Corey Taylor, Perry Farrell and more compete in “Above Ground” benefit
Dave Navarro and Billy Morrison are back, hailing two more classic albums on behalf of a good cause for their annual “Above Ground” benefit. And they brought in a number of famous buddies to help them revisit full Lou Reed and Sex Pistols albums. Corey Taylor, Perry Farrell and many more will join the festivities on December 20 at the Fonda Theater in Hollywood, California.
This is the third annual “Above Ground” benefit, with Navarro and Morrison leading a star collective to recreate the Lou Reed classic from 1972. Transformer as well as the Sex Pistols punk masterpiece from 1977, No matter the bullshit, here are the Sex Pistols. Corey Taylor, Perry Farrell, Etty Lau Farrell, Billy Idol, Taylor Hawkins, Mark McGrath, Steve Stevens, Franky Perez and other guests will join them on stage for this special concert. And proceeds from the show will benefit the MusiCares organization, helping to raise awareness of mental health issues.
Years past have seen Above Ground stars recreate Adam and the Ants’ Kings of the Wild Frontier and Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground & Nico in 2018 and The Rise and Fall from Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars by David Bowie. as well as the eponymous Stooges album in 2019.
Talking about the decision to take Lou Reed’s Transformer, which featured many transgender people through the hit song “Walk on the Wild Side,” Navarro and Morrison said, “That’s exactly it for us – achieving and educating gender and fluidity, and all the footage that came with it in the ’70s. It’s an unnecessarily difficult subject now, so imagine Lou Reed in the’ 70s tackling sexuality and gender – a totally revolutionary album that broke down some barriers. is what we’re trying to do with the subject of mental health and Above Ground. “
Sex Pistols’ Don’t mind the bullshit, the duo adds: “This album is made for both of us, the one that changed everything. When we first heard this when we were kids, something changed forever in us. The sound of Steve Jones’ guitars and the intelligent anger of [Johnny] Rotten about things that resonated with us, even at this young age. The band released only one official album and was together initially for around 23 months. And over 40 years later, it still rocks the foundations when you play it. That says it all. “
And teaming up once again with MusiCares as a charitable designation, Navarro and Morrison add, “MusiCares has literally saved more than a few of our friends from death. Their role cannot be overstated, and we have little to do with it. organizations that are actively involved in helping people.On the front lines, finding and paying for treatment beds, providing therapy and counseling, and speaking in public about the importance of mental health are all reasons we continue to do what we can to bring attention to this topic. “
“We are very grateful to Dave and Billy for their support of MusiCares with this incredible benefit concert, and for their continued support of our mission over the years,” said Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “Proceeds from this event will help music professionals who need a variety of supports, ranging from physical and mental health, addiction recovery, preventive clinics, and more. To learn more about MusiCares’ efforts, go here.
Tickets for “Above Ground 3”, which takes place on December 20 at the Fonda Theater in Hollywood, go on sale this Friday (October 22) there.