- Content: 
Add Movieguide® as preferred on Google
By Mallory Mattingly
Rock Band O.A.R. plans to use their 30-city tour for good: raising money and awareness for veterans.
O.A.R. kicked off their Three Decades Tour on June 19, which will feature guests Gavin DeGraw, Lisa Loeb, KT Tunstall and Phantom Planet. The band partnered with the Robert Irvine Foundation to take this 30th anniversary tour to help support veterans.
“We’ve known Robert for years and have always admired his commitment to serving veterans and military families,” O.A.R. saxophonist/guitarist Jerry DiPizzo told Military.com of the partnership with Robert Irvine. “It felt like a natural partnership because we share many of the same values around community and service.”
The partnership came about years ago when the band’s lead vocalist Marc Roberge joined the Robert Irvine Foundation’s Advisory Council.
“Despite [Marc’s] demanding schedule, he generously dedicates his time, energy and influence to our mission,” Irvine said. “He has been instrumental in helping us build relationships, engage artists and supporters and create the kind of events that not only raise critical funds but also shine a light on the needs of those who have served our country. That’s the kind of commitment that makes a real difference.”
Related: RESTAURANT IMPOSSIBLE Host Robert Irvine Helps Heroes Renovate Homes in HGTV Special
The band decided to feature special donation opportunities throughout the six-month tour.
“Throughout the tour, fans will encounter activations designed to support veterans, including VIP experiences, signed guitar giveaways, fundraising initiatives, social storytelling, community engagement opportunities, and nightly moments tied to the band’s performance of ‘War Song’,” a press release reads, per Military.com.
Irvine appreciates Roberge’s continued support.
“…we were always looking for ways to do something bigger together. Now, with O.A.R.’s 30th Anniversary Tour, we finally can create something truly meaningful on a national scale,” Irvine said. “The tour gives us a platform to engage communities across the country, celebrate service, and raise awareness and support for veterans and military families in a way that can have a lasting impact.”
In addition to supporting vets, though, the tour is also a thank you to the band’s fans.
“When we started playing songs together in a basement in Rockville, Maryland in 1996 we had big dreams of being a real deal touring band,” said Roberge to Rock Cellar Music. “We imagined playing our songs throughout the country, living life on the road, telling our stories to the world. The fact we’ve gotten to live that life for the last 30 years is a testament to the power of our audience. This tour is our way of saying thank you – to every fan who made our dreams come true. We can’t wait to see each and every one of you out there on the Three Decades Tour.”
The Three Decades Tour kicked off on in Vail, Colorado, on June 19 and wraps up in Orlando, Florida, on Nov. 15.
Read Next: 5 Actors Who Honor Our Veterans
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
Add Movieguide® as preferred on GoogleShare:
- Content: +2
- Content: +2