Madison Square Garden in New York City hosted a massive benefit concert for Hurricane Sandy relief that featured an array of rock legends from Bruce Springsteen to Bon Jovi to The Rolling Stones and many more. The historic concert kicked off at 7:30 p.m. and the rockin’ lasted until 1:30 a.m., well past its midnight end time. The money that was raised during the concert benefited the Robin Hood Relief Fund that aids Hurricane Sandy victims. Here are the top 10 facts you need to know about 12-12-12: The Sandy Relief Concert.
1. The Benefit Concert Raised $35 Million from Tickets and Sponsors Alone
The concert that rocked New York City on the once in a lifetime date, 12/12/12, raised $35 million before the first song was even played. Throughout the night, viewers were able to donate to the Robin Hood Fund Relief by calling in. To help with the fundraising, celebrities took part in a telethon during the concert.
2. The Concert was Broadcasted to Over 2 Billion People
3. Pretty Much Every Celebrity Alive was in the Building
A ridiculous amount of celebrities were in attendance to the relief concert, either performing, making speeches or watching from the audience. The list of performers included Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Dave Grohl, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Eddie Vedder, Roger Waters, Kanye West, The Who and Paul McCartney. The stage wasn’t the only star-studded area in the arena. Over 80 celebrities watched from the crowds including present members of the New York Knicks, Sopranos cast members, Ben Stiller, Chelsea Clinton, governors Mario Cuomo (N.Y.) and Chris Christie (N.J.), Martha Stewart, Blake Lively, Jeremy Piven, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Katie Holmes, Whoopi Goldberg, Scarlett Johansson and Naomi Campbell. The list goes on and on and on and on…
4. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Kicked Off the Concert
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band opened the concert performing their recent song, “Land of Hope and Dreams,” and mostly played newer songs.
“Tonight, this is a prayer for all of our struggling brothers and sisters,” Springsteen said.
5. Stars Shared Memories of Growing Up in New York City and the Jersey Shore
“Watching my hometown get pummeled was devastating to watch,” said actor-comedian Billy Crystal, who grew up on Long Beach, Long Island. “It’s a helpless feeling of what’s in store for us maybe in the future.”
“When are you going to learn,” comic and New Jersey native Jon Stewart said. “You can throw anything at us — terrorists, hurricanes. You can take away our giant sodas. It doesn’t matter. We’re coming back stronger every time.”
6. Kanye West Wore a Skirt to the Concert
Kanye West intrigued many as he performed during the Sandy relief concert wearing a leather skirt. Within moments, #leatherskirt became the trending topic on Twitter. Many joked that West broke into girlfriend Kim Kardashian’s closet to wear the skirt to the concert.
I don’t know about you guys but I think it’s nice that @kimkardashian lets her boyfriend wear her clothes #sharingiscaring #leatherskirt
— J Roche (@JRoche24) December 13, 2012
Wtf is Kane West wearing right now? #leatherskirt #121212concert
— Erin Laux (@Errr_Bearrr) December 13, 2012
Kanye’s Skirt even has a Twitter already.
You would not believe the chafing going on in here right now.
— Kanye’s Skirt (@KanyesSkirt) December 13, 2012
7. Kristen Stuart Made a Surprise Appearance
Kristen Stuart made a surprise appearance at the 12-12-12 Sandy Relief Concert while she was on the road doing press for her latest film. Billy Crystal comically introduced the Twlight star.
“If you’re a young person and you were born after Ronald Reagan was president and your parents have just finished describing who I am, then we have a special treat for you,” Billy Crystal said. “She flew in from California just to be here tonight because she wanted to help out. She got here in three seconds because that’s what vampires do when they fly at night, they go very fast…Please welcome, a fantastic young actress, please welcome Kristen Stewart!”
8. Paul McCartney Filled in for Kurt Cobain
Paul McCartney replaced Kurt Cobain at the Sandy Relief Concert, bringing the surviving members of the grunge band, Nirvana, together for the first time in 20 years. The former Beatles star sang with them as they played a new song.
9. Alicia Keys Closed the Show with ‘Empire State of Mind’
10. New Jersey Will Get 40 Percent of Funds
New Jersey will take 40 percent of the total funds raised by 12-12-12: The Sandy Relief Concert, while the rest will be divided up between New York City, Long Island and Connecticut.
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12-12-12 Sandy Relief Concert: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know