The High School will host the first of an estimated 30 rock concerts Friday geared toward raising money and educating students on the perils of drunken driving.

The concert, titled, "Arrive Alive," features the band NE Rocks (New England Rocks). Their members, including lead singer Jay Hajj AHS '86, are between 18 and 22 years of age, but they frequently play some of Boston's popular night spots such as the Channel, Narcissus and the Paradise. Hajj, 21, describes their music as "listenable heavy metal."

Ron Bellanti, promoter and owner of entertainment newspaper, The Rock Report, said the concert is a complete benefit with profits going toward drunken driving education programs. Others are planned at various high schools across the state and in New Hampshire.

Hajj said the drummer, Terry Chapel of Londonderry, N.H., lost his younger brother in a drunken driving car accident.

"We practice at their house and we see their pain. His (Chapel's) mother always wished something good could come of her son's death."

Hajj said they will be careful not to preach, but there will be a message in the performance: do not drunk and drive.

"It's hard to find someone kids will listen too, but they might listen to a rock band. We think we have found a way for them to listen," said Hajj, who has a younger brother in the High School.

"It would be nice to set an example and get a point across. I know a lot of kids in Amesbury. I'm not that much older than the kids at the High School," he said.

Bellanti said a client from the National Head Injury Association, Woburn, will speak to students from the stage.

The concert is presented by Bellanti's Bad Boy Productions in conjunction with the Amesbury Student Council. It is sponsored by the Rock Report and WCGY radio. On-air personality Lisa Garvey will be there.

Tickets are $8 in advance at the High School and $10 at the door. Doors open at 7:30.