Sound Relief Raises $5M

The March 14 “Sound Relief” concerts – held simultaneously at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Melbourne Cricket Ground over eight hours – drew 120,000 fans and raised A$5 million ($3.3 million).

Pulled together in five weeks by Frontier Touring, Chugg Entertainment and IMC, the shows were broadcast live on TV and radio. The benefit was in response to devastating wildfires that have ravaged the Australian state of Victoria.

In addition to advertised headline sets from a reunited Midnight Oil and a pair-up of Barry Gibb and Olivia Newton-John, the shows provided some surprises.

John Farnham joined Coldplay for a rendition of his signature tune “You’re The Voice” while Liam Finn’s set became a Crowded House reunion.