ROGER HODGSON

The legendary songwriter, composer and former Supertramp star

"takes the long way home" back to his former school - Stowe

15 February 2008: Chance Organisation is delighted to announce that Roger Hodgson, the legendary singer/songwriter and co-founder of Supertramp, will stage a one-off concert at his former school, Stowe, on Friday, 27th June 2008.

As the unmistakable signature voice of Supertramp, Roger composed and delivered such classic hits as 'Give a Little Bit', 'The Logical Song', 'Dreamer', 'Take the Long Way Home', 'Breakfast In America', 'School', 'It's Raining Again' and 'Fool's Overture'.

Roger's concert at Stowe offers fans a unique opportunity to share the intimacy of his songs in their original form - just the way he intended when he first put pen to paper.

Guests can choose from a number of ticketing options, ranging from high-end packages that include a private dinner in the State Rooms of Stowe and access to a stage-side VIP area, to concert-only picnic passes.

Roger follows the Beatles in performing at Stowe School, but unlike the 'Fab Four', who had to make do with the assembly hall back in 1963, the school has given their favourite son permission to rock 'al fresco', and the fabled Marble Hall, South Steps and Portico will lend the concert a magical backdrop.

Roger's musical odyssey at Stowe School in Buckinghamshire continued when he took up piano and many of the seeds of his later piano compositions were sown, including some of our favourites like, 'Breakfast in America' and 'Fool's Overture'. His return to where it all began marks a significant landmark in the life of a man universally acclaimed as one of the most gifted composers and lyricists of our times.

In 1983, at the height of Supertramp's success, Roger chose to part ways with the band in order to focus on raising his family and live a quiet life in nature, pursuing his spiritual values.

Although he has continued creating and performing music - as well as nurturing new talent, like the young musicians he mentored on 'Canadian Idol', (Canada's version of 'Pop Idol'), Roger's public appearances have been all too few in recent years.

He returned to the UK last year at the behest of Princes William and Harry to perform at the Concert for Diana, and his performance of 'Give a Little Bit' at Wembley Stadium had everyone on their feet clapping and singing in celebration of the Princess and the spirit of the song.

When asked about the Stowe concert, Roger Hodgson said: "The 5 years I spent at Stowe, from age 13-18, had a profound impact on me. I was in many groups and gave numerous concerts while at school and to me it feels like coming back full circle."

"So many of my musical dreams began during my time at Stowe - many of which came true.  I am really looking forward to revisiting the place responsible for such a pivotal time in my life and looking forward to giving a little bit of my love and gift back to it. I know it's changed a lot since I was there and I look forward to sharing my music with the new Stowe."

Andrew Chance, founder of Chance Organisation and an Old Stoic, said: "I am truly delighted that Roger has agreed to perform in concert in the stunning setting of the south front at Stowe.  In his final year at the school, although younger, I had the privilege of playing drums in concert for him!

"Having worked on a number of spectacular events over the years and with an array of well-known artists, I am really looking forward to working with Roger again.

"In the four decades since he left Stowe, his songs have found their way into so many of our lives.  Unique opportunities like this seldom arise and we invite everyone who was inspired by the music of Supertramp to be part of this remarkable evening."

For more information, please contact Julie Hicks on 0207 228 5547 or mobile 07949 080 986 or email julieh@fantasticracing.com

For ticket information, please call 01432 355416 or order online at www.jsltickets.com

Notes to the editor:

Roger Hodgson: Roger Hodgson, born in Portsmouth in 1950, co-founded Supertramp and is regarded as one of rock history's most gifted singer/songwriters. As the legendary voice and composer of Supertramp's greatest hits, Roger guided the band to world-wide stardom, selling over 60 million albums in the process. Hodgson parted company with Supertramp in 1983 to raise his family and work from his home studio in northern California. His first solo album, 'In the Eye of the Storm', released in 1984, became an international hit, selling over two million copies. In 1987, in the very same week that his second album, 'Hai Hai', was released, Hodgson had a bad fall and shattered both his wrists. This heralded a life-change and it wasn't until ten years later that he re-entered the musical arena with his first live solo album 'Rites of Passage', and, in 2000, his first studio album in 13 years, 'Open the Door'. It is only in the last few years that Roger has begun to perform again, both solo and with symphony orchestra, around the globe. In 2006, Hodgson was honoured by ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) in recognition of his song 'Give A Little Bit'. 'Retrospectacle', Supertramp's first comprehensive compilation, was released in October of 2005 and has sold over 1/2 million copies in the UK to date. He also recently released his first ever DVD, "Take the Long Way Home - Live in Montreal", which went to #1 in Canada and Platinum in just 7 weeks.

www.RogerHodgson.com

In praise of Roger Hodgson's concert at the Royal Albert Hall in October 2007:

"There are few vocalists instantly recognisable from the first few bars of a song but Roger Hodgson is certainly one of that unique group. The singer/songwriter of Supertramp, his voice is as unmistakable as the distinct keyboard sound of his early hits."

The Times - London

"The highest compliment Roger can be paid is that he probably sounds better live today than in the recording studio more than a generation ago."                                                

Evening Standard - London

Chance Organisation: Chance Organisation was founded in 1980 by Andrew Chance and has since become a leader in the entertainment industry. Chance offers the finest in entertainment, music, production and sporting events to corporate and private clients throughout the UK and Europe.  Andrew Chance, the party and event organiser, has a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail. With more than 25 years' experience at the very top of the entertainment and events industry, Andrew is a respected leader within his field.

www.chanceorganisation.co.uk

The South Front at Stowe provides a truly stunning setting for this concert.  The splendour of the Marble Hall, South Steps and Portico provides a magical backdrop to the sublime beauty of the landscaped gardens beyond.  Immense and uplifting, the views across the lakes to the temples, the Palladian Bridge and the Corinthian Arch beyond have inspired generations of artists, poets and musicians.  There can surely be no more inspirational a place to experience the musical genius that is Roger Hodgson.

A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to The Campaign for Stowe which is vital to the future of this wonderful place. It raises awareness and support for the pressing needs of both Stowe House Preservation Trust and Stowe School Foundation.