Rock legends Queen are set to take part in the rapidly arranged “Fire Fight Australia” concert in aid of the victims of the Australian bushfires. With Australians and their many friends rallying round to help, celebrities such as Shane Warne, Kylie Minogue and elton john have been among those who have pledged to donate much-needed funds in the wake of the devastation caused by the fires Down Under.
The shocking images from Australia in recent weeks have highlighted the need for funds to assist in the aftermath, and many leading celebrities have answered the call.
Members of the British rock band Queen are among those acts keen to lend their support, with a new Live Aid-style concert being set up on February 16th in Sydney. With their iconic former lead singer Freddie Mercury sadly no longer alive, they will once again turn to their trusted stand-in Adam Lambert to front the supergroup on stage.
Well-known campaigner for animal rights
Queen’s guitarist Brian May – a well- known animal rights activist – confirmed that they “have been approached to do a benefit concert” which would “try and help out the victims,” and added that “of course, I am very concerned about the animals.” Besides the terrible human loss as a result of the raging fires – both in terms of loss of life and damage to homes - there has been a horrific impact on the animals in the country, which May described as being “like a mass extinction.”
Stars lined up for charity concert
Other headline celebrity names to have been linked with the concert include Australian pop Music superstar Kylie Minogue, American singer-songwriter Pink and Britain’s global megastar Sir Elton John.
Kylie and Sir Elton provide financial backing
Quite apart from their involvement in the upcoming relief concert, Kylie Minogue and Sir Elton have been among those stars to have already pledged contributions to the overall fundraising efforts. Minogue and her family have donated around £380,000 to help the nation’s brave firefighters, and she encouraged her followers on Instagram to add their cash “towards the immediate firefighting efforts and the ongoing support.” Elton and major Marvel star Chris Hemsworth (aka “Thor” on screen) have each pledged in excess of £500,000 to the worthy cause.
Shane Warne 'blown away' by generosity
Former Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne has also created much interest in the bushfire charity fundraising stakes, as the country’s leading Test wicket taker’s baggy green cap has been sold for over £500,000. The mesmerising spin bowler took a staggering 708 wickets during a sparkling sporting career, wearing the same cap that he had been presented with on his debut throughout that illustrious period of his life. Warne was said to be “blown away” by the generosity of the bidders.
