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Classic Rock News And Views
September 18, 2009
Rush Auctions Memorabilia on eBay For Charity
Could there be any doubt which member of Rush is behind the the selection of the beneficiary for a charity eBay auction that will offer up various Rush memorabilia? “Grapes For Humanity” is the charity organization in question, and in light of the fact that the group’s bassist and lead vocalist Geddy Lee is well-known a wine aficionado, and even has is own spacious wine cellar in his home.
Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart may also be among those that enjoy wine, and evidently are fully behind this event, however, as someone whose wine cellar was once featured in a Toronto magazine called City Bites, one has to suspect Lee as the man behind this particular choice.
“Grapes for Humanity” is described as an “organization that helps to raise funds to benefit humanitarian causes around the world with the assistance of the international wine community.”
Now as someone who cannot drink the stuff (it gives me terrible headaches), I’m not on board with the whole wine thing, but I’m sure that “Grapes For Humanity” is a very worthy cause if the guys from Rush support it. I’ve heard stories from people that have actually worked with Rush that describe them as some of the nicest guys in the business.
For those interested in what little bits of Rush history might be up for grabs on eBay, here’s a sampling:
- A Geddy Lee Signature Fender Jazz bass AND a rare Garrison G-50E Custom Acoustic guitar used by Alex on the Snakes & Arrows tour. They have both been signed by Geddy and Alex as well as by members of Depeche Mode, TOOL,The Fray, Pearl Jam, Judas Priest and many more in Support of Grapes for Humanity.
- A Gibson Les Paul Axcess "Custom Shop" guitar which was used by Alex Lifeson in a recent secret session. The guitar will be autographed and will be accompanied by a signed photo of Alex with the Guitar.
- A Sabian Paragon Diamondback Chinese 20" Cymbal, from Neil Peart’s personal kit, with Neil’s signature.
If you’d like to toss your hat in the ring, you can visit eBay and enter your bid.
“Grapes For Humanity” cites their main focus as “To provide a better quality of life for victims and survivors of disasters. We help these individuals become self-sufficient citizens to go on to lead fulfilling and productive lives. Funds are raised through various international wine events, wine auctions, corporate and private home wine tastings. Through our partners we direct the proceeds of these events to those in immediate need. Grapes for Humanity is an organization that is run on the strength of its volunteers. We pride ourselves on the fact that all monies raised go directly to our chosen partner.”
In this particular case, the chosen partner is HALO (Hazardous Area Life-Support Organization) for their on-going work with victims of landmines in the African nation of Angola. In addition to the money that will be raised through the auction, that sum will be matched by the Julia Burke Foundation in California.
More information is available at Rock Star Weekly.
March 3, 2009
Rockers Donate For Auction To Benefit Los Angeles County Deputy
L.A. County Deputy Robert Corrales has probably faced his share of dangerous and potentially deadly situations on the streets of the Los Angeles area, but this time the veteran deputy is facing the fight of his life.
Diagnosed with myeloid leukemia, Deputy Corrales needs is awaiting a suitable donor for a bone marrow transplant as part of his treatment against the disease. Although he has medical insurance, it does not provide coverage for some 
expenses that involved an emergency trip home for medical treatment while on a cruise. Those expenses amounted to about $30,000.
Two of Corrales’ colleagues stepped up and organized an effort to help his family raise the funds that are needed to cover the extra expenses. Deputies John Maio and Deputy Mike Ascolese got in touch with some friends in the music industry who were able to enlist the aid of some well-known artists who agreed to donate various items for an auction to help the Corrales family.
Included among the musicians who lent a helping hand are drummer Neil Peart of Rush, who donated an autographed drum head, despite his usual reluctance to affix his signature to anything.
Fellow drummer Alex Van Halen signed snare drum from his personal kit as well as a drum head that was signed by himself, brother Eddie and Eddie’s son Wolfgang.
Paul Stanley of KISS donated a autographed Silvertone guitar and the members of Velvet Revolver signed a Epiphone guitar that had been donated to the cause by Guitar Center’s Dave Weiderman. Velvet Revolver’s Matt Sorum also donated a pair of autographed drumsticks as well as drum head that he signed on which he also drew a caricature of himself.
The items were auctioned on eBay with bidding ending yesterday, and it appears that about $4600 was raised, which should provide some much-needed help for Deputy Corrales and his family.
