ANCORA UNA VOLTA UN IMMENSO KEEF

By Phyllis Pollack

Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards is vanguarding a fundraising appeal in the internet and on his official website to help those affected by the devastating 8.9 Tohuku earthquake and the resulting tsunami in Japan.

For a limited time, Richards is offering a limited edition t-shirt for sale through his website, and is directing the profits to the Japan Society’s Earthquake Relief Fund. The t-shirt is emblazoned with a photo of Richards, shot by the French photographer Claude Gassian during the Japanese stint of the 1990 Rolling Stones Steel Wheels tour. The highly acclaimed photographer is best known for his portraits of artists including the Stones, Bob Dylan and other recording artists.

Richards, who published his hugely successful autobiography ‘Life,’ last year, posted a statement on his official website today, noting, “For decades, Japanese fans have been some of the most passionate supporters of rock and roll. Now they need our help.”

Those wanting to support Richard’s effort to help Japan’s survivors are urged to help get the word out by posting a “Like” on Richards’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/officialkeef, and to follow his official Twitter page at www.twitter.com/officialkeef. The direct link at http://www.keithrichards.com/news/kr_fullNews.aspx?PostID=55 with Richards’ statement may also be shared.

The shirts offer fans a great incentive, and can also be purchased for others as gifts. They are available at a price of only $29.95 USD each at http://www.keithrichards.com/Store/Product.aspx?id=SC000298-BLK

Like a thief in the night, the earthquake devastated Japan, leaving a tsunami and nuclear crisis, with still more than 20,000 thousand people missing or dead. The fifth largest recorded earthquake in history, the disaster has caused devastation that includes the announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO), declaring that Japan’s food sources have been contaminated by nuclear radiation. The organization announced today that Japan should ban all food sales immediately around areas that have contamination, adding that radiation in food is far more dangerous than radioactive particles in the air.

Japanese fans have long been supporters of the Rolling Stones, and have enjoyed the bands tours there. Japanese versions of Rolling Stones albums and singles have long been appreciated by the band’s fans there, and many of them have become collectors items in the US.

“That’s all I’m asking. How much do you want to give?” and “Put your money where your mouth is, cough it up, ooh, nickels and dimes,” Richards sang on the track “999,” which was released on his 1992 ‘Main Offender’ album, recorded with his solo project The X-Pensive Winos. According to Richards, this a time when people need to think about the people of Japan, and give money to a good cause.