- Title: UNITED KINGDOM: U2 and Justin Bieber to record album for Japan victims
- Date: 23rd March 2011
- Summary: GRAPHIC (FILE) (REUTERS) UNIVERSAL STATEMENT, READING: "We are doing it only digitally because it is faster, and this will be a world-wide release. The plan is to have it available later this week."
- Embargoed: 7th April 2011 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: United Kingdom, United Kingdom
- Country: United Kingdom
- Topics: Entertainment
- Reuters ID: LVA7WF3OUPG452XZR3ZIMZMCKUC8
- Story Text: Bieber announced his involvement via his Twitter, messaging fans "Japan needs you ... we all need to step up."
Also confirmed to be contributing to the record are Rihanna, Bon Jovi and Nicki Minaj.
The world's biggest record label aims to make the album available by the end of the week, although the line-up of artists has yet to be fully finalized. Proceeds will go to the Japanese Red Cross, a spokesman for the group said on Monday (March 21).
"We are doing it only digitally because it is faster, and this will be a world-wide release. The plan is to have it available later this week," he added.
Key to the album's success will be finding more major acts willing to waive royalties for songs that appear on the record.
Lady Gaga, part of the Universal stable, may be one of the stars tapped to contribute to the album, having already raised money for the victims of Japan's recent natural disasters by selling a special wristband.
The singer appealed to her fans on her website. She wrote: "Little Monsters, show your support for Japan with this 'We Pray For Japan' wristband! Choose your price to add an additional donation with your wristband. All proceeds go directly to Japan relief efforts."
The March 11 earthquake and tsunami left at least 21,000 people dead or missing. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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