As Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction) and Billy Morrison (Billy Idol) look forward to the fourth “ABOVE GROUND” benefit concert later this year (date TBA), the guitarists and “ABOVE GROUND” co-founders want to thank the artists who supported the third event last month (December 20) at The Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, CA, the fans who attended and the team involved in putting together another successful benefit. Following the sold-out event, ABOVE GROUND made a $50,000 donation to MusiCares® (the leading music charity that acts as a safety net for the music community) in ongoing effort to promote awareness and raise funds for the treatment of mental health. (See full set list below.)
“When you are fortunate enough to do something you love, and simultaneously spread a positive message and raise much needed funds at the same time, it can never be called work,” Billy Morrison says. “Above Ground has become just such an event for Dave and I. Our third show exceeded all my expectations, both in terms of the incredible musical performances by our core band and all of our guests, and in the amount of love and support we got from our audience, our partners and our sponsors. I’m proud of what Above Ground is achieving in the mental health space and urge us all to keep the dialogue flowing. Roll on Above Ground 4!”
“This year‘s Above Ground event has to have been my favorite so far,” Dave Navarro says. “Not only were we able to create an environment to share our love of music with the people closest to us in our lives but we did it for such an important cause. Spreading awareness and raising funds in support of mental health makes these events so fulfilling for us. On a personal note, I never thought in 1 million years I would share the stage with Perry Farrell and Anthony Kiedis in the same night. A lot of healing took place on that stage as well. None of that would have happened had we not had the honor of participating in this annual event. Being in a position to offer support and help to others while simultaneously walking away enriched and full of gratitude is a very special, magical thing. I will never forget Above Ground 3 and cannot wait for Above Ground 4.”
Hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky with an art installation by Risk Rock, the evening featured performances of two musically/culturally seismic albums: Lou Reed’s Transformer (1972) and Sex Pistol’s Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols (1977). The all-star line-up--led by Navarro and Morrison--featured special guests (alphabetically) Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Chris Chaney (Jane’s Addiction), Corey Taylor (Slipknot), Courtney Taylor-Taylor (The Dandy Warhols), Dave Kushner (Velvet Revolver, Sons Of Anarchy), Dexter Holland (The Offspring), Donovan Leitch, Franky Perez, Jason Aalon Butler (Fever333), Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads), Josh Freese (The Offspring, A Perfect Circle, Danny Elfman), Laura Mace, Mark McGrath, Mickey Avalon, Otep, Perry And Etty Lau Farrell, Piggy D (Rob Zombie) and Steve Stevens (Billy Idol).
The ABOVE GROUND 3 set list is as follows:
Lou Reed’s Transformer
“VICIOUS,” Corey Taylor
“ANDY’S CHEST,” Courtney Taylor-Taylor
“PERFECT DAY,” Billy Morrison
“HANGING AROUND,” Mark McGrath
“WALK ON THE WILD SIDE,” Anthony Kiedis
“MAKE UP,” Mickey Avalon
“WAGON WHEEL,” Laura Mace
“SATELLITE OF LOVE,” Perry and Etty Farrell
“NEW YORK TELEPHONE CONVERSATION,” Donovan Leitch
“I’M SO FREE,” Corey Taylor
“GOODNIGHT LADIES,” Franky Perez
**“SWEET JANE,” Billy Morrison
**Bonus track
Sex Pistols’ Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
“HOLIDAYS IN THE SUN,” Corey Taylor
“BODIES,” Corey Taylor
“NO FEELINGS,” Mark McGrath
“LIAR,” Jason Aalon Butler
“PROBLEMS,” Billy Morrison
“SEVENTEEN,” Franky Perez
“SUBMISSION,” Jason Aalon Butler
“ANARCHY IN THE U.K.,” Perry and Etty Farrell
“NEW YORK,” Mark McGrath
“GOD SAVE THE QUEEN,” Dexter Holland
“PRETTY VACANT,” Dexter Holland
“EMI,” Billy Morrison/Mark McGrath
