Iron Maiden cancelled two shows in Tokyo last weekend due to the devastating earthquake and tsunami damage, and the chaos that followed, as the country tries to get back on its feet.
On Friday, Iron Maiden were flying into Tokyo from Seoul, South Korea following their show there; on approaching Narita Airport in Tokyo, Ed Force One was advised to reroute to Nagoya, as the earthquake/tsunami had just become apparent; the band stayed the night in Nagoya and left the following day.
Now, the band is planning to give something back to Japan, according to band manager Rod Smallwood, who has issued the following update:
“Following the cancellation of both Maiden Tokyo shows due to recent events in Japan, we will be donating the proceeds from sales of the Japanese event shirt available from the Official Iron Maiden Shop (ie. the shirt without tour dates on) to a Charity assisting victims of the earthquake. Feedback from our Fanclub Forum suggests our fans fully support this proposal.
We plan to do likewise with the stock of event shirts currently in Tokyo, which were due to be sold onsite at the Tokyo venue (ie. the shirt with tour dates on). Details will follow as soon as possible as to where these will be available from, once we have worked out shipping, etc.
The charity we shall be coordinating sales of both events shirts through is the Japanese Red Cross. This is their website for anyone who may want to make a donation: http://www.jrc.or.jp/english/index.html.
Shirts are now available at shop.ironmaiden.com."
Iron Maiden Iron Maiden – The Trooper
Flight 666 – Makuhari Messe – Chiba City, Japan - February 16, 2008
See also:
Iron Maiden: ‘From Fear To Eternity’ Best-Of compilation due in May
Iron Maiden cancel Japanese shows
Former Iron Maiden singer gets 9 months jail for benefit fraud
Iron Maiden win first Grammy
