How Rockers Are Rallying Support for Ukraine

It’s been one month since Russia invaded Ukraine, sparking a brutal warfare the likes of which hasn’t been seen in Europe for many years.

When the battle started, rockers took to social media to voice their help for Ukraine, however because the warfare has continued to rage, many have stepped up their efforts from phrases to actions.

A variety of musicians has been rallying help, utilizing their superstar to assist arrange fundraisers and unfold consciousness. Under, we’ve collected among the notable campaigns from rockers all around the globe.

Dee Snider, “Stand (for Ukraine)”
Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider has been one of many loudest superstar voices supporting Ukraine since Russia’s invasion started. In February, the singer declared he “completely” supported Ukrainians’ use of the music “We’re Not Gonna Take It” as a battle cry. Extra lately, he launched a reworked music video for his music “Stand,” initially launched on the 2021 solo album Depart a Scar. “I simply could not get round how effectively the lyrics resonated with Putin’s assault on these harmless folks. Ukraine was the furthest factor from my thoughts once I wrote the phrases for that music, but it was like I had carried out simply that,” the singer defined when saying “Stand (for Ukraine).” The video is a part of Snider’s ongoing work with World United Reside, an internet platform centered on protesting in help of Ukraine.

Queen + Paul Rodgers Fundraiser
In 2008, Queen and Paul Rodgers performed to greater than 350,000 folks in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s historic Freedom Sq.. On the time, the live performance was in help of the ANTIAIDS Basis, however footage of the efficiency was lately repurposed to assist humanitarian help. “At this time, with tens of millions of Ukrainian refugees in want of pressing humanitarian reduction from a special affliction, Queen is returning to its historic second with a YouTube particular screening aimed toward drawing donations for UNHCR’s reduction efforts,” Brian Might announced in mid-March. “Queen + Paul Rodgers Reside in Ukraine” started streaming shortly afterward. It has since helped to boost greater than $5 million in funds for the UN Refugee Company.

The Treatment Ukraine T-Shirt
A particular band T-shirt was created by the Treatment, with all web proceeds serving to help these in Ukraine. The shirt options the group’s brand in blue and yellow on the entrance – colours of the Ukrainian flag – whereas the again has the phrases, “Nonetheless distant I’ll all the time love you,” a quote from the Treatment’s basic 1989 hit “Lovesong.” (Click on here to buy.)

Numerous Artists, “Come Collectively” Cowl
Greater than 30 artists – together with present and former members of Religion No Extra, Rammstein, Gravity Kills, Stabbing Westward, Filter and Ministry – united to document an all-star rendition of the Beatles’ “Come Collectively.” The observe was posted to Bandcamp with all proceeds benefiting UNICEF.

Bon Jovi Viral Video
Civilians in Odessa, Ukraine, have been seen loading sandbags and making ready to defend their houses in a video that went viral on social media. Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” blared within the background – accompanied by a stay drummer – as women and men pitched in to assist. The video quickly made its solution to Jon Bon Jovi, who retweeted it with one of many music’s poignant lyrics: “That is for those who stood their floor.” The video has since been watched greater than 1.8 million occasions.

Arcade Fireplace Shock Live shows
Acclaimed Canadian indie-rock group Arcade Fireplace raised greater than $100,000 for PLUS1’s Ukraine Aid Fund with a sequence of shock exhibits. The live shows – one in New Orleans, 4 in New York – allowed followers to pay no matter they might afford for entry. The ultimate present featured appearances by actor and comic Mike Myers and musician David Byrne, the latter of whom joined Arcade Fire for a rendition of the Plastic Ono Band’s “Give Peace a Likelihood.”

Foreigner Flip Vegas Residency Into Fundraiser
Foreigner introduced that they’d partnered with the American Pink Cross to assist elevate funds for Ukrainian reduction efforts through the band’s residency on the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. Performances run on choose dates via April 9. Foreigner will give $5,000 every night time of the residency to assist the trigger, whereas Pink Cross representatives might be on-site at each live performance accepting donations from followers.

Jinjer Charity Shirts
When the warfare broke out, Ukrainian steel band Jinjer canceled plans to tour the U.S. and as a substitute centered their consideration on serving to their homeland. The group created a sequence of charity T-shirts, with all proceeds going to native teams all through Ukraine. Jinjer’s marketing campaign has already raised greater than $140,000 in help. “Your help is not going to solely assist so many individuals in want however sends a much-needed constructive signal that they don’t seem to be alone,” the band said in an replace thanking followers.

Pussy Riot NFT
Russian punk group Pussy Riot, identified for his or her outspoken stance towards Vladimir Putin, launched an NFT of the Ukrainian flag to assist elevate cash for reduction efforts. With companions all through the cryptocurrency and blockchain industries, the NFT sale was capable of generate roughly $7.1 million. Fairly than a single sale, that quantity represents the donations of greater than 3,000 contributors who will collectively “personal” the picture.

‘Evening for Ukraine’ Live performance
On March 9, a set of notable artists got here collectively for a particular live performance at London’s Roadhouse nightclub. Irish singer-songwriter Bob Geldof, identified for his involvement in Band Assist and Reside Assist, Pretenders frontwoman Chrissie Hynde and Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand have been among the many performers. All proceeds benefited U.Okay. charity Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), offering help to refugees fleeing Ukraine.

Sting Revisits ‘Russians’
Sting shared a video of himself performing his 1985 music “Russians,” revealing that the observe has taken on new that means given the disaster in Ukraine. “I’ve solely not often sung this music within the a few years because it was written as a result of I by no means thought it could be related once more,” he defined. “However within the mild of 1 man’s bloody and woefully misguided resolution to invade a peaceable, unthreatening neighbor, the music is, as soon as once more, a plea for our frequent humanity.” In his caption accompanying the video, Sting included hyperlinks to sources for medical and humanitarian help in Ukraine.

Patti Smith Amongst Performers at ‘A Profit for Ukraine’
Patti Smith, the Magnetic Fields’ Stephin Merritt, Suzanne Vega, Craig Finn and Franz Nicolay of the indie-rock band the Maintain Regular and others got here collectively for a profit present on March 10 at New York’s Metropolis Vineyard. The night was hosted by Eugene Hutz, frontman of the gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello, who was born in Ukraine. Greater than $130,000 was raised on the occasion, $50,000 of which got here from Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon.