ABC/Randy HolmesHundreds of musicians and other well-known entertainment figures have taken part in a recently launched campaign inspired by the current refugee crisis to raise money to aid victims of religious and political violence around the world.
The various celebrities appear in a new eight-minute video that shows them holding signs that read "Not Afraid" or are have contributed preexisting photos to which the "Not Afraid" message has been added.
Among the many, many stars featured in the video are Iggy Pop, Bono, Robert Plant, Nate Ruess of fun., R.E.M.'s Mike Mills, Rob Halford, Fiona Apple, Marky Ramone, Albert Hammond, Jr. of The Strokes, Wilco's Jeff Tweedy and Lucius.
The video is an extended version of a four-minute clip that premiered in September and was directed by Kevin Godley, former member of the '70s rock band 10cc. The updated video was directed and produced by acclaimed rock photographer Bob Gruen and features many more artists holding "Not Afraid" signs than appeared in the original clip.
Accompanying the photos is a song by Nigerian reggae artist Majek Fashek called "We Are Not Afraid." The tune is available for purchase at iTunes, Amazon and other online music sellers and all proceeds from sales of the track will be donated to the International Rescue Committee and Human Rights Watch.
"It's a positive statement in a negative world," says Gruen. "I hope it becomes something that inspires people around the world to do their own versions. You shouldn't go through life being afraid."
For more information about the campaign, visit WeAreNotAfraid.net.
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