Styx / REO Speedwagon / Ted Nugent to Raise Money For Boston Marathon Victims on Current Tour

Styx, REO Speedwagon and Ted Nugent have announced that they will be holding silent auctions at the remaining dates of the “The Midwest Rock ‘n Roll Express Tour” to benefit the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. You can check out the press release and full details, after the break.

PRESS RELEASE – At every stop along the “The Midwest Rock ‘N Roll Express” tour with STYX, REO Speedwagon and Ted Nugent, which kicked off in Grand Forks, ND last week at the Ralph Engelstad Arena, STYX’s Rock to the Rescue charity organization will be giving away a guitar signed by all three acts as part of a silent raffle. 75% of the proceeds will be donated to a local charity in Boston to help victims of the recent explosions. The remaining 25% will be given to local charities in the respective tour market.

“Like all Americans, we have watched the events in Boston and wondered what we could we do to help. We know the fans of all three bands will once again rise with us to help our friends in Boston. We Are Boston!” — STYX

“We feel such sadness for those innocent people in Boston who have suffered so much and are still suffering now. We think of those victims of senseless violence as we sign the guitar which is to be donated on their behalf each night. In our small way, we do what we do.” — REO Speedwagon

“The Nugent band and family are surrounded by Americans who care deeply about each other and are dedicated to give all we got in times of need. We again face a tragedy that we can all help with, and are proud of this charitable heart and soul effort.” – Ted Nugent

Spearheaded by Tommy Shaw’s daughter, Hannah Shaw, Rock to the Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, whose mission is to build strong, healthy communities through the support of grassroots organizations across the country. As of last year, at every STYX tour date Rock to the Rescue partners with a local group to give back through community outreach, fundraising, and volunteer support.

Rock to the Rescue originally started in 2001 as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and is the brainchild of STYX singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw and REO Speedwagon singer/keyboardist/guitarist Kevin Cronin. The two musicians brought together bands and artists such as Bad Company, Journey, Survivor, Kansas, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many others to be part of “Volunteers For America” concert events in Dallas and Atlanta that ultimately raised over $775,000 for victims of 9/11, as well as the Port Authority police department in New York City. For more info: www.rocktotherescue.net and www.facebook.com/rocktotherescue.

Check out “The Midwest Rock ‘N Roll Express” tour at any of the following stops:

DATE       CITY             VENUE                            CLOSER

Thu 4/18 Grand Forks, ND Ralph Engelstad Arena STYX
Fri 4/19 Minneapolis, MN Target Center REO Speedwagon
Sat 4/20 Moline, IL iWireless Center STYX
Sun 4/21 Toledo, OH Huntington Center Ted/STYX/REO
Tue 4/23 Springfield, MA MassMutual Center STYX
Wed 4/24 Glens Falls, NY Glens Falls Civic Center REO Speedwagon
Fri 4/26 East Rutherford, NJ IZOD Center STYX
Sat 4/27 Virginia Beach, VA Farm Bureau Live @ VA Beach STYX
Sun 4/28 Roanoke, VA Roanoke Civic Center REO Speedwagon
Wed 5/1 Estero, FL Germain Arena REO Speedwagon
Fri 5/3 St. Augustine, FL St. Augustine Amphitheatre STYX
Sat 5/4 Tampa, FL Live Nation Amphitheatre REO Speedwagon
Sun 5/5 Atlanta, GA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre STYX
Tue 5/7 Grand Prairie, TX Verizon Theatre STYX
Wed 5/8 Tulsa, OK BOK Center REO
Fri 5/10 Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre STYX
Sat 5/11 Lincoln, NE Pinewood Bowl Theatre REO Speedwagon
Tue 5/14 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena Ted/REO/STYX
Wed 5/15 Evansville, IN Ford Center REO Speedwagon
Fri 5/17 Green Bay, WI Resch Center REO Speedwagon
Sat 5/18 St. Louis, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre REO Speedwagon
Sun 5/19 Burgettstown, PA First Niagara Pavilion STYX

What do you think of this gesture by the bands? Would you bid in a silent action to benefit the Boston Marathon Bombing victims? Let us know in the comments below!