Benefit concerts have been a popular way for musicians to raise awareness and funds for various causes. Over the years, some of the biggest names in music have come together to perform at these events, which have raised millions of dollars for charity.
Here are six of the biggest benefit concerts in history.
Concert for Bangladesh
The Concert for Bangladesh was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 1971.
It was organized by sitar maestro Ravi Shankar and ex-Beatle George Harrison to raise funds for the displaced natives of East Pakistan.
The concert featured performances by Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, Leon Russell, Ringo Starr, and Bob Dylan, among others.
Live Aid
Live Aid was a dual-venue benefit concert that was organized to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. The concert was held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia in 1985.
The event featured performances by some of the biggest names in music, including Queen, U2, David Bowie, and Elton John, among others. It is estimated that the concert raised over $127 million.
The Secret Policeman’s Ball
This series of benefit shows started in 1976 to raise funds for the human rights charity Amnesty International.
The shows featured top comic talent, including Peter Cook, the Monty Python team, and The Goodies.
Since then, musicians such as Joan Armatrading, Kate Bush, Duran Duran, Morrissey, Sting, and U2 have offered their services.
Live 8
Live 8 was a series of benefit concerts that took place in 2005 in various locations around the world.
The concerts were organized to raise awareness about poverty in Africa and to pressure the G8 nations to increase aid to the continent.
The event featured performances by some of the biggest names in music, including Madonna, U2, Coldplay, and Pink Floyd, among others.
It is estimated that the concerts were watched by over 3 billion people worldwide.
The Concert for New York City
The Concert for New York City was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 2001. It was organized to raise funds for the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
The concert featured performances by some of the biggest names in music, including Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, and The Who, among others. It is estimated that the concert raised over $35 million.
One Love Manchester
One Love Manchester was held in 2017 to raise funds for the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing. The concert was held at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester, England, and featured performances by Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and Coldplay, among others.
It is estimated that the concert raised over $13 million.
Thank your for reading. These six benefit concerts have raised millions of dollars for various causes and have brought together some of the biggest names in music.
They are a testament to the power of music to bring people together and make a difference in the world.
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