Run a Mile for the Cause
Friday, April 6, 2007 at 10:06AM 
April is National Autism Awareness month. According to recent statistics, nearly 1 in 150 children will be diagnosed with the potentially debilitating disease. Now VH1 Classic is joining in the fight, airing a special public service announcements.
The 30 second spot features Tommy Lee and Vince Neil (Motley Crue), Roger Daltrey (The Who), Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley (KISS), Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Joe Perry and Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), Rob Halford (Judas Priest), and Ronnie James Dio (Dio & Black Sabbath) speaking about the disease. Watch the PSA at
http://www.vh1.com/partners/vh1classic_rock_autism/
VH1 Classic will also hold several fund raisers, including a "Pay to Play" event where viewers can go online to www.vh1.com and make a donation to see their favorite video. Proceeds will benefit The Cure Autism Now Foundation.
This isn't the first time rock stars have used celebrity for worthy causes. In 1985, some of the world's largest rock stars convened for Hear n' Aid, a heavier version of Band Aid for famine relief in Africa. Ronnie James Dio, Vivian Campbell (Whitesnake and Def Leppard), and Jimmy Bain (Rainbow & Dio) formed Hear n' Aid for a special one-off recording. Hear n' Aid released the single "Stars" featuring members of Dio, Quiet Riot, Iron Maiden, Motley Crue, Twisted Sister, Queensryche, Blue Oyster Cult, Dokken, Night Ranger, Judas Priest, W.A.S.P., Journey, Y &T, Vanilla Fudge and Spinal Tap.
The project raised more than a million dollars and VH1 Classic considers the project the most metal moment in rock history!
Of course, several rock starts participated in "America - A Tribute to Heroes," benefiting victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Bon Jovi performed "Livin' on a Prayer" and U2 performed "Walk On."
Just today, officials announced that Aerosmith will lend their support to the Bulgarian "I Don't Drive Drunk" road safety campaign. Elton John, Rod Stewart and R.E.M. are also joining the campaign. Check out www.sofiaecho.com for more information.
Do you have a favorite rock celebrity charity moment?
Reader Comments (1)
As for Hear N Aid - what could've been an ego-fest actually turned up a bloody great song! Still regularly played here....