News

Tsunami Aid: A Concert Of Hope – Eric Clapton Participates In U.S. Fundraiser

17 Jan 05

On 15 January 2005, “Tsunami Aid: A Concert Of Hope” was broadcast on numerous American television channels including NBC, USA Network, Bravo, PAX and Telemundo. The two-hour music and celebrity-driven broadcast raised funds to support the American Red Cross International Response Fund. The concert also aired on Clear Channel radio stations across the nation.

Eric Clapton generously donated his talents to the relief effort. From a television studio in London, he and Roger Waters performed an accoustic version of the Pink Floyd song “Wish You Were Here”. Eric did not lend his vocal talents to the number but he did play two short lead guitar breaks. Backing singers on the song were Katie Kissoon, Carol Kenyon and P.P. Arnold.

The commercial-free event was hosted primarily by U.S. television presenter, Jay Leno. It featured musical appearances by Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Sarah McLachlan, John Mayer, Maroon 5, Annie Lennox, Elton John, Sheryl Crow, Nelly, Gloria Estefan, Lenny Kravitz, Diana Ross and others. Brian Wilson performed his composition “Love and Mercy” in memory of his band member, Markus Sandlund, who was on vacation in Thailand when the tsunami struck. He is still missing.

Music from the evening’s broadcast is available for download at www.connect.com. All proceeds from download sales will go to ease the suffering and help rebuild the lives of those directly affected by the tsunami.

For information on the American Red Cross International Response Fund and its tsunami relief efforts, visit www.redcross.org

Eric Clapton will also participate in the Tsunami Relief Concert taking place in Cardiff, Wales on 22 January.