NEW YORK (Lava Records) - The scale of the Tsunami disaster in South East Asia could not have failed to touch the hearts of anyone who has seen any footage of the devastation wreaked by the waves.
And, having spent a lot of time in South East Asia over the past two years,
Simple Plan agreed without hesitation to perform when MTV approached them about a possible benefit concert. "There was no doubt in our minds; we signed on immediately," said the band's manager, Eric Lawrence.
Simple Plan collectively agrees and issued the following statement: "We've spent so many happy times in South East Asia. Much of it in Thailand and Malaysia and we wanted to help as much as we could. It was an honor for us to be invited on the show by MTV and to have the chance to show support to all of our friends in the region who were affected by this horrible tragedy. It's amazing to see so many great artists and MTV come together to help Asia heal and rebuild to become stronger than ever!"
"The MTV Asia Aid event is about empowering viewers everywhere to continue supporting the relief efforts. MTV has a role to play in these efforts based on our unique connection with young people globally. This global music event is taking place in Thailand, home to a rich and vibrant music culture, and it will provide the perfect venue from which to launch the worldwide initiative," said Frank Brown, President, MTV Networks Asia Pacific.
The majority of the donations raised will be contributed to UNICEF, with funds in Thailand also going to the "Rajaprajanugroh Foundation under the Royal Patronage" and "The Government House - Disaster Relief Fund"; and funds in India also going to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. To learn more about how to donate via online, SMS or other means, go to www.mtvasiaaid.com.
"MTV Asia Aid will help to maintain the world's attention on the devastation and loss that the tsunami has caused for millions of people," said Richard Bridle, Deputy Regional Director, UNICEF.
"The continued support of the world community will play an ever growing role as families, local communities, and government come together to bring relief to those affected and in the long term reconstruction effort."
In addition to Simple Plan, Asia Aid will feature artists from around the world who have pledged their support. Artists include Alicia Keys (US), with LIVE performances from Asha Bhosle (India), Bird Thongchai McIntyre (Thailand), Good Charlotte (US), Hoobastank (US), Jay Chou (Taiwan), Kelly Clarkson (US), Namie Amuro (Japan), Simple Plan (Canada), Siti Nurhaliza (Malaysia), Slank (Indonesia), and Tata Young (Thailand). International superstar Jennifer Lopez will contribute a pre-recorded performance to the show, and specially taped shows of support from international artists 50 Cent, Moby, Nelly, Ronan Keating, Ricky Martin, Sting, Zhang Ziyi, will be integrated into the event, taking place in Bangkok, Thailand on 3 February 2005 at the IMPACT Arena.
CNN International will also support the event with specially created vignettes, highlighting the need for continued support of the relief efforts. In addition to airing on all MTV channels around the world, MTV Asia Aid is also being made available rights free and cost free to all broadcasters globally to maximize distribution and help generate as many donations as possible for primary recipient UNICEF, as well as additional charities in local markets.
"While tens of thousands died and many more are still missing, the human tragedy for those that survived the tsunami continues to grow. By combining the resources of CNN's teams still working in the affected region with MTV's Asia Aid, we can highlight the ongoing reconstruction efforts and the difficult process of healing for the people around the Indian Ocean," said Rena Golden, Senior Vice President, CNN International.
In an effort to spread the appeal and messages of hope to the widest possible audience, MTV Networks Asia will be making MTV Asia Aid available rights free and at no cost to all broadcasters globally. Together with MTV's global network of channels reaching a potential audience of more than 1 billion people, the goal is that the event will be seen in more than three-quarters of the world's television households.
The MTV Asia Awards 2005 will air as a separate one-hour show featuring taped segments on the nominees and winners. Airdates and times will be announced separately.
