Music for Relief organized an exclusive event for its 10 years anniversary. The non-profit organization founded by Linkin Park presented Relief LIVE at L.A. River Studios in Los Angeles on 14th of November with Linkin Park, Steve Aoki, Mark Hoppus, Page Hamilton and Adrian Young on stage.
Music for Relief celebrated its 10 years anniversary with an outstanding event on 14th of November – the Relief LIVE was organized at L.A. River Studios in Los Angeles, where guests were welcomed with live music, food and drinks. Steve Aoki, Linkin Park, Mark Hoppus, Page Hamilton and the drummer of No Doubt, Adrian Young, also played on stage.
By the time the first guests arrived, all the artists were already being at the venue. After checking in anyone could talk and have a drink together with the participating musicians. It was like a VIP party with around 200 people, where the supporters of Music for Relief celebrated the 10th anniversary of the non-profit organization alongside the artists. I had the chance to exchange a few words with almost all of the Linkin Park band members, and also with Anna Shinoda, who I have previously met in Amsterdam at the LPU Summit, where the author signed her Learning Not To Drown book for me. But of course, the first people I saw at Relief LIVE were Lulu and Lorenzo, who operate the official fan club of Linkin Park, and some LPU members who helped out at the event by volunteering.
I could talk a little bit longer to Dave (Phoenix) Farrell, the bass guitarist of Linkin Park, regarding Music for Relief and their rock band. He told me about what motivated them to start MFR and the impact of those things they saw at the places affected by natural disasters. Power the World is one of their programs that he is really proud of – they help achieve sustainable energy solutions worldwide for those people who have little or no access to electricity. Dave doesn’t think that only the fans of Linkin Park support their organization – there are plenty others without connecting to the band. Regarding Linkin Park, he said that after the European tour, they got in the studio and are currently writing new songs.
Only a limited number of tickets were sold for Relief LIVE - those who attended the event supported Power the World and Disaster Relief program of the organization. The guests have also had an opportunity to help raise money through the Silent Auction – they could buy, for example, artwork or instruments signed by the artists or tickets to different types of events.
Besides the event’s atmosphere, which made everyone attending feel special by giving a chance to have fun with the musicians together, the performances on stage were also exclusive. Mark Hoppus (Blink 182), Whitney Showler (MFR), Kimberly Hutarte (MFR), Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park), Brad Delson (Linkin Park), Dave Farrell (Linkin Park) and Steve Aoki talked regarding Music for Relief and Chester Bennington (Linkin Park) also had a few words during the concert of Linkin Park in order to express his thankfulness to those supporting the people in need through Music for Relief. Before Steve Aoki took the stage he accepted his award from MFR founders Linkin Park for his commitment to humanitarian causes. The DJ generously supported Music for Relief in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, enabling the swift deployment of mobile medical units, nutritional support and water and sanitation solutions for impacted families. On the stage he was joined by Mike Shinoda and Chester Bennington for their featured song - Darker Than Blood.
Linkin Park presented a really exclusive performance to the audience. Thanks to the size of the venue, the show felt more intimate compared to the big concerts. The concert was so energetic, the band started with the songs From the Inside, Runaway and Wastelands, giving an immediate 100 percent Linkin Park-experience to everyone there. The musicians continuously interacted with the audience, making anyone feel unique during the show. Special guests also joined the band for a few songs – they performed What I’ve Done and Numb together with the drummer of No Doubt, Adrian Young, the latter being joined by Mark Hoppus (Blink 182). Bleed It Out and Faint were played with Page Hamilton from Helmet. After the concert, Chester Bennington came down to the audience, talking with all the Music for Relief supporters.
Looking back at Relief LIVE, I can say I have never had such a special experience like the one that Music for Relief provided me with at the L.A. River Studios – I attended several shows and events before, but this one was totally beyond belief.
Music for Relief was founded by the band Linkin Park in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Since inception in 2005 Music for Relief has raised over $7 million for survivors of multiple disasters across four continents including Hurricane Katrina, China’s Wenchuan earthquake, a cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, earthquakes in Haiti and Japan in 2010, and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. MFR has organized benefit concerts, online auctions, and events with multi-platinum musicians and celebrities to help rebuild and donate supplies to people in need. Music for Relief has also planted over 1 million trees to help reduce climate change.
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