The original “We Are The World” and last year’s “We Are The World 25 For Haiti” featured great artists raising money for important causes, but they failed to do one thing—really rock!
No worries there with the ‘80s Rockers For Japan benefit Saturday, April 16 at Harper’s in Tarzana, Calif. Organized by Terry Ilous (XYZ, Great White), the show will include members of some of the ’80s most popular rock and metal bands. Ilous and Jeff Paris have also written a song and are creating a video that will feature many of the participating musicians. The song will be recorded, and the video shot live at the benefit. It will subsequently be available on iTunes. Proceeds from the event and sales of the track and video will be donated to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief efforts.
“Japan has always been very supportive of our kind of music, and this is our small way of giving back,” says Ilous.
In addition to Ilous, performers who have committed to the show and recording/video project include Bobby Kimball (Toto); Chris Slade (AC/DC/ The Firm); Rudy Sarzo (Whitesnake/Ozzy Osbourne/ Blue Oyster Cult); Brian Tichy (Whitesnake /Foreigner/Billy Idol); Richie Kotzen (Poison/Mr. Big); Greg Douglass (The Steve Miller Band) Juan Croucier (Ratt); John Payne (Asia); Teddy Zigzag (Alice Cooper/Guns N’ Roses); James Lomenzo (Megadeth/Black Label Society); Robin McAuley (Survivor /MSG); Simon Wright (Dio/AC/DC/UFO); Robert Sarzo (Hurricane); Mitch Perry (MSG/Asia/Edgar Winter); Steven Adler and Dizzy Reed (Guns N’ Roses); Michael T Ross (Lita Ford); Jetboy, Scott Waren (Dio); and many others.
Other artists contributing to the benefit song but not performing at the show include Lita Ford, Don Dokken, Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt), Dave Meniketti (Y&T) and Michael Thompson. Line6 will provide the backline, Spaun Drums the drums, DW drums the pedals, and Paiste the cymbals. The show is also sponsored by AL Bane for Leather Asahi beer and Rockwood Saloon apparel.
A live streaming broadcast will be done by Front Row Entertainment and viewers will be able to watch the event for free online; a link to the Red Cross will be provided and the musicians who are participating request that those watching make a small donation. Artists will also auction some musical gear and memorabilia to raise money for the cause
Event Recap:
Saturday, April 16
’80′s Rockers For Japan Benefit
7 p.m. – midnight
Harper’s
5545 Reseda Blvd.
Tarzana, CA 91356
(818) 342-9300
Tickets: $10 minimum donation each
All Ages Welcome