Styx, REO Speedwagon Headline ‘Rock To The Rescue’

Styx, REO Speedwagon and friends will helm a special benefit concert to help victims of recent storms and tornadoes that ravaged the Midwest.  Tickets for “Rock To The Rescue Extends A Hand To Those In Need” go on sale this weekend.

Photo: Journal Star, Fred Zwicky/AP
A piano lays battered as homeowners dig out what they can in Washington, Ill.

Yes that is a long title to put on the marquee, but we’re sure those hardworking folks at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington, Ill., are up to the task.  And what better way to raise funds for those whose lives were devastated by Mother Nature’s darker side than to have two bands hailing from America’s heartland topping the Dec. 4 lineup at the venue.  Styx hails from Chicago and REO Speedwagon formed while the band’s original members were students at the University Of Illinois in Champaign.

And there are plenty of people who need their help.  Fifteen counties in Illinois alone were declared state disaster areas after tornadoes and other storms resulted in at least six people killed and hundreds of business and homes destroyed.

Photo: James P. Hendershot
Pier Six Pavilion, Baltimore, Md.

“As we approach the 50th anniversary of JFK’s assassination, I’m reminded of his famous quote, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,’” Styx guitarist James “JY” Young said.  “The good people of Illinois lent support and a helping hand to every artist on this bill at different times in their respective careers, and we owe them a tremendous debt.  It’s our turn to ask what we can do for this great State, and the best way we know to help those in need is to get on stage and let the incredible healing power of music play its part in rebuilding Illinois.”

REO singer Kevin Cronin is also eager to help in the recovery.

“I am Illinois born and bred.  REO Speedwagon is an Illinois band,” Cronin said.  “The word ‘Illinois’ is music to me.  The utter devastation and human suffering in Washington, Ill., and the surrounding areas is heartbreaking. I believe that we need to take care of our own … the people of Illinois are our own, and we are theirs.”

Photo: Chris McKay / WireImage.com
Verizon Wireless Amph. At Encore Park, Alpharetta, Ga.

Tickets go on sale Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. CST and none of the bands on the lineup will receive any compensation for their performances.  Rock To The Rescue is a non-profit organization founded by Tommy Shaw of Styx and Cronin in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  Click here for the organization’s website.

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