Record-Breaking Relief

The “Sound Relief” mega-charity show, in Sydney and Melbourne March 14, set a new box office record.

More than 78,000 tickets were sold for the Melbourne Cricket Ground, making it the largest paid concert event in Australian history, according to co-organiser Frontier Touring Company.

“It’s just an amazing result,” Sound Relief co-organiser Michael Gudinski said in a statement. “The lineup is without doubt a once in a lifetime one, but it’s truly impressive how much the Australian public has gotten behind this. It speaks volumes of the passion of our great country – helping a mate in trouble.”

Brisk ticket movement for the Sydney show, at the 50,000-capacity Sydney Cricket Ground, saw co-promoter Chugg Entertainment quickly release more tickets.

Kylie Minogue was added in Melbourne as guest MC.

The bill has major international acts including Coldplay and Kings Of Leon, who were touring Australia. Also included are Jack Johnson, Taylor Swift and regional favorites such as Midnight Oil, Split Enz and Kasey Chambers, with more to be announced.

The Bee Gees’ Barry Gibb was confirmed as the closing act of the Sydney show.

Coldplay sent a message to John Farnham to come out of semi-retirement to sing his hit “You’re The Voice” with the band.