U2, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Jon Bon Jovi, Julian Lennon, Red Hot Chili Peppers and several other artists took part in Global Citizen’s Stand Up for Ukraine livestream Friday and Saturday. The event raised over $10.1 billion for refugee assistance.
Springsteen, Elton, Ozzy and Sharon, and the Peppers sent video messages. U2's Bono and The Edge performed an acoustic version of their 2000 song “Walk On” featuring new lyrics inspired by the fight of the Ukrainian people.
The song was posted along with the following message: “The brave people of Ukraine are fighting for their freedom -- and for ours -- in the face of unspeakable violence and an unjust invasion. More than 4 million people, mostly women and children, have had to flee for their lives -- a population nearly the size of Ireland. World leaders must stand up and stand by Ukrainians now…those who are fighting and those who have fled…and stand with refugees everywhere who have been forced from their homes and their lands."
John Lennon's oldest son Julian jumped in with his version of his father’s most iconic solo song.
Julian said, “The war on Ukraine is an unimaginable tragedy... As a human, and as an artist, I felt compelled to respond in the most significant way I could. So today, for the first time ever, I publicly performed my dad’s song 'Imagine.' Why now, after all these years? I had always said, that the only time I would ever consider singing 'Imagine' would be if it was the ‘End of the World’… But also because his lyrics reflect our collective desire for peace worldwide. Because within this song, we’re transported to a space, where love and togetherness become our reality, if but for a moment in time… The song reflects the light at the end of the tunnel, that we are all hoping for... As a result of the ongoing murderous violence, millions of innocent families, have been forced to leave the comfort of their homes, to seek asylum elsewhere. I’m calling on world leaders and everyone who believes in the sentiment of 'Imagine' to stand up for refugees everywhere! Please advocate and donate from the heart. #StandUpForUkraine.”
Julian Lennon was backedon acoustic guitar from Extreme's Nuno Bettencourt.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]