Apr 18, 2020: McCartney, Stones Lead ‘One World’ TV Special
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Paul McCartney performing “Lady Madonna” during the live event
A lineup of stars participated in One World: Together at Home, a live, global televised and streamed special which aired on Saturday, April 18, 2020, in support of the heroic efforts of health workers in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The list was led by such legends as Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Elton John and Stevie Wonder, as well as pop stars Taylor Swift, Lizzo and Jennifer Lopez. Television networks in the U.S. and around the world aired the special, curated by Lady Gaga.
In his segment, McCartney celebrated “the heroes all over the world” and sang “Lady Madonna.” The Stones, shown via a four-way feed, performed “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” Wonder, McCartney and John each accompanied themselves on piano. Watch their performances below.
The individual segments were relatively short as the producers moved things along quickly, allowing the dozens of performers to appear.
Among the networks that carried the broadcast were ABC, CBS, and NBC. The program, produced by Global Citizen, celebrated and supported frontline healthcare workers, and also included appearances by Billie Eilish, Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, and many more.
Shortly after the primetime broadcast and stream began, Stevie Wonder played a brief tribute to Bill Withers, who died on March 30, with a brief performance of “Lean on Me.”
The historic broadcast was hosted by Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert, the hosts of the three leading late night variety programs.
As Paul McCartney was introduced he said, “Good evening, I’m very proud to be part of this tribute tonight, celebrating the heroes all over the world.” He then performed “Lady Madonna.”
David Beckham and his wife, Victoria Beckham introduced Elton John. “This is for everyone out there who has been working on the frontline,” said John. “Thank you for your expertise and your humanity. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” He then performed “I’m Still Standing.”
Lizzo sang a stirring rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come.”
The Rolling Stones, shown in a four-way feed, were introduced as each of their musical parts began. It initially appeared to be an early bit of camera trouble, with Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts not seen for several moments, while Mick Jagger and Keith Richards could be seen performing “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” It was likely Watts’ final performance.
Jennifer Lopez sang “People” from Funny Girl, a song popularized by Barbra Streisand. John Legend and Sam Smith paired (individually) for a lovely performance of the Ben E. King hit, “Stand By Me.”
The evening’s final performance were a mighty combination as Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, Lang Lang, and John Legend performed “The Prayer.”
Curated in collaboration with Lady Gaga, the broadcast also included appearances and performances by Alanis Morissette, Andrea Bocelli, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Burna Boy, Sheryl Crow, Chris Martin, Eddie Vedder, FINNEAS, Idris and Sabrina Elba, J Balvin, Alicia Keys, Annie Lennox, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kerry Washington, Lizzo, Maluma, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Shah Rukh Khan.
The special aired globally across 180+ countries. It was also shown on such cable networks as MSNBC, Bravo, CMT, Comedy Central, USA, and VH1 in the U.S. iHeartMedia aired the program on its radio stations. BBC One ran the program on April 19, at 7:15 p.m. BST.
The public was urged to make donations to the Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund, from the World Health Organization.
Hugh Evans, Co-Founder and CEO of Global Citizen, said: “As we honor and support the heroic efforts of community health workers, One World: Together at Home aims to serve as a source of unity and encouragement in the global fight to end COVID-19. Through music, entertainment and impact, the global live-cast will celebrate those who risk their own health to safeguard everyone else’s.”
Related: Carole King and Queen + Adam Lambert performed at Global Citizen’s 2019 event
Bell Media Networks aired the program in Canada. Additional international broadcasters included beIN Media Group, MultiChoice Group and RTE.
“The World Health Organization is committed to defeating the coronavirus pandemic with science and public health measures, and supporting the health workers who are on the frontlines of the response,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. “We may have to be apart physically for a little while, but we can still come together virtually to enjoy great music. The One World: Together at Home concert represents a powerful show of solidarity against a common threat.”
2 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationThis whole pandemic is like one big reality show, and I am the only audience.
I didn’t think the Stones segment had camera problems as stated here. It looked like they were starting off with Mick and then adding each member on camera as their part came in. Very cool!