THE GATHERING To Play Benefit Concert For Victims Of Chile Earthquake

Dutch rockers THE GATHERING have issued the following update:

"The last couple of weeks THE GATHERING has been working non-stop trying to organize a benefit concert for Chile.

"As you probably know, a massive earthquake hit Chile last February, and has cost the lives of many people and left many people homeless.

"We are proud to announce that THE GATHERING will be playing in Teatro Caupolican, Santiago, Chile on April 11th.

"Normally it would take months to put up a concert like this, but when we heard about the earthquake we immediately felt the need to do something to help.

"The Chilean people have always given us such a warm welcome and giving this special concert is the most natural and personal way for us to do something back. We hope to not only raise money for the people that are in need of help, but also to give some hope and strength to rebuild this beautiful country after such a natural disaster. It will also be the first time for our new vocalist Silje Wergeland, who joined the band for the latest album, 'The West Pole', to play in Chile. She is very happy to be part of this very special event and has also worked really hard to make this come true.

"In co-operation with Chile Ayuda, the money raised will be donated to Red Cross Chile to help the people in need after the damages from the earthquake.

"Pre-sale tickets will be $7.000 (pesos) and it is also possible to donate non-perishable food at the door.

"Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.cl.

"We are feeling so lucky we're able to reach out a helping hand for people to rebuild their homes and lives again. So amigos, spread the word, come and join us and let's create a beautiful evening together to help the people in need!

"THE GATHERING would like to give a BIG THANK YOU to our amazing crew, the promoter and our partners in Chile who have been and will all be working hard to get this together for the good cause."

Video footage of THE GATHERING performing the song "Saturnine" on February 27, 2010 in Thessaloniki, Greece can be viewed below.

THE GATHERING's latest album, "The West Pole", was released in North America on June 2, 2009 via Season of Mist. The CD was issued in most of Europe on May 4, 2009 via the group's own label, Psychonaut Records.

"The West Pole" marks the recording debut of new THE GATHERING singer Silje Wergeland, who was previously in the Norwegian band OCTAVIA SPERATI. It also includes two very talented guest vocalists, Anne van den Hoogen and Marcela Bovio (STREAM OF PASSION),along with other guest musicians.

Singer Anneke van Giersbergen announced her departure from THE GATHERING in 2007. She has since launched a project called AGUA DE ANNIQUE, which has released three albums so far: "Air" (2007),"Pure Air" (2009) and "In Your Room" (2009).