Greenpeace Canada is set to release an exclusive two-disc, re-mastered live recording Amchitka, the 1970 concert that launched Greenpeace, featuring Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and the late Phil Ochs. The concert, a fundraiser to protest U.S. nuclear bomb tests near Amchitka, Alaska sees a first-time release on 10 November. The CD is available exclusively through Greenpeace and all proceeds will benefit the organization.
"We are pleased to offer this musical slice of history to
Greenpeace supporters and music lovers around the world," said
Bruce Cox, Greenpeace Canada's executive director. "This CD is a
piece of musical magic. It contains never before heard songs, duets
and chatter that capture the confidence and hope of the times. It
carries a timeless message that change is possible."
The concert, which took place at the Pacific Coliseum in
Vancouver, British Columbia on 16 October 1970, was organized by
former trial lawyer and activist Irving Stowe. As co-director of
the Don't Make A Wave Committee, he raised enough money to send 11
peace activists by boat, christened The Greenpeace, to the Aleutian
Island of Amchitka. The activists were unsuccessful in stopping the
tests, but their voyage in 1971 marks the birth of the worldwide
organization known today as Greenpeace.
"The Amchitka voyage would not have
happened without the concert, and so we owe a debt of gratitude to
Irving Stowe, and the talents of Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and
Phil Ochs for generating the momentum that ultimately launched
Greenpeace," continued Cox. "The activists that traveled to
Amchitka set the example that has guided and defined Greenpeace:
non-violent direct action to protect our environment and motivate
societal change."
The upcoming release features concert performances by
then-rising Canadian star Joni Mitchell and a 22-year old James
Taylor. Protest singer, Phil Ochs kicks off the CD. Earlier that
year Mitchell had been named Top Female Performer of 1970 by Melody
Maker magazine and Taylor had released his major breakthrough album
Sweet Baby James.
Of the historic concert, Amchitka emcee and Canadian
broadcaster, Terry David Mulligan says, "The crew of 'The
Greenpeace' took hold of our hearts and minds and pulled all of us
along. As always, music carried the day."
Greenpeace is an independently funded organization that works to
protect the environment. The organization challenges government and
industry to halt harmful practices by negotiating solutions,
conducting scientific research, introducing clean alternatives,
carrying out peaceful acts of civil disobedience and educating and
engaging the public. For more information on Greenpeace visit
www.greenpeace.org.
For more information on the Amchitka
release and press materials please contact
Liz Campanile 908. 301.1946, 
Spencer Tripp, Communications Director, Greenpeace
Canada
416. 605. 8408 
334 N. Chestnut Street*Westfield, NJ 07090* 908. 301. 1946