McCARTNEY - NY debut for attack song, charity concert

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BBC - Friday, 19 October, 2001, 15:23 GMT 16:23 UK K

New York debut for McCartney song


McCartney: "Show of strength in support of democracy"

Sir Paul McCartney is to debut his anti-terror song, Freedom, at Saturday's star-studded New York benefit show for the victims of the US attacks.

The Concert For New York, to be televised in 40 countries, is expected to raise at least £6m for the victims of the attacks on 11 September.

As well as Sir Paul, the line-up will include fellow music veterans Mick Jagger, Sir Elton John, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, U2 and The Who.

The five-hour show at Madison Square Gardens, thought to be the biggest line-up of British rock stars on a US stage, will be flanked by tight security including 500 armed police.

Sir Paul said the concert was a "show of strength in support of democracy", and that his song was "about our right to live in freedom".

"America is one of the world's greatest democracies and the attacks on 11 September were a threat to its freedom," he said.

"We are doing this show to raise money for the victims of the attack and to make our stand against any who threaten our freedom."

He said he was in New York when it was attacked, and was inspired to write his song immediately afterwards.

"We are not going to buckle under to threats from anyone," he said, adding that "all of us here are united in our desire to make this show of solidarity".

"Freedom is our right and we are pulling together tomorrow in defence of it."

New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani will attend as guest of honour and US performers including Janet Jackson, Backstreet Boys, Billy Joel, Macy Gray and Bon Jovi will perform.

The show is to be hosted by Hollywood stars including Jim Carrey, Meg Ryan, Jerry Seinfeld and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Although the 18,000-strong audience have paid up to £6,000 a ticket, hundreds of members of New York's fire, police and ambulance services have been given free family tickets to the show.

McCartney, who has led the drive to stage the show, said: "It's going to be an emotional night for us.

"It's going to be emotional just looking at all the firemen and emergency guys in the audience and knowing what they and their families have gone through."

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001


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