Benefit concert

What is a Benefit Concert?

A benefit concert or charity concert is a type of musical performance held for a charitable purpose, often directed at a specific humanitarian crisis. These events can have subjective objectives such as raising awareness about an issue or uplifting a nation after a disaster, or concrete objectives like raising funds and influencing legislation.

The Historical Roots

Historically, benefit concerts date back to 1749 with George Frideric Handel’s Foundling Hospital Anthem. This event set the stage for what would become a tradition of using music as a tool for philanthropy. The modern understanding of a benefit concert is of a large-scale, popular event put on to support a charitable or political cause.

Notable Examples

The two largest benefit concerts were Live 8 and Live Earth, which attracted billions of spectators. These events not only raised awareness but also mobilized public support for various causes. The Concert For Bangladesh in 1971, organized by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, was a pioneering event that set the stage for future benefit concerts.

The Role of Celebrities

Benefit concerts are an example of celebrity charity, involving popular musicians, actors, and other entertainment figures volunteering for a greater cause. The presence of celebrities can draw criticism, but their participation is essential to the event’s success. The quality of entertainment offered by benefit concerts is tightly related to their success, as they must have a large audience and well-known artists to gain media attention.

The Impact on Society

Benefit concerts can unite people in shared experiences and raise funds for humanitarian causes due to large media coverage. They are classified as ‘media events’ that create a sense of community and call attention to a particular cause or occasion. Benefit concerts also facilitate para-social interaction between celebrities and their fans, influencing viewers to support the same cause due to perceived familiarity with the celebrity.

Challenges and Criticisms

Critics argue that benefit concerts may reinforce Western ethnocentrism and racisms. Large-scale benefit concerts attract millions of viewers and are effective at raising awareness and funds, generating a cascading effect that motivates smaller events and initiatives. They are classified as ‘media events’ that create a sense of community and call attention to a particular cause or occasion.

Notable Events

Some notable benefit concerts include:

• The Foundling Hospital Anthem (1749) and annual performances of Messiah (1749–59)
• Concert for Bangladesh (1971)
• Farm Aid (1985)
• Live Aid (1985)
• The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert (1992)
• America: A Tribute to Heroes (2001)
• The Concert for New York City (2001)
• The SARS Benefit Concert (2003)
• Live 8 (2005)
• Live Earth (2007)
• A Billion Hands Concert (2008)
• Rockdrive (ongoing)
• 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief (2012)
• MDA Show of Strength (2012–2014)
• One Love Manchester (2017)
• Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief (2017)

The Theory of Catalytic Philanthropy

The theory of Catalytic Philanthropy explains that celebrity charity is more beneficial when celebrities participate directly in events rather than just donating their money. This theory highlights the importance of entertainment quality, as well as the role of celebrities in mobilizing public support for a cause.

Conclusion

Benefit concerts have become an integral part of our cultural landscape, serving as powerful tools to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian causes. While they face challenges and criticisms, their ability to unite people and create a sense of community cannot be denied. These events continue to evolve, adapting to the needs of society and ensuring that music remains a force for good.