- Music
- 24 Apr 08
Bill Clinton has written to the organisers of the Good Vibrations Records anniversary concert to commend the label, along with boss Terri Hooley, for their support
Ex President Bill Clinton has taken time out from his hectic campaigning schedule to send his best wishes to the concert celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Good Vibrations Records! The concert featuring the Undertones and James Nesbitt will take place at the Mandela Hall,Belfast tomorrow night with tickets costing £20 available on the door.
Event organiser, Arthur Magee was amazed to receive a letter from President Clinton in which the president gave his total support to the concert.
In his letter, President Clinton said:
“Warm Greetings to everyone celebrating the 30th anniversary of Good Vibrations Records.
Music is a powerful, unifying force in our world, bringing people together across boundaries of geography, background, religion and culture. Good Vibrations provides a unique and inspiring example in that endeavour. By supporting young musicians in Northern Ireland and introducing them to audiences in England and elsewhere, Good Vibrations not only helped individual musicians to realize their dreams but also offered listeners the opportunity to better understand and appreciate one another through the common language of music.
As you probably know, Northern Ireland holds a special place in my heart. Good Friday, April 10, 1998, the day that all the parties in Northern Ireland agreed to a plan to end 30 years of sectarian violence, was one of the happiest days of my Presidency. While I’m proud of my contribution in bringing about the Agreement, I know that no government policy can truly succeed without the grassroots efforts of those people the policy would affect. I commend Terri Hooley, and all those involved in Good Vibrations, for giving young people something positive to say, “yes” to.
Best wishes for a memorable and meaningful anniversary celebration.
Bill Clinton (signed)”
Speaking today Arthur joked, “I’m over the moon about this. I wrote to a lot of different people about this concert and to get the backing of someone like President Clinton, well it’s just incredible. I’ve let Terri Hooley hear what President Clinton had to say about him and for once in his life he was speechless!"
Prior to the concert, a bus tour of Terri Hooley’s Belfast has been arranged as well as a special screening of John T Davis’ Ulster punk documentary “Shellshock Rock”.
The Undertones were championed by John Peel, but other fans have included Bob Dylan and Madness.
Concert Details
Venue – Mandela Hall
Date – Friday 25 April 2008-03-03
Artists – The Undertones, Shame Academy, The PanamaKings + Very Special Guests
Tickets - £20 available from www.gotobelfast.com
Advertisement
Bus Tour
Departs from Castle Place at 4pm, Friday 25 th April.
Tickets are available in advance from The Belfast Welcome Centre or on the bus and cost £10.
Finishes at QFT
Shell Shock Rock Screening at QFT
Introduced by director John T Davis 6.30 pm
Tickets priced £5.20 are available on the door.