NETAID

 

- the concert that had half the world rocking and singing on the 9. 10. 99,
the event which aims to support poverty-stricken countries and clear all Third World debt -
definitely was the greatest show ever since Live Aid in 1985, specially as it was held in bit cities simultaneously, joined up by big live-screens.



In London, Wembley Arena, NetAid was hosted by by Jamie Theakston and Gail Porter and took off at 5 pm. The event lined up major celebrities such as Robbie Williams, David Bowie, George Michael, Eurythmics and Bryan Adams, Catatonia, Bush, Stereophonics and The Corrs.


Eurythmics opened up the show with their new poignant song 'I saved the world today'. Though not having been in the limelight for some considerable time, their performance didn't lack their former brilliance or Annie Lennox's powerful voice, when her and David Stewart went through the all-time favourites 'There Must Be An Angel', 'Sweet Dreams' and 'Missionary Man'. Continuing the set were Catatonia, The Corrs - with a great rendition of REM's hit 'Everybody Hurts' - and George Michael.

George was actually 2 flights up (according to his manager Andy Stevens) when Ronan Keating proudly introduced him! Still, eventually Mr Michael appeared on stage, seated in his famous black swivel chair, a choir of multiracial backing singers dressed in multicoloured flowing gowns. He himself was sporting - in usual manner - black shirt, trousers and jacket, all by Fletcher & Joyce, and a barbed wire necklace that caused some stir. George dazzled the 65.000 (or over) strong, highly charged crowd with the well-fitted 'Brother Can You Spare A Dime' (from a musical), 'Freedom90', 'Fastlove' and 'Father Figure'. His biggest supporters though were his lover Kenny Goss and Geri Halliwell, cheering him on from their VIP seats. Also, Pepsi Demacque and Shirlie Kemp (former Holliman), ex-Wham! backing singers and pop duo of the 80s, were spotted in the audience at Wembley.

 



Other great performances were given by David Bowie and Bryan Adams. Bowie surprised the crowd by presenting his old hits 'China Girl', 'Rebel, Rebel' and 'Star Man'. And Mr Adams was actually the only artist who introduced his band after belting out 'Summer of 69', 'Cloud No 9' and 'Baby When You're Gone'.

Last but not least a well-dressed (in suit!) Robbie Williams brought the NetAid supporters at Wembley to a peak with his set, giving his utmost with 'Let Me Entertain You', 'No Regrets' and a blistering finish with 'Millennium'. Mr Williams was also rumoured to have caused some uproar behind the scenes when claiming a major dressing room, meant for all performers, all to himself.

In New York at Giants Stadium artists included U2's Bono, Wyclef Jean (Fugees), Puff Daddy, Mary J. Blige, Sheryl Crow, Sting and Zucchero.

And Geneva's Le Palais des Nations stadium hosted Des'ree, Texas and Bryan Ferry.

Yet more celebrities participated in the event in London via the big screen. There was Geneva's host Michael Douglas - greeted by his fiancée Catherine Zeta Jones who was seated among the VIPs at Wembley Arena -, Kenny Rogers and Meryl Streep.

One of the main highlights of NetAid were the moment London, Geneva and New York joined together to sing Bono and Wyclef Jean's anthem 'A New Day' or when Nelson Mandela spoke of the problems in Third World Countries and how other, more fortunate people could support the idea of helping them in live link-up with all 3 venues.

John Chambers, president of CISCO and one of the central people behind NetAid, hopes to be able to use the modern technology of the Internet to raise awareness among the world's population, in aid to fight poverty, disease and hunger in poorer countries.

Let's hope the old saying "Together we're strong" can be put into action this time.