Today is World AIDS Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease. Government and health officials, non-governmental organizations and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control. World AIDS Day is one of the eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO).
All day long, KEXP DJs have been spotlighting artists who have passed away from AIDS related complications or who live with HIV. Our goal has been to raise awareness, to highlight and celebrate some key musicians who have succumbed to the disease, and to show that this disease has affected a wide range of people all across the globe. Many of those artists are also featured in our Video Round-Up below.
As of 2013, AIDS has killed more than 36 million people worldwide (1981-2012), and an estimated 35.3 million people are living with HIV, making it one of the most important global public health issues in recorded history. Despite recent improved access to antiretroviral treatment in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claims an estimated 2 million lives each year, of which about 270,000 are children.
Find out more about World AIDS Day tonight at the EMP Museum as KEXP's Wo'Pop hosts a special event alongside The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Lifelong. This free, all ages event will run from 5-10 PM, featuring art, snacks, educational materials, cultural elements, and musical performances from Chimurenga Rennaissance and Thomas Mapfumo & the Blacks Unlimited. Click here for more information and to RSVP.
Ian McLagan, keyboardist for the '60s UK rock band Small Faces (later, known in the '70s as the Faces), passed away today at the age of 69. In a statement released by his management, it was reported, "He died today, December 3, 2014, surrounded by family and friends in his adopted hometown of Austi…
