MICHAEL DES BARRES: Little Kids Rock (from his website)

Steven Van Zandt, Elvis Costello and MDB

On October 16th Michael was among the artists honoring Steven Van Zandt at Little Kids Rock’s annual “Right To Rock” benefit event at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, alongside Elvis Costello, Southside Johnny, Tom Morello, Bruce Springsteen and others.

During the show, Michael performed the song “Soulfire”, which was originally written by Van Zandt for Danish band The Breakers. He also joined the rest of the artists on stage at the end to sing “I Don’t Want To Go Home” (video on YouTube).

MDB and Bruce Springsteen

Reports from the event can be found atCBS Local and The Examiner. There are also some pictures of Michael on stage at Getty Images and Contact Music.

Michael wrote the following afterwards:

“An incredible night in my life.. My rock and roll life. so moving, so rich with lineage and friendship. Springsteen’s speech was Kerouac good about his friend of 47 years. The incomparable John the Babtist of Rock, Steve Van Zandt.. These precious children who will benefit from this show with a guitar in their hands because these artists showed up for them. Life changing.. In the inevitable gift bag at the end of the night, back in the hotel, I pulled out some hand written letters of gratitude from little kids who want to rock…. So let’s teach our children that Elvis, Chuck and Little Richard still live on, under the boardwalk and on the city streets… Music transcends everything.. Passion and a good heart will save our souls. With 3 chords, a few friends and a song or two…”

Little Kids Rock is a nonprofit organization that funds and runs one of the largest, free instrumental music programs in US public schools today. The “Right To Rock” event in New York managed to raise over $800,000 for the cause.

If you have not done so already, check out Michael's Gonzo Artist Page