A host of famous musicians performed in a special fundraising show tonight at venues across Ireland - with President Michael D Higgins praising their efforts.
Songs From An Empty Room was a one-off music extravaganza in support of technicians and crew working in the live events industry. The coronavirus pandemic has seen their earnings decimated.
President Higgins appeared by video link to thank the organisers. "This special live music event highlights the reach and importance of the wider Irish event industry. It is a celebration of the best of Irish music and performance."
He said the arts could enrich society during times both good and bad and described the impact of the pandemic on the culture and arts sector as "catastrophic".
President Higgins said artists and their crews "need our solidarity now" and praised the role that culture has played in "helping us all cope" in recent months.
Video:
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) July 25, 2020
Message from President Higgins for 'Songs from an Empty Room', in support of Irish musicians, songwriters, artist managers and event production crew: https://t.co/PUqJa6kXSI
Rock superstars U2 donated €200,000 to the cause while Bono and the Edge performed Stairway To Heaven by Led Zeppelin.
Adam Clayton also contributed, telling hosts Eoghan McDermott and Jenny Greene that "as a young band, you are only as good as the crew supporting you ... they will leave a bigger impression on the people you need to impress than you will".
The show, which was broadcast on RTÉ2, RTÉ 2FM, and the RTÉ Player, featured over two hours of musical performances.
The acts were beamed live into people's homes from several famous music venues including The Olympia Theatre in Dublin, Cyprus Avenue in Cork, Dolan's in Limerick, INEC in Killarney and Galway’s Roisin Dubh.
Cranberries guitarist Noel Hogan teamed up with Coronas frontman Danny O'Reilly for a special performance of Linger.
Other acts that took part included queen of the Irish hip hop scene, Denise Chaila, Kildare sensations Picture This, singer-songwriter Gavin James and Mullingar four-piece The Academic.
The night also featured footage from behind-the-scenes in Ireland's event industry, with a focus on the people whose livelihoods have been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
