Concert for Bangladesh

Definition

The Concert for Bangladesh was a pioneering benefit concert held on August 1, 1971, organized by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar to raise funds and awareness for the humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan, which later became Bangladesh. It was significant in blending music and social activism, showcasing how artists could leverage their influence for social causes, particularly during the counterculture movement that emphasized peace, love, and activism through music.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Concert for Bangladesh featured performances from major artists of the time, including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Billy Preston, drawing a large audience both live and via broadcast.
2. The event raised over $250,000 for relief efforts in East Pakistan, showcasing the power of music as a tool for activism and social change.
3. The concert was one of the first major benefit concerts in history, setting a precedent for future fundraising events like Live Aid and Farm Aid.
4. The success of the concert led to a Grammy Award-winning album and film that documented the performances and further increased awareness of the crisis in Bangladesh.
5. Harrison's commitment to the cause continued beyond the concert, as he participated in various charitable efforts throughout his life, reflecting the ideals of the counterculture movement.

Review Questions

• How did the Concert for Bangladesh exemplify the fusion of music and social activism during the counterculture movement?
  • The Concert for Bangladesh exemplified this fusion by bringing together renowned artists who used their platform to address a humanitarian crisis. Organized by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, it showcased how musicians could mobilize public support and raise substantial funds for relief efforts. This event was a direct reflection of the counterculture movement's focus on peace, love, and making a difference through music.
• In what ways did George Harrison's role in the Concert for Bangladesh impact his career and influence other artists?
  • George Harrison's involvement in the Concert for Bangladesh significantly boosted his profile as an activist beyond his work with The Beatles. It demonstrated his dedication to humanitarian causes and inspired other musicians to participate in socially responsible efforts. Harrison's ability to rally fellow artists showcased a new approach to celebrity activism, encouraging more musicians to use their fame for philanthropic purposes.
• Critically evaluate the long-term effects of the Concert for Bangladesh on future benefit concerts and music's role in social movements.
  • The long-term effects of the Concert for Bangladesh are profound, as it established a model for future benefit concerts that combined popular music with social advocacy. It set a standard for how artists could unite for causes larger than themselves, paving the way for events like Live Aid that would follow years later. This concert also influenced public perception of musicians as activists, solidifying their role in social movements and showing that music could be an effective tool for change in society.

Related terms

George Harrison: A member of The Beatles, Harrison was a key figure in organizing the Concert for Bangladesh and used his fame to support various humanitarian causes.

Ravi Shankar: An Indian sitar virtuoso and composer who collaborated with Harrison in organizing the concert and helped introduce Indian classical music to Western audiences.

Benefit Concert: A concert organized to raise funds or awareness for a specific charitable cause or social issue, often featuring multiple artists performing.