Bono and Miley rock out at Aids concert
U2 frontman celebrated the achievements in the fight against Aids with Joe Biden, Sting and Stephen Colbert
At an all-star event honouring the non-profits ONE and (RED), cofounder Bono wanted to make one thing clear: “This is not a charity concert.”
Instead, the U2 frontman wanted to celebrate the achievements in the fight against Aids with the help of Miley Cyrus, US Vice-President Joe Biden, Sting and Stephen Colbert on Tuesday, which was Worlds Aids Day.
“This is a celebration. This is an instigation. This is a provocation. This is not a charity concert,” Bono told the audience at Carnegie Hall in New York.
Bono thanked his supporters, spoke about Aids statistics and rocked onstage with the Edge, performing U2 hits like Every Breaking Wave, Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of and Angel of Harlem.
Biden, who appeared with his wife Jill Biden, said Bono impressed him by convincing leaders to assist the advocacy organisations ONE and (RED), including the late Senator Jesse Helms.
Sting spoke highly of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former finance minister, while former President Bill Clinton — who earned rock star applause when he entered the stage — highlighted work done by entrepreneur Mo Ibrahim. Clinton noted that Ibrahim’s daughter, Hadeel, is on the board of directors of the Clinton Foundation.
Colbert, who was onstage to honour Bill and Melinda Gates, said Bono told him that an inspiring conversation with Bill Gates led the singer-activist to create ONE, which launched in 2004. He launched (RED) in 2006.
Colbert urged governments to continue to work together to assist the organisation soon “because Donald Trump,” he said, pausing as the audience laughed, “if he’s elected, all bets are off. Just tear up your history books and live in a cage because it’s every man for himself.”
The night featured more comical moments.
Daily Show host Trevor Noah, who is from South Africa, joked about why Bono asked him to host the event.
“I’m the perfect guy for the Aids event because I’m from Africa?” Noah said, recalling his conversation with Bono.
“No, because you’re down the road and you’re free.”
The most emotional moment when Walking Dead actress and playwright Danai Gurira performed part of a play she wrote while studying at New York University.
“It was a piece I created out of a rage really. I wanted to see women of African descent, women from the continent spoken of as more than statistics,” she said.
The striking eight-minute, one-woman performance had her in tears at its end, and the audience in awe.
Miley Cyrus sang songs from her latest album, Miley Cyrus & Her Dead
Petz, which she released for free this year. Jessie J, Cyrus, Edge and Bono finished the night singing U2’s One, though Cyrus stood awkwardly onstage since she said the lyrics weren’t appearing on the prompter.
“You got to help me,” she said looking to Bono. “Nothing is there.”