Concert for Bangladesh

Definition

The Concert for Bangladesh was a historic benefit concert held on August 1, 1971, organized by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar to raise awareness and funds for the humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan, which later became Bangladesh. This concert marked a significant moment in music history as it brought together a diverse group of artists and highlighted the power of music as a tool for social change during a time of widespread political unrest and anti-war sentiment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Concert for Bangladesh featured performances by notable artists like Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Billy Preston, creating a diverse musical lineup that showcased different genres.
2. The event took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City and was attended by over 40,000 people, generating significant media coverage.
3. Proceeds from the concert, estimated at over $250,000, were directed to UNICEF and various relief efforts aimed at addressing the famine and suffering in East Pakistan.
4. The concert is considered one of the first large-scale benefit concerts in music history, paving the way for future charitable events like Live Aid and Farm Aid.
5. A double album of the concert performances was released, further spreading awareness about the crisis in Bangladesh and solidifying the concert's legacy in music culture.

Review Questions

• How did the Concert for Bangladesh exemplify the connection between music and social activism during the early 1970s?
  • The Concert for Bangladesh served as a prime example of how music can mobilize public awareness and action in response to social issues. Organized during a time of political turmoil and anti-war sentiment, it brought together various artists to raise funds and attention for the humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan. This event demonstrated that musicians could use their platforms not just for entertainment but also to address critical global issues, setting a precedent for future activist concerts.
• Discuss the impact that George Harrison's role had on shaping the success and message of the Concert for Bangladesh.
  • George Harrison's leadership and vision were crucial to the success of the Concert for Bangladesh. He leveraged his fame and connections within the music industry to gather an impressive lineup of artists willing to contribute their talents for a noble cause. Through his collaboration with Ravi Shankar, Harrison emphasized the importance of cultural understanding while also highlighting the dire situation in East Pakistan. His commitment helped raise substantial funds and fostered greater awareness about humanitarian crises through music.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of the Concert for Bangladesh in relation to subsequent benefit concerts and movements within popular music.
  • The Concert for Bangladesh set a significant precedent for future benefit concerts by demonstrating how music can be an effective medium for raising awareness and funds for social issues. Its success inspired subsequent events like Live Aid in 1985, which aimed to combat famine in Africa, showcasing how artists can unite their efforts for greater causes. The model established by this concert has influenced numerous charity events since then, emphasizing collaboration among musicians across genres while reminding audiences of their potential impact on global issues through activism.

Related terms

George Harrison: A member of The Beatles, Harrison played a pivotal role in organizing the Concert for Bangladesh and was known for his commitment to humanitarian causes.

Ravi Shankar: An influential Indian sitar virtuoso and composer who collaborated with Harrison, helping to bridge cultural divides through music.

Humanitarian Crisis: A serious situation resulting from human conflict or natural disasters that causes widespread suffering and necessitates humanitarian intervention.