Volunteers Ready to Rock

Volunteers Ready to Rock

One of the world's best-known rock bands is coming to the party for hundreds of volunteers who have worked incredibly long and hard hours since the 4 September earthquake.

Metallica is coming to CBS Canterbury Arena next week for two sell-out concerts that came after a huge come-to-Christchurch campaign by fans.

Now the band and promoter Michael Coppel want to do their bit for the city as it continues the recovery and rebuild. Metallica and Michael Coppel have donated around 300 suite tickets for volunteers and emergency services to attend the concert. Vbase is going to gift the use of the suites for the volunteers to watch the concert from.

Mayor Bob Parker says it is a true show of global spirit for the city after the earthquake.

"It has been a dreadful time for many. We didn't lose someone but many lost something. And whilst it will take time to get fully back on our feet, we're on the way. This extremely timely and generous offer from Metallica and Michael Coppel sends a great message to the many hundreds of people who have worked thousands of hours getting the city back up and running."

About 240 of the tickets will go to students who volunteered to help with the clean up in the days following the earthquake. Some days up to a thousand students were head down with a broom in hand in the suburbs and Mayor Parker says the feedback about the student effort has been wonderful and heart-warming.

"That's what is has all been about. Students and people from all walks of life and lined up side by side and just doing what needed to be done. Metallica is a once in a life time experience and these students and another 60 from the emergency services will remember this for the rest of their lives."

ENDS