The Edge Reflects On 10 Years Of Music Rising

The Edge In New Orleans

Moved by the devastation suffered by the local musical community 10 years ago when HURRICANE KATRINA struck the GULF COAST, U2 guitarist THE EDGE teamed with producer BOB EZRIN, GIBSON GUITARS, MUSICARES and the GUITAR CENTER FOUNDATION to form MUSIC RISING, which provided immediate aid to the musicians whose lives and livelihoods had sustained the most damage when the levees broke.

Efforts included donations of net proceeds from the sales of GIBSON and EPIPHONE MUSIC RISING special edition guitars and the providing of musical instruments to professionals whose gear was destroyed in the storm were implemented.

Reflecting on the 10-year journey of MUSIC RISING, THE EDGE commented: "Music is at the core of these communities. It’s an essential part of their identities, their hearts and their lives. So when these centers of musical culture are damaged, getting the music going again is a crucial part of the healing process.

"With MUSIC RISING, we and our partners continue to do everything in our power to help support this centuries old music culture so it can do its magic for many generations to come.

What started as a direct response to one of the worst disasters to affect a musical capital of the U.S. has grown over a decade to offer assistance to musicians far and wide. Where there is music, there is hope, and MUSIC RISING will continue to do everything possible to restore both for another 10 years and beyond."

Additional MUSIC RISING programs in the GULF COAST have included the distribution of over $5 million worth of instruments for some 30 schools (in conjunction with the MR. HOLLAND'S OPUS FOUNDATION), as well as becoming the largest purchaser of HAMMOND organs in order to replace those destroyed by KATRINIA in regional houses of worship, and contributed $1 million to develop the MUSIC RISING curriculum at TULANE UNIVERSITY. MUSIC RISING also provided aid to creative communities impacted by the 2010 TENNESSEE floods, as well as relief in the wake of HURRICANE SANDY in 2012.

MUSIC RISING’s efforts are not limited to aid in the aftermath of natural disasters -- its outreach continues in DETROIT, with efforts to aid the MOTOR CITY’s singular musical heritage including the distribution or hundreds of musical instruments to students. The org's MUSIC ICONS auctions, hosted by the world-renowned JULIEN'S AUCTIONS, have raised millions in bids for items donated by THE EDGE, U2 and friends. With support from friends and family, including the HARD ROCK INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, AARON NEVILLE, TROMBONE SHORTY and GREEN DAY's BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG -- who teamed with U2 for the historic 2006 performance that reopened the SUPERDOME and welcomed the NEW ORLEANS SAINTS home -- MUSIC RISING’s efforts on behalf of musical communities in need continue to provide hope for the future.

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