Kings of Leon.Photo: courtesy kings of leon
Kings of Leonis preparing for a first in space — and supporting charity along the way.
As the all-civilianInspiration4 crew prepares to blast offto space for a three-day, history-making mission beginning Sept. 15, the band is teaming up with SpaceX foran auctionto help raise $200 million forSt. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The auction, which opens Thursday and runs until Sept. 20 at 12 p.m. ET, will feature several fun items, including an AG7 Apollo 11 Limited Edition Space Pen, Space Racers toys and customized jackets featuring artwork from St. Jude patients.
The all-new live recording of “Time in Disguise” will become the first minted music NFT to go up in space, marking a major milestone not only for the band but also the music industry.
“It means so much to us to be a part of this historic moment,” Kings of Leon exclusively tells PEOPLE. “When we wrote and recorded ‘Time in Disguise’ in the studio, we always thought it had a spacy feel to it and then the visuals from our live show have that vibe, as well.”
“To now have that song and those images be a part of something as historic as this is really cool, and having it raise money for a cause we’ve always cared so much about, makes it even better,” the band adds.
The Inspiration4 crew: Jared Isaacman, Hayley Arceneaux, Dr. Sian Proctor and Christopher Sembroski.JOHN KRAUS/netflix
In recent months, the NFT space has taken off across industries, with stars includingGrimes,Shawn Mendes,Tom Brady,Tony Hawk,Wayne GretzkyandDerek Jeterall getting involved with the burgeoning content.
With this particular project, Kings of Leon — who have long supported St. Jude and have created music NFTs before — will be providing an iPhone to civilian astronautHayley Arceneaux.
Hayley Arceneaux.John Kraus/Inspiration4
On the iPhone that Arceneaux, 29, brings to space will be the King’s NFT song, additional original artwork and footage of the band performing the tune at a concert in Nashville two weeks ago.
“As many know, this is our second music NFT. Big visible moments like this continue to make people aware of this idea,” Kings of Leon tells PEOPLE. “We see a more direct relationship with fans as the key to artists of all kinds making a living in this business.”
“NFTs are a huge part of that better future for music. We believe doing things like participating in this massive moment, not only generates money but generates awareness for the charity and the role NFTs can play in the future of raising money and restructuring the music industry,” the band adds.
The phone will later be auctioned for an opening bid of $50,000, along with a bundle that includes a meet-and-greet with the band and the SpaceX crew and a chance to see Kings of Leon perform in Los Angeles.
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With so much to look forward to, the Kings say it’s hard to pinpoint one thing they’re most excited about.
“There’s so much,” the band says. “Seeing blastoff, getting to meet the Inspiration4 crew when they return from orbit. We’re excited to meet the auction winner. They will also get to meet the crew and tour SpaceX, as well as come to one of our festival dates — it should be a good time!”
And, the band jokingly adds, “Maybe we’ll get some new fans from another planet!”
source: people.com
