December 16 [7:55 EDT] -- While their peers attend the prestigious Brit Awards Ceremony the same night, The Verve plan on playing a benefit for homeless youth instead.

New Musical Express reports the band plans a performance at the Brixton Academy February 9, 1998 in aid of the National Children's Homes Action For Children 'House Our Youth 2000' campaign. Ticket go on sale December 17.

Richard Ashcroft told the magazine: "It's a good cause, we wanted to do something, so we're doing what we do best. I hope that other people will do what they can to help, too."

They won't be totally absent from the Brit Awards, however. There's a plan in the works for part of the band's performance to also be beamed via satellite to that the event.