Barnett Assembles Metal Benefit for Japan Quake Victims

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Josh Barnett may be a stateside participant in the Strikeforce 2011 heavyweight grand prix at current, but the “Babyfaced Assassin” has spent much of the past decade competing for MMA and pro-wrestling promotions in Japan.

As such, the former UFC heavyweight champion felt not only a need, but an obligation to assist those affected by the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami in the Land of the Rising Sun. For precisely this reason, Barnett has assembled “The Sun Forever Rising,” a metal concert whose proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross’ Japan relief effort.

“I don’t think that my event can in any way reverse what has happened or completely restore a country and its people, but music has the power to move the heart and soul,” Barnett stated in a release Monday. “That kind energy can reach masses and be transferred to others and if even one person can be helped, it was worth it. In any form that we can generate funds, support and just simply the bushido spirit to all those affected by this we will be successful and keep the sun forever rising in Japan.”

Headlined by Californian deathcore band All Shall Perish, the show will take place at the House of Blues Hollywood in Los Angeles on May 26. Tickets are priced at $15 and doors open at 7:00 p.m., with the first band taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. Also scheduled to appear are Animals as Leaders, Cattle Decapitation, Abysmal Dawn, Internal Corrosion and Thrown into Exile.

“I am incredibly lucky and thankful for all the bands, companies and people that have helped me organize such an awesome show,” added Barnett. “I not only look forward to seeing everyone there, but to sit back and be a fan myself. I’ll be the big blonde guy headbanging, horns in the air.”