January 8, 2013 22:45

U2's The Edge launches Hurricane Sandy relief fund

Guitarist's Music Rising charity donate an initial $250,000 for music projects

Photo Gallery: U2
Photo: Pa Photos

U2's The Edge has announced that his Music Rising charity has launched a Hurricane Sandy relief fund.

The guitarist founded the group, alongside Gibson Guitar CEO Henry Juszkiewicz and producer Bob Ezrin, to provide musical equipment and financial support to musicians, schools and community organisations affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The group has now shifted its attention to those who have been worst affected by Hurricane Sandy, which destroyed lives across the tri-state area of the United States of America in October 2012.

Music Rising have donated an initial $250,000 to help rebuild school music programmes in the area affected and have asked for more donations to help other projects. For more information on Music Rising or to make a donation go to musicrising.org.

The Edge joins a long-list of musicians who have helped raise money for those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Lady Gaga donated $1 million (£625,900) to the American Red Cross, while Rihanna donated $100,000 to the Food Bank of New York and raised funds at her album launch party.

Meanwhile, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, The Who, Eric Clapton, Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, Kanye West, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Coldplay's Chris Martin played the Hurricane Sandy relief concert in New York on December 12.

Video: U2 - Behind The Scenes Of 'No Line On The Horizon'

The world's greatest music magazine is now available as a digital edition! For exclusive content you won't find on NME.COM, download here on your iPad/iPhone and here on your Kindle Fire or Nook.

Share on Facebook