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Eric Clapton & Tina Turner celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Prince's Trust

On June 20, 1986, The Prince’s Trust celebrated its 10th anniversary with a concert at London’s Wembley Arena.  Eric Clapton & Tina used this platform to introduce their new song,  ”Tearing Us Apart,” which would appear later in the year on Clapton’s  August album.

Eric Clapton was the first superstar to sign on to the anniversary Rock Gala. He was quickly followed by other legendary musicians, including Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Bryan Adams, Mark Knopfler, Phil Collins and Tina Turner.

The event became a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration among friends and fellow musicians that has rarely been matched.

These collaborations have become one of the hallmarks of the various music concerts organized by The Trust

One of the highlights of the 1986 All-Star Gala was the first live duet performance by Clapton and Tina Turner of their recently recorded song for Clapton’s 1986 August album—“Tearing Us Apart. ”  The song was co-written by Clapton and Greg Phillinganes, and was produced by Phil Collins, who joins Clapton and Tina Turner on stage with “all-star” band members Bryan Adams and Mark Knopfler,

Clapton makes it clear in his autobiography that this song was inspired by a painful series of events in his relationship with photographer and model Pattie Boyd.  The song is part of Clapton’s return to his R&B roots, and many critics have paid tribute to Tearing Us Apart as Clapton at his “angry best.”  The success of the August album and the single Tearing Us Apart (which went quickly to #5 on the UK’s Rock Chart) resulted in a collaboration with Phil Collins that would continue for years.

Eric Clapton was an early supporter of The Prince's Trust charity "Rock Galas"

Both Clapton and Tina Turner continue to perform this song at their concerts…at times with each other; at times with others (Clapton has performed this song with the likes of Katie Kissoon, Tess Niles, and Sheryl Crow).  But The Prince’s Trust concert was the very first venue for a live performance of Tearing Us Apart, and the combination of Turner, Clapton and Collins makes this a true snapshot of the creative energy that was behind the making of the song.

HRH The Prince of Wales founded The Prince’s Trust in 1976 out of a conviction that a way should be found to tackle the alienation of many young people in society by encouraging challenge, adventure and self-help.

The Prince’s Trust is UK’s leading youth charity, giving practical and financial support to 14-30 year olds, helping them tackle problems of employment, education and training. Since its inception in 1976 The Trust has helped over 600,000 young people, overcome their barriers and transform their lives.

Proceeds from this video will support The Prince’s Trust to help change young people’s lives.

iTunes videos from The Prince’s Trust include:  While My Guitar Gently Weeps (George Harrison), My Song (Elton John), Tearing Us Apart (Eric Clapton & Tina Turner), Get Back (Paul McCartney), Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting (Elton John), Orangefield (Van Morrison), and You Can’t Hurry Love (Phil Collins).  See www.digitalvideosingles.com for more information.

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Eric Clapton & Tina Turner

“Tearing Us Apart”

Wembley Arena, London

Prince’s Trust Rock Gala

June  20, 1986

Running Time: 6:04

Featuring: Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, Phil Collins, Bryan Adams, Mark Knopfler, Midge Ure, Elton John, and Ray Cooper.

Written By: Eric Clapton & Greg Phillinganes.