Bruce Dickinson - Bruce Dickinson Offers Earthquake Survivors Video Support

More than 160 people were killed when the 7.1 magnitude quake hit the city on 22 February (11) and authorities expect the death toll to reach 240.

But Dickinson has his sights set on boosting the morale of those left picking up the pieces after the disaster.

In the video message, he states, "We're terribly shocked by the events. We just got into Melbourne (Australia) and I woke up to the awful news.

"All the band... everybody here, our thoughts go out to all the people of New Zealand. We've got a lot of friends there, and family. We pray you all stay safe."