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Australia hosts bushfire benefit | Australia hosts bushfire benefit |
(30 minutes later) | |
Music stars from Australia and beyond have joined forces to raise funds for victims of recent natural disasters, including fires that killed 210 people. | Music stars from Australia and beyond have joined forces to raise funds for victims of recent natural disasters, including fires that killed 210 people. |
Thousands attended the Sound Relief concerts in Sydney and Melbourne, despite stormy and wet weather. | Thousands attended the Sound Relief concerts in Sydney and Melbourne, despite stormy and wet weather. |
Coldplay, Kings of Leon and Kylie were among the performers. "I'm so thankful I can make it home tonight and share this with all of you," said Minogue. | Coldplay, Kings of Leon and Kylie were among the performers. "I'm so thankful I can make it home tonight and share this with all of you," said Minogue. |
The star led the 80,000 Melbourne crowd singing I Still Call Australia Home. | The star led the 80,000 Melbourne crowd singing I Still Call Australia Home. |
Recent weeks saw the worst fires in Australian history devastate the south of the country, while floods hit the north. | Recent weeks saw the worst fires in Australian history devastate the south of the country, while floods hit the north. |
A sold-out crowd attended Melbourne Cricket Ground, where acts on the bill include Jack Johnson, Gabriella Cilmi and Wolfmother, with Minogue as MC. | A sold-out crowd attended Melbourne Cricket Ground, where acts on the bill include Jack Johnson, Gabriella Cilmi and Wolfmother, with Minogue as MC. |
"There's a thing we talk about a lot, which is the Australian spirit, and I believe that it's in evidence tonight all around the country," Minogue told the audience. | |
"I don't have a band, I don't have dancers, in fact there ain't one feather on me tonight. | |
Bee Gees star Gibb duetted with Olivia Newton John in Sydney | Bee Gees star Gibb duetted with Olivia Newton John in Sydney |
"But I thought this could actually be my biggest gig ever if you are all prepared... to sing with me. It's pretty much like our unofficial anthem." | "But I thought this could actually be my biggest gig ever if you are all prepared... to sing with me. It's pretty much like our unofficial anthem." |
Coldplay opened the Sydney concert, claiming to be "honorary Australians". "Thank you for letting us be part of this very special event," said lead singer Chris Martin. | |
A minute's silence was held for victims of the fires, and messages of sympathy from Princes William and Harry were projected on big screens at both venues. | A minute's silence was held for victims of the fires, and messages of sympathy from Princes William and Harry were projected on big screens at both venues. |
Bee Gees star Barry Gibb and Olivia Newton-John closed the event. "I think our spirits are always here," said Gibb, who was raised in Australia. | |
A number of retired Australasian bands, such as Icehouse, Hunters and Collectors and Split Enz, reformed for the event. | |
Australian Environment Minister Peter Garrett left parliament behind to rock with his old band Midnight Oil. | Australian Environment Minister Peter Garrett left parliament behind to rock with his old band Midnight Oil. |
Coldplay opened the concert in Sydney with their hit song Yellow | Coldplay opened the concert in Sydney with their hit song Yellow |
"The music industry coming together to put its hands in its pockets and get itself out on the stage.. is a very, very special day for us," Garrett, 55, told a news conference. | "The music industry coming together to put its hands in its pockets and get itself out on the stage.. is a very, very special day for us," Garrett, 55, told a news conference. |
"Naturally, I consulted with my colleagues because I've got responsibilities but I think everybody recognises that it was just a really extraordinary situation." | "Naturally, I consulted with my colleagues because I've got responsibilities but I think everybody recognises that it was just a really extraordinary situation." |
Midnight Oil shot to fame in the 1980s with politically-charged songs calling attention to the plight of Australia's aboriginal peoples but broke up in 2002 after frontman Garrett announced he was leaving to go into politics. | Midnight Oil shot to fame in the 1980s with politically-charged songs calling attention to the plight of Australia's aboriginal peoples but broke up in 2002 after frontman Garrett announced he was leaving to go into politics. |