Rock For Japan: Artists Support Tsunami Relief Efforts
posted in: Music News
After the devastating 8.9 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami hit Japan last week, artists immediately took to Twitter and Facebook to encourage their fans to support relief efforts and donate money to the Red Cross. Justin Bieber, Diddy and will.i.am were among those pledging their support for tsunami victims, and many celebs, including Gaga and Katy Perry, are taking action beyond Twitter to raise money for the victims. So read on if you’re looking for ways to support the relief efforts!
Lady Gaga was the first to respond outside the digital sphere, introducing a prayer wristband just hours after the quake struck. The bracelets, which say “Pray for Japan” in English and Japanese, are available for $5 on her Web site, but fans also have the option to add a donation ranging from $5 to $100 to the purchase of the wristband. It’s a simple, but effective concept” within 48 hours, Gaga fans purchased enough bracelets to raise over $250,000 for relief. The Mother Monster’s Web site also encourages fans to donate through Citizen Effect.
Since then, several other artists have ramped up their fundraising efforts. Katy Perry announced that she’ll donate proceeds from the sale of light up wands at future shows to the Japanese Red Cross. Linkin Park‘s Mike Shinoda designed two tee-shirts”one with a butterfly on it and one emblazoned with the words Not Alone, available for $25 each on the band’s Web site. Proceeds from sales go to Music For Relief and shirts will ship April 8th. Simple Plan have also designed an exclusive charity tee shirt, and the group’s Simple Plan Foundation has already donated $10,000 to the Canadian Red Cross.
Blink-182‘s Mark Hoppus set up an eBay auction for the band’s limited edition swag and promised the proceeds to the American Red Cross. (Coolest item? The original, handwritten lyric sheets to “The Rock Show.”) Black Rebel Motorcycle Club are also auctioning gear to raise money for the Red Cross; an autographed rise cymbal signed by the band and limited edition vinyl are ready for bidding on charitybuzz.
Even Charlie Sheen got in on the action, pledging $1 from the sale of each ticket on his upcoming tour to tsunami relief efforts. And of course, if you don’t want a tee or a wristband, can’t afford rare Blink-182 items or have no interest in seeing Charlie Sheen on tour, you can still text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 and help tsunami victims.