SIMPLE PLAN - SIMPLE PLAN RUSH TO AID TSUNAMI RECOVERY EFFORT

Canadian rockers SIMPLE PLAN are hoping to take time out of their busy schedule to visit areas devastated by the December (04) tsunami because they owe it to friends in Malaysia and Thailand.

The ADDICTED hitmakers were the first act to sign up for the hastily-arranged MTV ASIA AID benefit concert in Bangkok on 3 February (05), but they want to do so much more than just perform.

In a statement, the group members collectively explain they have fond memories of performing in south east Asia and want to do everything they can to help raise funds for the relief effort.

They say, "We've spent so many happy times in south east Asia. Much of it in Thailand and Malaysia and we wanted to help as much as we could.

"It was an honour for us to be invited on the show by MTV and to have the chance to show support to all of our friends in the region who were affected by this horrible tragedy."

The benefit concert will also feature ALICIA KEYS, GOOD CHARLOTTE and AMERICAN IDOL winner KELLY CLARKSON, as well as many south east Asian acts.