Philadelphia Freedom Concert

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Philadelphia Freedom Concert and Ball was a HIV/AIDS awareness fundraising event that was held in Philadelphia on July 4, 2005.

The ball was held at Philadelphia's art museum prior to the multi-act concert. Tickets were $1000 each and included numerous celebrities, including the orchestrator of the event Elton John. Chefs from the city provided food and entertainment was provided by local groups. The concert itself was held outside the museum, using the stage from the Live8 concert only a few days before. VIP tickets costing $500 allowed people to sit in 25 rows set up in front of the stage; otherwise, it was a standing only event. Over 1 million people attended. The concert was hosted by Wayne Brady and Bruce Vilanche and included some other special guests, such as Billie Jean King. Performing were Bryan Adams, Patti LaBelle, Rufus Wainright, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, culminating with a performance by Elton John (who was introduced by long-time friend and AIDS activist Billie Jean King). Elton opened with "The Bitch Is Back", followed by "Bennie And The Jets", "Rocket Man", "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues", "Tiny Dancer", and ended with "Philadelphia Freedom" with the Philadelphia Pops. The concert was followed by a fireworks display. The event was the largest AIDS event ever held.^{[citation needed]}