Hello Roger!

Thank you for your music. I loved watching you singing at the concert. I love your music and I hope to see you at the Royal Albert Hall in October. L & L --Cristina

The highlight of the Concert for Diana was when Roger came out and played and sang. Although i thoroughly enjoyed MANY of the performances -- Roger took me back - and since i never saw Roger or Supertramp live - it was especially meaningful -- THANKS! --John

a very polished performance. one of the best of the night. --Joe

Your performance of "Give a Little Bit" in the Concert for Diana was spot on. I was holding my breath on some of the high notes, but you nailed them. I hope to get to see one of your concerts. I'll be the brunette up front, silently absorbing your smile and just taking it all in. --Jackie

Roger - thanks for a great performance at the concert for Diana. I was a big fan of Supertramp in the 80s and it was so great to hear your medley at the concert - I was lucky enough to be there and danced, sang and clapped right through your set.

Well done - you brought back some great memories - thanks for that. And the voice sounds great - (though I don't know what happened to it !) --Moraq

Hi morag,

Roger has been in great voice until the last few weeks- got a bad flue and laryngitis- should be better by next concerts. He did the best he could while under antibiotics and a bad cold for Diana concert!

Cheers

shakti

Congratulations Roger! I won the Princess Diana memorial award some years back so i was watching the concert with a deep understanding of what the Princess was about. Your performance was awesome and i know for sure that the Princess was watching down on you whilst dancing to your wonderful music. Also, at the age of 17 i am a big fan so keep it up!!! Best Wishes --Adam

After a 30 year love affair with supertramp I have finally got to see you sing and play at the Concert for Diana and I was so not

dissapointed! It was my father that got me into your music, that he had on a double cassette album 'Supertramp live in Paris' due to wearing out the tape i now own it on CD and cherish it! I look forward to seeing you perform at Birmingham in October and thank you for being such an inspriation to a fellow songwriter! If you fancy a pint after the Birmingham gig let me know!

Good luck in all your future projects x --Chris

Wow, Wow, Wow......... I enjoyed watching every minute of you. Good Luck with your tour. Love you to bits. --Maria

Hi Roger

Just to say - what a great performance at the concert for Diana. I'm proud to be a fan of yours. All the best --Steve

Hi Roger,

I just wanted to say I am a big fan of your's. You are really cool!! Love your songs and the work that you do. The lyrics really mean something. I saw you perform yesterday for the concert for Diana. You were a joy to watch! I was moved by your song "Give a little bit". being from the tiny island of Sri Lanka, I know you have inspired me and many others with your music and

Tsunami aid. Best wishes to you. stay safe.. Peace, --Ahmed;)

Just had to write in to congratulate you on a magical performance at the Concert for Diana. It had me beaming almost as fully as you! I shall definitely get to one of your concerts and can't wait. Bless you for shining out and bringing such joy -quite the best act.

Dear Roger.

Just wanna tell you, that to me YOU were the most positive surprise at the concert. Some of the other artist I have seen live before, and "knew" what to exspect. But I have never seen you live before- BUT what a show you gave. And those wonderful songs. Hope you had as good an experience as you gave me. Wonderful. THANK YOU- --Steen - Denmark

Hi Roger,excellent to see you performing last night. It seems a very long time ago that we used to borrow each others amps/mics etc at Stowe. Probably because it IS a long time! I shall toddle along and see you at the Albert Hall in October. Meanwhile should you find yourself in Jermyn Street do drop into my jewellery shop at #38. It would be good to see you again. Yours, --Nigel

So wonderful to see and hear you at Diana's concert. You were wonderful, your voice is fabulous. You were such an integral part of my life growing up.....your lyrics and sensitivity gave me hope. Please won't you consider coming to the States, (eastern coast). Would be such fun to see you live!! Thank you. --Elizabeth

Hi Roger, I am spanish girl that I know some of your songs for my older brothers. I also saw you in the concert for Diana. You were great!! I love your smile so much... --Conchi

Hi Roger,

I've been wanting to contact you for awhile, but feel the time is right now, especially after your performance during The Concert for Diana. Believe me, we *did* feel "The Good Energy out there", even over the TV waves here in Montreal, Canada. What a special talent you are! I would never had known you were feeling under the weather, until I came to your website. I was blown away by your performance.

I would also like to send you my congrats in regards to the DVD I just bought awhile back. "Roger Hodgson: Take the Long Way Home ? Live in Montreal" I couldn't afford to go to the show, but feel as tho I was there when I watch the DVD. And the special feature interviews are GREAT! We really get a sense of who you are!!

I am 44 and have been a fan of Supertramp all my life. Actually, Crime of the Century was the first album I bought with my own money! I still have it!!

