Paolo platinum disc win boosts Africa appeal
by Bryan Brough, Paisley Daily Express
THRILLED schoolgirl Laura McEwan was overjoyed when she became the proud owner of a platinum disc awarded to Paisley singing sensation Paolo Nutini.
Laura, who is a Third Year pupil at St Andrew’s Academy in Paisley, got her hands on the treasured keepsake after her dad won it at a charity auction.
The platinum disc – forged by Atlantic Records – celebrates the sale of one million copies of Paolo’s first album These Streets, which shot to number one in the UK charts and helped him to achieve fame around the world.
Only one other copy of the special CD exists and that is owned by 22-year-old Paolo himself.
The talented Buddie is a former St Andrew’s Academy pupil and he donated the coveted disc to help raise funds for the Barrhead Road school’s Uganda project.
It was auctioned, along with other items, at a charity dinner to help the trouble-torn African country.
On the night, more than £8,000 was raised for the Uganda project – and this means that, in total, more than £45,000 has now been gathered in by the caring St Andrew’s Academy pupils and staff to help build classrooms in the village of Kikumba.
In June this year, a group of 24 students and five staff from the Paisley school travelled to Uganda to see at first hand how their money is being put to good use.
Paolo was due to present the platinum disc to Laura but he was touring America at the time – so his dad Alfredo and mum Linda stepped in to help out.
Tony Quinn, headteacher at St Andrew’s Academy, said: “Laura was thrilled to get her hands on the special platinum disc.
“At the time of the presentation, Paolo was in America touring, so he wasn’t able to hand over the disc to Laura in person, but his parents were on hand to present the disc instead.
“We are very grateful to Paolo and his mum and dad for this kind donation. As well as helping to raise much-needed funds, it also raised the profile of the Uganda project in the community.”
Linda, whose family runs the popular Castelvecchi chip shop in New Street, Paisley, said: “Paolo was only too happy to support the students of his old school in this worthwhile venture.”
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Mick Jagger and Ben Affleck sign up star Paolo Nutini for movie song
Nov 30 2008 By Billy Sloan
MICK JAGGER and Ben Affleck have signed up Paolo Nutini to perform the soundtrack to their new film.
The 21-year-old was handpicked by the superstars to record a version of the Rolling Stones' 1969 hit Gimme Shelter.
The track will feature on a documentary highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Darfur.
The United Nations movie will be presented by Oscar-winner Affleck and filming is due to begin next year.
The stars hope it will raise awareness of the plight of the two million people displaced from their homes since fighting broke out in the Sudanese region five years ago.
Jagger gave the UN special permission to use the classic Stones' track free of charge - but he insisted Paolo record a version more suited to the cause.
Last night Paolo said: "It's a real honour to be asked.
"Mick doesn't wantmy version of Gimme Shelter to be like the Stones' original, which is very sexy and dirty.
"He wants it to be much more emotive to highlight the cause.
"We want to draw attention to what's happening to the people in that war-torn region.
"I'll record the track in London and everybody - from the producers, musicians and cameramen - will give their services free."
Paolo struck up a firm friendship with Mick after duetting with the Stones at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2007.
The Scot rehearsed the track - blues classic Love In Vain - with Mick in a room in a Travelodge on the island Paolo said: "When I walked into the room he was relaxing watching Formula 1 on television.
"We sang the number together and he seemed happy how it worked out.
"It was great being part of this amazing rock'n'roll circus."
Paolo has signed up to appear at this year's Hogmanay street parties in both Edinburgh and Glasgow.
He will perform in the capital alongside Groove Armada, Glasvegas, Attic Lights and The Complete Stone Roses. The singer will then get a police escort west to headline Glasgow's party in George Square.
In 2006, a frustrated Paolo did not get to appear at Edinburgh's Hogmanay after bad weather resulted in the festivities being be scrapped.
He said: "I was backstage when news came through the street party in Aberdeen was off because of terrible weather.
"It was followed by call-offs in Glasgow and Stirling...then Edinburgh.
"So I never got the chance to play and have not even been to any of the parties as a punter."
Paolo will be accompanied at both events by his family and girlfriend Teri Brogan.
He said: "I'll kick off events at the Concert In The Park on Princes Street at 9.30pm, then head straight to Glasgow. I'll play for 20 minutes before The Bells then again just after midnight.
"It's daunting to be appearing before thousands of revellers in Scotland's two biggest cities on the same special night. It will be a real challenge.
"After the Glasgow show we'll hit an all-night party. I don't see us clocking off until lunchtime on New Year's Day."
Paolo - who releases his new album in February - has fond memories of New Year family get togethers in his Paisley home.
He said: "As a kid I remember Hogmanay being a real big deal.
"I'd get the Hoover out and help my mum tidy the house up for our guests arriving.
"We'd have lots of great food - Scots steak pie and Italian pasta - and watch Only An Excuse and Rikki Fulton on TV.
"We'd also sing karaoke. My big party songs were Rockin' Robin by Michael Jackson or Dream Lover by Bobby Darin. We always had a brilliant time."
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