As regular visitors to U2.Com know, Edge was recently down in New Orleans, spending time listening to the experiences of local musicians whose lives were devastated following the recent Gulf Coast hurricanes.

We're going to be posting some video clips of Edge's visit to the city in the next few days.

In this first one, Edge describes his experiences on first travelling New Orleans and seeing the trail of disaster left by hurricane and floods. He also talks to local musicians about their loss.

Watch it here.

Edge has launched the Music Rising initiative, a fundraising campaign to replace instruments lost by musicians following the hurricanes. You can read all about Music Rising in our earlier story here

One of the very cool elements in the fundraising strateby is the creation and release of a limited edition 'Gibson Music Rising' guitar - which is about to go on sale. (see picture).

It comes in hand-painted designs using the colors of Mardi Gras, each guitar individually painted and handmade so no two will be alike. All of the usual plastic parts (back plate, pick guard, toggle cover, truss rod cover) have been replaced by woods from the States affected by the hurricanes. The Music Rising logo is etched into the pick guard. It¹s available through Guitar Center, with all proceeds going directly to the Music Rising program ­ including a pledge of $1m in support.

Check out the guitar - and even order one! - here

And don't forget if you'd like to help provide instruments to the region, you can make tax-deductible contributions to Music Rising atwww.musicrising.orgor by sending a check made payable to 'Music Rising', c/o
MusiCares Foundation,
3402 Pico Blvd.,
Santa Monica,
CA 90405

Lots more information on Music Rising here