Music Rising

Gibson and U2's The Edge help music rise again in New Orleans

Monday, January 23, 2006

U2’s the Edge visits New Orleans and stresses the importance of the Gulf Coast’s rich musical heritage. Learn all about Music Rising and how you can help!

Click here to watch.

Following a recent visit to New Orleans, U2’s the Edge announced the unveiling of Music Rising (Nov. 21), a campaign to raise funds to replace the lost instruments and accessories of the musicians affected by the hurricanes that devastated the Gulf Coast region two months ago. Lead partners Gibson Guitar and Guitar Center music foundation have spearheaded the initial effort by collaborating on the design, manufacture and sale of an exclusive Gibson guitar with all proceeds going directly to the Music Rising program.

The guitar, available through Guitar Center, captures the essence of the Gulf Coast’s musical tradition. A very limited quantity will be produced with all proceeds benefiting Music Rising and a pledge of $1 million in support. The Gibson Music Rising guitar features hand-painted designs using the colors of Mardi Gras. Each guitar will be individually painted and handmade so no two will be alike. All of the usual plastic parts (back plate, pick guard, toggle cover, truss rod cover) have been replaced by woods from the states affected by the hurricanes and the Music Rising logo, exclusive to this guitar, is etched into the pick guard. The Music Rising guitar is priced at $3,334.00 and is available through Guitar Center beginning in late December. The Edge will appear in VH1 public service announcements for the program at the end of November.

The Edge visited New Orleans (Nov. 17) between U2’s current "Vertigo" tour dates in order to see the profound impact on the area firsthand and to spend time with local musicians, listening to their experiences and trying to understand their needs. During his stay, he toured several neighborhoods and struggling venues.

“My recent visit to New Orleans gave me a firsthand look at the devastation which tragically destroyed the lives of thousands. The area’s rich and spirited culture must be restored and can be by assisting those musicians affected by the disaster which in turn will bring back the essence of the region,” said Edge. “Providing replacement instruments through Music Rising will not only help the professional musicians to regain a foothold on their future, but will also ensure that one of the Gulf Coast’s greatest assets, its music, will rise again.”

Adding to the power of Music Rising, a group of industry partners have joined Gibson Guitar and Guitar Center in the effort. Participating partners include Conn-Selmer, VH1 and MTV Networks, Ticketmaster, and SpinCo (formerly Clear Channel Entertainment). These industry giants have pledged their support through both financial and media contributions and are setting the tone for support from the rest of the industry and music fans worldwide.

The Music Rising guitar is priced at $3,334.00 and is available through Guitar Center beginning in late December. The Edge will appear in VH-1 public service announcements for the program at the end of November. In addition to the purchase of the Music Rising guitar, interested supporters can make tax-deductible contributions to Music Rising at www.musicrising.org or by sending a check made payable to: Music Rising, c/o MusiCares Foundation, 3402 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405. For more information on Music Rising or how to purchase the Music Rising Gibson guitar go to www.musicrising.org.

Check out Edge trading licks with New Orleans blues legend Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington!