Credit: Jason PowellStyx will be donating proceeds from its August 19 concert in Redding, California, to the Shasta Regional Community Foundation. The money will go to help those affected by the deadly wildfire known as the Carr Fire that’s devastated parts of Northern California.
Through its Rock to the Rescue charity, the band plans to donate $5,000 to the foundation, while the group’s members and the venue, the Redding Civic Auditorium, intend to match that figure, up to a total of $15,000. Fans will have the opportunity to contribute to the cause at the concert as well, and Styx is also encouraging people to make donations directly at the Shasta Regional Community Foundation’s website, ShastaRCF.org.
Styx’s full current lineup — singer/guitarists Tommy Shaw and James “JY” Young, bassists Chuck Panozzo and Ricky Phillips, singer/keyboardist Lawrence Gowan and drummer Todd Sucherman — appears in a new video announcement regarding the event, which is now posed on the band’s official YouTube channel.
In a separate statement, Phillips, who’s a native of Redding, says. “There was some heartfelt discussion between Styx management and representatives in Redding. The result, what could have been a canceled show, was eventually deemed necessary as, ‘a needed and welcome distraction…a place for unity…and even celebration.'”
He adds, “Whatever the reason for attendance, I can promise you a kick-a** rock show and a great evening of entertainment.”
Since it started on July 23, the Carr Fire has killed seven people, including two firefighters. The blaze has burned over 163,000 acres of land and destroyed more than 1,000 homes. In addition, more than 38,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes.
Rock to the Rescue was co-founded by Shaw and REO Speedwagon singer Kevin Cronin in 2001.
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