Lava/Atlantic recording group Simple Plan has announced details surrounding their upcoming iTunes Store single, "Save You." Net proceeds from each download sale will be distributed to cancer charities around the world, through the Montreal-based band’s own Simple Plan Foundation. "Save You" - which is also found on Simple Plan’s self-titled third studio album - will be released worldwide via iTunes, available in the U.S. and Canada on October 14th.
"
Save You" was penned in tribute to lead singer
Pierre Bouvier’s brother
Jay, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancer at the age of 28. Thankfully now in remission,
Bouvier’s illness inspired the band to include cancer awareness as one of the initiatives of the
Simple Plan Foundation. Thus far, the
Foundation has donated over $100,000 to various charitable organizations around Canada and has raised over another $200,000 at various benefit events. In addition,
Simple Plan has donated portions of their merchandise sales as well as 50 cents from each ticket sold on their recent and forthcoming tours.
"After what happened to someone so close to us, we feel that, as a band, we had to do something to help," explain Simple Plan in a statement. "We should get involved and use our voice to make a difference in the fight against cancer."
In addition to the "Save You" single, a special companion video is currently in production. The clip will feature appearances from cancer survivors from all walks of life, including such famous faces as Sharon Osbourne, Marissa Winokur (of the original Broadway production of Hairspray), Barenaked Ladies’ Kevin Hearn, and Saku Koivu (captain of the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens).
The philanthropic effort behind "Save You" is the result of a partnership between Simple Plan, iTunes, Lava/Atlantic, and Warner/Chappell Music, the song’s publisher. The donation period begins on October 14th and continues through January 31st, 2009.
