It’s a shocking fact but by the end of summer, 1000 New Zealand women will be diagnosed with breast cancer according to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation (NZBCF) – that’s eight a day.
In tribute to these women NZBCF has launched a campaign to raise funds to create a new, tailored counselling service for women with breast cancer.
It has released 1000 T-shirts numbered one to 1000. You can show your support by purchasing and wearing a T-shirt.
You have a long and very successful career in the music business. How do you stay calm and cool working in such an unpredictable and competitive industry?
I think my demeanor is relaxed. I don’t get too crazy. I’m fulfilling the dream I had when I was 13-years-old to be a drummer and I’m still doing what I love to do. That’s what gets me through it all and it’s a great blessing to me. I love to play live and every night I go on stage I love the audience, they know that and they love me, so it’s a love fest.
What are your favorite ways to relax?
I love to be relaxed. I don’t know why people think because you’re a well-known pop star that we relax differently. We don’t – we hang out at home, we have dinner, go to the movies. I like to actually sit on a beach in the sun and listen to the waves. But you can’t do that every day can you?
You’ve been very selective about brand partnerships. What is it about Skechers that struck a chord with you?
I’m still a working musician, I’m still on tour, I’ve done commercials. I saw lots of ads for Skechers that were really bright, young and fresh. I’ve always enjoyed those commercials, and now I’m enjoying the shoes. I love to be relaxed and I’m wearing the shoes because they’re comfortable.
You’ve been an advocate for many philanthropic causes. What inspired you to create your own charitable organisation, The Lotus Foundation?
I wanted to take the initiative, rather than waiting for invitations, and support something that could make a difference in people’s lives. We covered all the startup costs for three years (phone bills, rent) to take the weight off so The Lotus Foundation could become established. We support a wide range of causes, from clean water aid to providing wheelchair access for a handicapped child.
Looking back at your experiences working with charitable causes, can you describe a moment or interaction that made a profound impact on your life?
I like to help out the Make-A-Wish Foundation. One of the kids I met was named Mary. She was 8-years old and very ill (in a coma) but she woke up and for some reason A Hard Day’s Night was on the TV and she fell in love with Ringo. She’s such a beautiful little girl and we had a holiday with her – she was just running around like a fairy. She’s better now and 14-years-old. We’re still in contact. That was a beautiful moment for me because I have my own children and when you meet one that’s really ill, it’s a moving experience.
Tell us about your new album and tour coming up in 2015.
We started the new tour on February 11. We’re dividing it into three parts: America, South America (Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico City), then back to America. I love touring, but nobody loves getting on the plane, the bus, the car… whatever gets you to the gig. But once you’re there it’s all worth it. On March 31 the new record will be out, Postcards from Paradise, that I’ve been working on all of last year. I made it in L.A. at home in my guesthouse. I do basic tracks, then invite writers to come and join me and we write songs… from Van Dyke Parks to Richard Marx and Todd Rundgren. I just have fun. I love hanging out with musicians and have the excuse if we’re writing a song and then we play. So that’s what happening in my life right now. Peace and love.
