Jason Aldean Releases ‘I Won’t Back Down’ to Raise Money for Las Vegas Shooting Victims
Money raised from the song will be donated to the Direct Impact Fund.
Since the tragic Las Vegas shooting, Jason Aldean has adopted Tom Petty’s hit “I Won’t Back Down” as his new anthem and will now use its powerful words to help give back to the victims of the horrific tragedy. Further promoting a message of unity and love, the Georgia native has released his Saturday Night Live version of the song in order to raise money for the Direct Impact Fund.
The Direct Impact Fund, an independent, registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, helps to provide fast and effective help for those affected by natural and manmade disasters.
“This week, we witnessed one of the worst tragedies in American history,” said Aldean during his surprise opening on the Oct. 7 episode of SNL. “Like everyone, I’m struggling to understand what happened that night and how to pick up the pieces and start to heal. So many people are hurting. There are children, parents, brothers, sisters, friends — they’re all part of our family. So I want to say to them: We hurt for you and we hurt with you. But you can be sure we’re going to walk through these tough times together, every step of the way, because when America is at its best, our bond and our spirit, it’s unbreakable.”
In addition to raising money by way of the song, fans are encouraged to purchase a custom printed “We Won’t Back Down” t-shirt or text VEGAS to 91999 to donate.
Aldean was onstage when a deranged shooter began firing from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Casino and killed nearly 60 people and injured more than 400. Aldean has since returned to Vegas to visit some of the victims and has pressed on with his They Don’t Know Tour to show that in the face of fear, he ‘won’t back down.’
