The vast majority of rockers donate to charity; nevertheless, some rockers have taken things further by organizing annual events to support charities important to their hearts.
Most of these high-profile annual activities are indeed open to the public, allowing supporters to meet their favorite artists while raising funds for charitable reasons.
Take a look at the Rock Legends Who Are Known For Their Charity Activities:
Dee Snider – Dee Snider’s Ride
Dee Snider has organized 18 yearly “Rides,” in which over 800 motorbikes ride alongside the legendary singer on Long Island. The event funds Melissa’s Wish, a non-profit that offers short-term financial support to caretakers who are aiding family members suffering from a terrible disease. Snider is passionate about the topic because his daughter Melissa died of rare stomach cancer.
Steven Tyler – Janie’s Fund
Steven Tyler, the vocalist for Aerosmith, established his personal non-profit organization named Janie’s Fund. The organization contributes to organizations that assist abused and neglected girls and women. Janie’s Fund has hosted a yearly Grammy’s watch party for the past four years. Every event attracts famous visitors and sponsors, like Miley Cyrus and Andrea Bocelli, among others.
Metallica – All Within My Hands
Metallica established the All Within My Hands Foundation, dubbed after their song, in 2017. Its mission is to build “sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger and other critical local services.”
Bret Michaels – Life Rocks Foundation Fundraiser
Bret Michaels was instrumental in the establishment of the Life Rocks Charity Foundation and its yearly charitable campaign. During the holiday season, the program generates finances and toys for children’s hospitals. At certain tour dates, he also allows audiences to give to the charity.
Billy Morrison and Dave Navarro – Above Ground Benefit
The yearly Above Ground Benefit was founded by Billy Morrison and Dave Navarro. At The Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, these two iconic rockers gathered fellow musicians for an all-star concert. MusiCares uses the monies earned from the performance to address the mental health of people in the music world.
Willie Nelson – Farm Aid
Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp arranged the very first Farm Aid benefit show in 1985 to generate funds to assist farmers and ranchers in maintaining their property and businesses. From then on, Dave Matthews and Margo Price have joined the company, and the activity has only grown stronger and bigger with each passing year. They’ve generated over $64 million for local farmers in total.
Alice Cooper – Christmas Pudding
For the past 19 years, Alice Cooper’s annual Christmas Pudding benefit has helped The Norelli Family Foundation. The Phoenix-based event benefits Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers, which offer music for free, dance, and art activities to youth aged 12 to 20.
Sammy Hagar – Acoustic 4-A-Cure
For the past seven years, Sammy Hagar has been performing his Acoustic 4-A-Cure events. He gathers several of the top stars in music for a benefit concert to support the Pediatric Cancer Program at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, MusicCares, the Festival of Children Foundation, and the Jesse Rees Foundation.
Ronnie James Dio – Ride for Ronnie + Bowl for Ronnie
Ronnie James Dio has a slew of fundraisers in his name, notably his yearly Bowl for Ronnie and Ride for Ronnie fundraisers. Ride for Ronnie, now in its seventh year, is a motorbike ride and concert, while Bowl for Ronnie is for famous people bowling event hosted at PINZ Bowling Center in Studio City, CA. Both events benefit The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, which has been established in 2010 after Dio died of stomach cancer.
Seether – Rise Above Festival
Seether established Rise Above Festival in 2012, gathering together some of rock’s biggest players on a single stage. The fundraiser, which is titled after Seether’s breakthrough hit “Rise Above This,” is designed to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental issues.