Annie Lennox on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour – A Life in Music and Activism
Yesterday, Annie Lennox joined Nuala McGovern live on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour for a powerful and reflective conversation marking the release of her new book, Annie Lennox: Retrospective. At 70, the multi-award-winning singer-songwriter continues to inspire with her music, activism, and unwavering commitment to social justice.
From her early days in The Tourists to global fame with Eurythmics and a celebrated solo career, Annie’s voice has been a constant in the cultural landscape for nearly five decades. But it’s her activism that took centre stage in this interview. Annie spoke passionately about her global feminist organisation, The Circle, which supports women and girls facing gender-based violence and economic inequality around the world.
The new book, Retrospective, is more than a collection of photographs. It’s a visual memoir that captures Annie’s journey as an artist and activist. Among the standout images are moments with Nelson Mandela at World AIDS Day in 2007 and a striking photo of Annie removing a Russian soldier’s hat during Perestroika – both symbols of her fearless spirit and commitment to change.
“It’s up to women to demand the change,” Annie told Nuala, “but also to educate boys and men.” Her words echoed the urgency of collective action and the importance of speaking up – themes that have defined her career both on and off stage.
The interview also previewed Annie’s upcoming London events, including an in-conversation evening at the Emmanuel Centre and a book signing at Waterstones Piccadilly.
You can listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds.
