Microsoft and MTV today announced that The Beatles song "All You Need Is Love" has become the fastest selling downloadable track in Rock Band history within just two days of its availability, "demonstrating the passion and power of more than 20 million Xbox Live members to rally behind this social cause while enjoying The Beatles’ iconic anthem of love and peace." The majority of the proceeds (112 out of 160 Microsoft points, or essentially $1.40 out of $2.00) for each download is donated to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
Tens of thousands of dollars have already been raised, and by purchasing the song, gamers are entered into The Beatles: Rock Band Download & Win contest for a chance to win one of the limited edition The Beatles: Rock Band Xbox 360 consoles and a Rickenbacker 325 replica guitar controller.
Furthermore, bidding for a limited edition The Beatles: Rock Band Xbox 360 console has attracted more than 110 bids from around the globe and raised $17,300 for the charity in its 10 day online auction. That money has enabled Doctors Without Borders to purchase the equipment needed to carry out 86,500 immunizations using auto-disposable syringes, or purchase enough emergency kits composed of drugs and medical supplies to meet the basic needs of more than 2,800 people for 15 days in the aftermath of a disaster.
Doctors Without Borders was personally selected by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison. If you haven't downloaded "All You Need Is Love" yet, you can still do so and proceeds will continue to benefit the charity.
“We are thrilled over the contributions to us so far from downloads of ‘All You Need Is Love,’ and from the auction of the beautiful, one-of-a-kind Xbox console,” said Dr. Matt Spitzer, president of the board of directors of Doctors Without Borders. “We are incredibly grateful for having been selected as the beneficiary of this promotion. Funds generated from initiatives such as this can go a long way. Severely malnourished children will be treated, people displaced by war will receive life-saving medical care, and people living with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other neglected diseases will have access to the medicines they need. On behalf of our patients, Doctors Without Borders says ‘Thank You.’”
