Vodafone MTVAAs Proceeds Go To Fire Appeal

Music Industry Digs Deep For Bushfire Victims

The tragic bushfires that swept through Victoria last week have seen an unprecedented outpouring of support both locally and internationally.

On the home front, various musicians, venues and promoters are doing their bit with benefit gigs and in the case of MTV, Leonard Cohen and Pink, massive donations.

Following the announcement of the nomination categories for the Vodafone MTV Australia Music Awards 2009, MTV has pledged to donate the entire proceeds from ticket sales to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

Meanwhile, industry legend Leonard Cohen was so touched by the plight of victims following a recent performance in Melbourne , that he and support act, Paul Kelly, AEGLive (a US promoter) and Frontier Touring donated $200,000 to the bushfire appeal. Aussie's favourite punk pop princess Pink has also donated $250,000 of her own money towards bushfire charities.

Australian record companies and promoters have also set aside their differences and have begun planning what will be one the year's most ambitious music events; simultaneous concerts in Sydneyand Melbourne to raise funds for bushfire victims.

Although there are no confirmed acts yet, names being thrown around include Coldplay, The Veronicas, Powderfinger and Jimmy Barnes. There are even rumours that Arts Minster, environmentalist and former Midnight Oil frontman, Peter Garrett, is being sought for a performance as well. The concerts are expected to take place sometime in March.

Tickets are now sold out to the Vodafone MTV Australia Awards, but for a chance to win tickets and a VIP Package for you and your bestie, get to Nominate A Mate.

Also, by registering and voting for your fav artist, you can go in the draw for a double pass to the Vodafone MTV Australia Awards 2009 every week until voting closes on Wednesday March 25th 2009. You can also vote via sms by texting 'Vote' to 191 MTV (688).

The Vodafone MTV Australia Awards 2009 will broadcast live from the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, on MTV Australia, Friday March 27, 7:30pm (AEDT) Red Carpet, 8:30pm (AEDT) main show. Encore screening on FOX8 Sunday April 5 @ 10:00pm