Strikeforce Heavyweight Josh Barnett Turns to Metal for Japan Disaster Relief

Everyone is well aware of the disastrous earthquakes and tsunami that struck Japan just a few short weeks ago. There’s also been a growing concern about radiation leaks from the damaged nuclear power plants in Japan as well.

While the news about the catastrophe has died down, the need for help hasn’t.

Current Strikeforce heavyweight Josh Barnett is a fighter with strong ties to Japan. Both in the mixed martial arts and professional wrestling worlds, Barnett has long worked off and on in Japan and has adopted much of its culture into his everyday life.

To say he has much concern and compassion for those suffering in Japan would be an understatement. And he’s decided to do something about it.

A longtime metalhead, Barnett has pulled together a benefit concert in Hollywood, Calif., to help raise funds for the Red Cross relief efforts in Japan. The concert is scheduled for May 26 at the House of Blues.

Barnett posted the following on The Underground, announcing the event:

Everyone by now is aware of the recent devastation suffered by Japan and it’s people from the earthquakes, tsunami and even radiation issues. As someone who has been working and even sometimes living in Japan I felt compelled to try and help in whatever way I could. One phone call and small idea turned into many and a big concert at the House of Blues in Hollywood, “The Sun Forever Rising.” The media may have moved on to royal weddings and celebrity gossip, but I and others haven’t forgotten about those still struggling across the Pacific.

Many great people have come together to help make this a reality and I am very proud to present not only an amazing show, but all for a great cause. The Red Cross has given me their endorsement and all the net proceeds will be going to them. Every single cent I can raise I want to put to use to help a country mend its wounds.

Being as metal as I am, a heavy metal concert just made the most sense! Headlining will be All Shall Perish with Animals As Leaders, Cattle Decapitation, Abysmal Dawn, Internal Corrosion, and Thrown Into Exile.

If you can, please come out, show your support and rock out with us. If not then you can still help by donating to the Red Cross and donating to “Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami.”