The April and May “The Midwest Rock ‘N Roll Express” tour with Styx, REO Speedwagon and Ted Nugent was successful in more ways than one. Styx and REO Speedwagon’s Rock to the Rescue charity organization not only raised thousands of dollars for local charities at each tour stop, but they also raised $108,000, which will go directly to the Boston One Fund, helping victims of the Boston marathon bombings.
Donations were collected along the 21-date trek when fans purchased a silent raffle ticket to win a guitar signed by all three acts.
“Like all Americans, we have watched the events in Boston and wondered what we could 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.
