Def Leppard, Journey Raise Funds for Autism

Online Auction for One-Of-A-Kind Autographed Arlen Ness-Designed Motorcycle Begins November 1 at www.vh1auctions.com

In an effort to help raise awareness and funds for autism research, VH1 Classic is teaming up with Def Leppard and Journey to auction off a one-of-a-kind autographed motorbike. The bike, designed by Cory Ness of Arlen Ness Motorcycles is signed by each member of the bands. From November 1 through November 22 online users can visit www.vh1auctions.com to bid on this rock-n-roll machine and help in the fight against autism. A portion of the proceeds raised will be donated to Cure Autism Now (CAN).

Throughout the auction, VH1 Classic will air promos that direct VH1 Classic viewers to www.vh1auctions.com. In addition, as the sponsor of the current 2006 Def Leppard/Journey tour, VH1 Classic will include auction signage at each of the concert venues during upcoming tour stops.

“It was an honor and privilege to build a motorcycle for these rock icons. Neal Schon and Joe Elliot not only rock, they know how to design a motorcycle,” said designer Cory Ness. “This bike not only rocks, it rolls! Someone is going to own a piece of history.”

“The custom Journey/Def Leppard bike that Arlen Ness Motorcycles created is one bad-ass, wicked-mean bike with all the frills and best parts that money can buy. A lucky fan will own this bad boy in just a few weeks. Best of all, the money is going to Cure Autism Now,” said Neal Schon of Journey.

“I concur with Neal that this is not just a bike but an absolute work of art...some lucky person is going to own this bike and I will be forever jealous of the fact that it won’t be me!!!! But I will take some comfort in the knowledge that the money we raise will be going to such a worthy cause,” said Joe Elliot of Def Leppard.

“VH1 Classic is happy to harness the power of these two iconic bands and Arlen Ness Motorcycles to help drive awareness and research of this rapidly growing disorder,” said Eric Sherman, Senior Vice President and General Manager, VH1 Classic and VH1 Digital Networks.

“We are humbled by the generosity of these two legendary bands and VH1 Classic's commitment to raising awareness and funding for autism,” says Peter Bell, president and CEO of Cure Autism Now. “Anyone that has ever played air guitar to 'Rock of Ages' or 'Don't Stop Believin' and rides a motorcycle needs to seriously consider bidding--it's a one-of-a-kind.”

Autism is a neuro-development disorder that now affects as many as one in every 166 children in the United States. Autism is commonly diagnosed by the age three, and in some cases, as early as one year. Characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills, social interactions, and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, children with autism can exhibit symptoms that run from mild severe with widely differing symptom profiles.

Cure Autism Now is an organization of parents, clinicians and scientists dedicated to accelerating research to prevent, treat and cure autism -- for individuals and families today, and for future generations. www.cureautismnow.org or (888) 8-AUTISM.

Launched in May 2000, VH1 Classic is a 24-hour network that present videos, concerts and music specials all day long, featuring the best of rock, soul and pop artists from the 60s, 70s and 80s, including The Beatles, The Stones, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, The Who, Stevie Wonder, The Police and many more.