A Billion Hands Concert
Encyclopedia
A Billion Hands Concert was a benefit performance
held on 5 December 2008 in Mumbai
, India
, by Anoushka Shankar
and Jethro Tull
. All proceeds from the concert went to victims of the November 2008 Mumbai attacks.
The concert was originally planned as part of a larger tour throughout India
by Shankar and Jethro Tull. The Mumbai leg of the tour was originally scheduled for 29 November 2008, three days after the attacks. After they cancelled the concert, the web-based A Billion Hands: For a Better Tomorrow, supported by Network 18
, asked Shankar and Jethro Tull if they would considering holding a benefit concert instead. A Billion Hands Concert took place on 5 December 2008 at Segrams 100 pipers in Mumbai. Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson
stated in a press release that, "some people might consider it disrespectful that we are having a concert but hopefully a majority will realise what this is about and what it says." Shankar added that: "as a musician, this is how I speak, how I express the anger within me [...] our entire tour has been changed by these events and even though the structure of the concert may remain the same, emotionally perhaps we are saying a lot more." Farhad Wadia, CEO, Network 18
, stated in response that: "We are very grateful to both Jethro Tull and Ms. Shankar for agreeing to perform at this concert, in spite of the terror attacks and at their splendid contribution towards the victims of the horrific attacks in Mumbai. Though it's a much abused thought, this truly is a reflection of Mumbai's strength and character and its willingness to forge ahead. It's important that we use this platform to spread the word of peace and harmony."
Benefit concert
A benefit concert or charity concert is a concert, show or gala featuring musicians, comedians, or other performers that is held for a charitable purpose, often directed at a specific and immediate humanitarian crisis. Such events raise both funds and public awareness to address the cause at...
held on 5 December 2008 in Mumbai
Mumbai
Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, by Anoushka Shankar
Anoushka Shankar
Anoushka Shankar is a British Indian sitar player and composer who lives between the United States, the United Kingdom, and India. She is the daughter of Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar and Sukanya Shankar...
and Jethro Tull
Jethro Tull (band)
Jethro Tull are a British rock group formed in 1967. Their music is characterised by the vocals, acoustic guitar, and flute playing of Ian Anderson, who has led the band since its founding, and the guitar work of Martin Barre, who has been with the band since 1969.Initially playing blues rock with...
. All proceeds from the concert went to victims of the November 2008 Mumbai attacks.
The concert was originally planned as part of a larger tour throughout India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
by Shankar and Jethro Tull. The Mumbai leg of the tour was originally scheduled for 29 November 2008, three days after the attacks. After they cancelled the concert, the web-based A Billion Hands: For a Better Tomorrow, supported by Network 18
Network 18
Network18 Media & Investments Limited is an Indian media conglomerate with interests in television, print, internet, film, mobile content and allied businesses. Network 18 FinCap is the holding company for several media entities in India such as Television Eighteen India Ltd , IBN 18 Broadcast...
, asked Shankar and Jethro Tull if they would considering holding a benefit concert instead. A Billion Hands Concert took place on 5 December 2008 at Segrams 100 pipers in Mumbai. Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson
Ian Anderson (musician)
Ian Scott Anderson, MBE is a Scottish singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his work as the leader and flautist of British rock band Jethro Tull.-Early life:...
stated in a press release that, "some people might consider it disrespectful that we are having a concert but hopefully a majority will realise what this is about and what it says." Shankar added that: "as a musician, this is how I speak, how I express the anger within me [...] our entire tour has been changed by these events and even though the structure of the concert may remain the same, emotionally perhaps we are saying a lot more." Farhad Wadia, CEO, Network 18
Network 18
Network18 Media & Investments Limited is an Indian media conglomerate with interests in television, print, internet, film, mobile content and allied businesses. Network 18 FinCap is the holding company for several media entities in India such as Television Eighteen India Ltd , IBN 18 Broadcast...
, stated in response that: "We are very grateful to both Jethro Tull and Ms. Shankar for agreeing to perform at this concert, in spite of the terror attacks and at their splendid contribution towards the victims of the horrific attacks in Mumbai. Though it's a much abused thought, this truly is a reflection of Mumbai's strength and character and its willingness to forge ahead. It's important that we use this platform to spread the word of peace and harmony."
External links
- Official website
- The show must go on - Video interview with Anoushka ShankarAnoushka ShankarAnoushka Shankar is a British Indian sitar player and composer who lives between the United States, the United Kingdom, and India. She is the daughter of Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar and Sukanya Shankar...