German rock band Die Tote Hosen performed a concert in Düsseldorf with the slogan “Three chords for your donation” (Drei Akkorde für Deine Spende) on the evening of 24 February to show solidarity with the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. The band donated the proceeds from the ticket sales to Medico International, Doctors Without Borders (Ärzte Ohne Grenzen) and the German Red Cross (Rotes Kreuz).
The group will split the proceeds from all ticket sales among the three international organisations, along with the €600,000 ($634,350) raised from the pre-sale, as 10,500 tickets sold out in one minute on 15 February, after the concert was announced.
“There are heartbreaking images and news from earthquake zones in Turkey and Syria. We are deeply touched by your pain, and we share the fear and mourning of those who lost their loved ones,” said the band in a statement before the concert.
The companies involved in the organisation of the concert did not demand any fee in a show of solidarity with the earthquake victims. Düsseldorf Municipality and D-LIVE Production company opened the hall for the concert free of charge, while all technical teams who worked on Friday night also supported the campaign. The Eventim Concert Management Platform made the sales and promotion of the event free of charge.
Emphasising that the donation campaign will continue after the concert, Tote Hosen also shared the account numbers of the international institutions on their website, so that people can donate.
In the aftermath of the disaster, several other famous names continue to call for solidarity with earthquake survivors.
World-renowned British music band Arctic Monkeys on Thursday called for donations for children affected by the disaster in Turkey and Syria. The band shared the donation campaign of the War Child Association on their social media account.
Famous actress Kate Winslet stated in a video message she shared on her social media that she was devastated by the sights in Turkey and Syria after the earthquakes, and called for donations to the aid campaign of the UK-based “Choose Love” organisation.
Singer Jennifer Lopez posted a message of condolence and support for earthquake victims, and shared UNICEF’s account with her followers, asking them to donate.
Global superstar Madonna posted a message of solidarity with the earthquake victims on her social media account and pointed to AHBAP, calling it ‘the best place to donate’.