Here's a story you might like: I used to listen to your albums over and over again in my room, and my mother (1st generation Canadian) and my grandfather (born in Scotland, but lived with us here in Montreal) used to yell at me to not swear...when I was singing "Bloody Well Right". As you know, people of that generation thought Bloody as a swear word!! :)

Just wanted to share that with you, I hope you are feeling better, and you come back to Montreal soon! This time I will make sure I have some money saved up to come see you live once again (haven't done that since Supertramp at Jarry Park YEARS ago)...

TTFN (Ta Ta For Now), --Donna

Hi Roger

Thanks for all the wonderful memories of my teenage years. As an Expat in China....you should consider a world wide telecast from Shanghai,China... --Pete

mate, your brilliant, come to HK. Regards --Dave

Roger,

I saw the Concert for Diana and you were great, as the entire show was incredible. I live in Kansas City and am very interested in your tours dates here in the US. Thank you and take care! --Ben

Hi Roger,

I run Rick Wakeman's website [www.rwcc.com] and I just wanted to say that as far as I was concerned, you completely stole the show.

We watched it in HD in Seattle where we now live and I had no idea you were performing. I dropped and smashed a plate when I heard you announced getting to the TV.

Stunning! All the best... --Best regards, Wayne

Just seem a re run of your performance on the Diana concert and I thought your perfornance was superb. Wish you were coming to Newcastle on your forthcoming UK TOUR! --Kevin

Hi Roger,

I heard you for the first time on the Diana concert the other evening. I particularly liked the minimalist approach - just you and a keyboard and, of course, the audience. It was very effective compared to the 200-piece band accompanying the other artists.(smile)

I believe you wrote it's Raining Again. Now, for some reason I always think you were the curly-haired guy with the suitcase, or have I got it completely wrong?

I am actually blind. I lost my sight about 22 years ago; however, I have a very vivid memory of the video which was shown on TOP OF THE POPS.

Anyway, I just wanted to say hello and let you know how much I enjoyed the performance on Saturday.

All the best, --James

You made my day when I saw you on VH1 during the Concert For Diana. Excellent performance! Any plans to tour the states? If so, Cleveland welcomes you with open arms. Thanks for the great music. --Simon

Roger, you sent a chill up my spine - hearing you today was such a reminder of my youth and your wonderful hits! I played Retrospectacle before you came on and you sounded the same - Good on you! Thanks for reminding me of what a wonderful sound you all made! --Gaynor

Saw you at The Concert for Diana on TV yesterday and greatly enjoyed your short set. "Give a Little Bit" sounded fab!How was it in the stadium in front of 63,000 people? --Chad

I'm only 20 so I've not really heard of Roger before, but the way he captivated 63,000 fans at the Concert in memory of Diana, was truly remarkable.

It's a memory that I will cherish, and can now spend many years listening to Roger and Supertramp! --Yours, Simon

Dear Roger

Wish to say how much I enjoyed your performance on 1 July 2007, absolutely fabulous. --Sincere Best Wishes, Peter

Way to go Roger!! You got 60 000 people on their feet for Give A Little Bit. A magical moment for everyone. I feel that this performance was by far the most genuine and intimate of the whole concert. I heard you were a little under the weather but you totally pulled it off anyways. You never had a band...like most performers..just you and your keyboard or 12 string....awesome. As a longtime Supertramp/Roger fan I love seeing the respect and love that people have for you and the fact that it seems like

it is gaining as time goes on. You so deserve it!! Your songs and Ricks are timeless. Thanks and best wishes for your summer tour. --Peter

Well what can I say... I really felt exceptionally lucky: During Kathy's Roger Hodgson Sunday Chat "Crazy" Miriam happened to mention the concert was on RTL II - a German station I can tune into via satellite dish in Malta. And just when we were wondering when Roger's turn would come or whether we'd missed his performance already... There he was, unbelievably!! Yay! It was so great to hear him live again (ok, it wasn't live, strictly speaking.)

Now it's a couple of hours later (midnight here in Malta) and I just wish I'd catch the broadcast again on another station somewhere else in the world....

Roger, your fans still love you - and those who maybe had forgotten you, are loving you again, as tonight's audience (and their reactions in your guestbook) showed. PLEASE give us new songs!!!! --Sabine

Thanks for the tremendisly performance you gave at the diana concert. Tears on the face of a 45 year old men.

THANKS THANKS THANKS --Rienk

Hello Roger, here I am living in Mallorca, and I thought your set on the Diana show was the highlight for me.I have always liked "Give a little bit", and as I now have a 12 string, I could just about keep up.

Is that guitar a Gibson or a Gretsch? I`m sick with envy.

