dbo:abstract
- Sound Relief was a multi-venue rock music concert held on 14 March 2009, which was announced by the Premier of Victoria, John Brumby on 24 February 2009. The event was organised by Michael Gudinski, Michael Chugg, Amanda Pelman, Joe Segreto & Tom Lang of IMC/Homebake Festival and Mark Pope to raise funds for those affected by the February 2009 Victorian bushfires. The event was held simultaneously at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Sydney Cricket Ground. All the proceeds from the Melbourne Concert and half of the proceeds of the Sydney Concert went to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal. The other half of the Sydney proceeds went to the Queensland Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal to help flood victims. A special presentation was held midway through the concerts, with a satellite link between the two venues. At this time, Kylie Minogue, at the Melbourne event, performed "I Still Call Australia Home" and Australian actress Toni Collette introducing Princes William and Harry who sent their support via satellite. The Princes' speech at Sound Relief was their first ever to the nation and as such, made Australian Constitutional history. Jet and Wolfmother flew interstate to play at both concerts. Hunters & Collectors reunited for the first time in over 10 years for the concert. The finale of the show was Midnight Oil who had reformed to perform on the Melbourne stage at the MCG. Lead singer Peter Garrett, was then also Australia's Minister for Environment and the Arts. Some members of Crowded House made a surprise appearance with Liam Finn to perform three of their hits. Kings of Leon chose not to perform their popular No. 1 hit, Sex on Fire, out of respect for the bushfire victims.Footage was released on DVD on 9 October. It contains partial 9-hour footage of the concert but every artist who performed at the event is represented. The DVD debuted at No. 2 in the Australian ARIA Top 40 DVDs, has been certified 5× Platinum. (en)