Superstars Shine For All the Heroes

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Oct 21, 2001 Source: New York Daily News Submitted By: Gina Cates By MAKI BECKER and ISAAC GUZMAN Daily News Staff Writers New York's weary heroes got a chance to laugh out loud, dance to their favorite rock tunes and set aside the horror of Sept. 11 at the rollicking Concert for New York City last night. A who's who of rock royalty, Hollywood stars and political heavyweights joined forces at Madison Square Garden to raise money for the victims of last month's terrorist attacks and lift the spirits of those who survived. Billy Joel, in a New York state of mind "We are told that Mr. [Osama] Bin Laden and his friends watch us on TV all the time," former President Bill Clinton told the crowd, which included many firefighters, cops and rescue workers. "I hope they saw this tonight." The event was broadcast live on VH-1. Among those on hand was 15-year-old Kaitlyn Stackpole, the daughter of Firefighter Timothy Stackpole, who returned to the job after nearly dying in a 1998 Brooklyn blaze and was killed Sept. 11 when the twin towers collapsed. The crowd chanted "Timmy! Timmy!" as Kaitlyn and her family were brought on stage. She wiped away a tear as she introduced the Backstreet Boys. Emceeing was actor and comedian Billy Crystal, who joked that many thought the event was an awards show but that wasn't possible because "we couldn't find anyone to open envelopes." Stars in Stripes: Jon Bon Jovi rocks out for charity. He said he looked back fondly on the "good ol' days" when former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker was New York's worst enemy, and he joked that Christians, Jews and Muslims across the country needed to band together to "never, ever again let Mariah Carey make a movie." But Crystal turned serious in thanking the heroes of Sept. 11. "Tonight is dedicated to you," he said. The crowd leapt up and danced as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards performed a high-energy rendition of the Rolling Stones classic "Miss You." Billy Joel brought the crowd to tears as he sang "New York State of Mind." David Bowie led off, opening with a spartan cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "America," followed by a lively rendition of his own tune, "Heroes." Among the other performers were Bon Jovi, Destiny's Child, Melissa Etheridge, The Who, Eric Clapton and Elton John. Comedian Adam Sandler drew roars with a parody song that mocked Bin Laden. Paul McCartney concluded the show with a set that included "Yesterday," "Let It Be" and a new song, "Freedom." Susan Sarandon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Harrison Ford, Halle Berry and Robert De Niro were also among those lending their star power. Original Publication Date: 10/21/01 Comment on this item. Next Item: Concert in the capital Prev Item: 1800FLOWERS.COM Raises Over $4,000 for Dorough Lupus Foundation