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Nobody will forget the devastation of the tsunami disaster which wiped out the lives of more than 230,000 people in Asia. And nobody who went to the Echo’s special fundraising concert in Liverpool last night will forget a fantastic show which raised £51,000 for the disaster appeal. Our star studded concert at the Philharmonic Hall was a 1,500 sellout — Liverpool’s biggest fundraiser since the tsunami ravaged vast parts of Asia on Boxing Day. The acts all played for free and were happy to give up their time at incredibly short notice.
On the line-up were Melanie C, Claire Sweeney, Mike McCartney and Scaffold, Gerry Marsden and Alan Bleasdale. It was a night of firsts as the packed hail had some unique collaborations and duets. Melanie C performed a cover of George Michael’s Praying for Time for the first time during an acoustic set. The former Spice Girl said: “It’s quite an emotional song with beautiful lyrics that seemed appropriate. “Once again the people of Liverpool have shown their generosity long after the event has happened.” She added: “Whatever the people of Liverpool do, they do it in style.” The concert was the brainchild of Neville Skelly, who said: “The night was a fantastic success, I’d like to thank all the stars for taking part and to thank the people of Liverpool who made this night such a special occasion.”
Every single penny of the money raised will go towards tsunami victims. More than £25,000 of the money raised will got towards building a children’s day care centre in the Sri Lankan town of Galle. The rest of the money raised will be given to the Disasters Emergency Committee. The coastal town was badly hit when the massive wave struck. One in eight of the Liverpool-linked town’s population was wiped out.
West End and television star Claire Sweeney said: “It was a fabulous night. It’s great to be part of a concert raising money for such a good cause.” Pete Wylie wowed the crowds with his band The Mighty Wah. He said: “It was powerful, humbling, and emotional. We are really happy that we could contribute something to the cause. The Phil is a beautiful venue with amazing architecture.” In a touching moment, Pete dedicated his song Heart As Big As Liverpool, to everyone at the concert. Scaffold reformed and played their top five hits Lily The Pink, Thankyou very much and Liverpool Lou for the first time in more than 30 years. Mike McCartney said: “It’s really great to have the band back together. Whatever anyone does to help those men, women and children is desperately needed. The concert is particularly important as it wifi go towards helping the orphans of Galle.”
Other well-known names included Holby City star Mark Moraghan. He sang The Lady Is A Tramp and Mack The Knife. He said: “It was a sell-out crowd — a cracking night.” And comedian Les Dennis appeared on-stage and read a poem about the devastation caused by the tsunami disaster. The night culminated in a grand finale as Gerry Marsden and the other performers sang You’ll Never Walk Alone. Their rendition received a standing ovation. ECHO editor Mark Dickinson thanked everyone for coming. He said: “It’s been an extraordinary night and it’s proof of the generosity of Merseyside people.”