Good luck with the tour, come to Mallorca you`ll be a sell out. --Regards, Paul.

Hi Roger,

I've been wanting to contact you for awhile, but feel the time is right now, especially after your performance during The Concert for Diana.

Believe me, we *did* feel "The Good Energy out there", even over the TV waves here in Montreal, Canada. What a special talent you are!

I would never had known you were feeling under the weather, until I came to your website. I was blown away by your performance. .... --Donna

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We’ve received quite a few questions from fans wanting to know about Roger playing at the Concert for Diana. So here is a page answering some of them…

Question:

I heard that the songs in the medley Roger performed were some of Princess Diana’s favorite songs that he wrote and composed, is that true?

Answer:

Yes, he created a wonderful medley of a few of his songs he had heard from various sources were some of Princess Diana’s favorites- songs that she loved and sang with Princes William & Harry and even danced to. The medley was Dreamer, The Logical Song and Breakfast in America. Had there been more time he would also have loved playing a couple of her other favorite songs like, Take the Long Way Home or Lord Is It Mine.

Question:

I heard several artists speak about the tremendous amount of change at the last minute and technical glitches that most people in the audience didn’t even notice. Did Roger experience that also?

Answer:

He sure did! Up until the day of the show, Roger was also slated to perform some of his songs on Grand piano. Unfortunately they were not able to lift the piano onto the stage so he had to be very flexible and perform only on keyboard and guitar.

Also, one of the hardest things during the show was that Roger wears inner ear monitors to hear the sound and they kept cutting in and out so often he could not hear himself playing or singing.

Question:

Compared to hearing him on the DVD, it sounded like Roger had a cold or flu, is that true?

Answer:

Yes, he did have a cold and he was still recovering from laryngitis. Many people have written in saying what a great job he did and how amazing it was that he was able to perform with a cold, having lost some of his voice. He always puts all of his heart into his performances and he did the best he could under extreme circumstances for a performer. And it was great how the audience all got on their feet and joined in.

Question:

Is it true that Roger was personally invited by the Princes to perform?

Answer:

Yes that is true, he received a formal invitation by the Princes, and Roger feels very honored to have been asked to perform. He feels it is very beautiful what the Princes are doing to honor their mother. Princess Diana represents to so many of us the spirit of compassion, generosity, care and grace.

Question:

Is it true that Roger had always wanted to perform for Princess Diana?

Answer:

Yes, he admired Princess Diana very much and had always wanted to perform for her, so he immediately said yes and was very happy to be able to perform for her in this special event.

Question:

Did the Princes ask for the songs that he did?

Answer:

Yes, the Princes asked for those songs. Roger gave a list of the songs he felt and the ones he played are the ones that they chose.

Question:

Is it true that the Princess Diana used to dance to Supertramp music?

Answer:

Yes, Princes William and Harry said that their mother used to dance around her palace listening to Supertramp, and in an interview before the concert Prince William said, “She loved exactly the kind of people who are coming... she loved Supertramp.”

Question:

I heard Roger feels “Give a Little Bit” is a theme song for him and he played it for the Princes. Does it have a special meaning for him in relation to Diana’s life and the message he was sending out to the Princes about their mom?

Answer:

Yes, “Give a Little Bit” is so much about coming from our hearts in all we do, and it’s about loving and caring for people. So it was the perfect song to play to remind us all, as Prince William has said, that everything Princess Diana did was “from the heart”, and that she “loved caring for people and she loved helping”. “Give a Little Bit” is a beautiful reflection of how Diana lived her life.

Question:

“Give a Little Bit” was the most uplifting song I heard at the concert, it raised everyone’s spirit and had people dancing in the aisles. Why does Roger think it is so timeless and continues to be so inspiring?

Answer:

Roger was just a teenager when he wrote “Give a Little Bit”, and he has said “even then, the love that I was writing about was a universal love. This song is very special to me because its simple message is timeless. I feel that giving a little bit of our love to each other is one of our main purposes in life.”

Roger also felt it was the perfect song to play for and to Diana because it has become a theme song for charity work, particularly for the Tsunami Relief Efforts, and Diana has been remembered in the hearts of many for how her charity work touched thousands of lives.

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ROGER'S DVD - TAKE THE LONG WAY HOME

At long last, after years of anticipation from Supertramp and Roger Hodgson fans, we have created the most amazing DVD of one of Roger's solo concerts:

Roger Hodgson: Take the Long Way Home — Live in Montreal

The DVD of Roger’s June 6, 2006 solo concert in Montreal was released in Canada last year, where it went to #1 and Double Platinum. It will be released worldwide this Fall. Read what others have said about this DVD here.