The Concert for New York City Happened 20 Years Ago Today

Twenty years ago today, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, The Who, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Elton John, Billy Joel and many others performed at the six-hour Concert for New York City at Madison Square Garden.

Organized by McCartney, there were more than 5,000 police officers and firemen in attendance for the benefit for the families of police and fire fighters killed in the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

The show raised more than $35-million and was released on CD and DVD later in the year.

The rock acts in order of appearance:

  • David Bowie – “America” and “Heroes”
  • Bon Jovi – “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “Wanted Dead or Alive” and “It’s My Life”
  • Goo Goo Dolls – “American Girl” and “Iris”
  • Billy Joel – “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)” and “New York State of Mind”
  • Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy – “Hoochie Coochie Man”
  • Melissa Etheridge – “Come To My Window” and “Born to Run”
  • The Who – “Who Are You,” “Baba O’Riley,” “Behind Blue Eyes” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again”
  • Mick Jagger and Keith Richards – “Salt of the Earth” and “Miss You”
  • James Taylor – “Fire and Rain” and “Up on the Roof”
  • John Mellencamp – “Peaceful World,” and, with Kid Rock, “Pink Houses”
  • Elton John – “I Want Love,” “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters,” and, with Billy Joel, “Your Song”
  • Paul McCartney – “I’m Down,” “Lonely Road,” “From a Lover to a Friend,” “Yesterday,” “Freedom,” which he wrote for the event, “Let It Be” and “Freedom” (reprise) — This performance led McCartney to form a band, which he still has to this day, and resume touring after not doing so since 1993.