We want A-list to for Irish super gig

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Jan 2, 2005 | by KEN MURRAY

TV chiefs are planning two Live Aid-style concerts to raise cash for the world's tsunami victims - and want U2 to headline the gig.

RTE and BBC executives are to hold separate meetings later this week to discuss how to stage such a massive pair of shows.

The double mega-gig is the brainchild of Eurovision Song Contest winner and ex MEP Dana, who has been contacting Ireland's biggest pop and rock stars all weekend to get their support.

The Derry-born singer said: "I spoke to U2's people and they said they thought it was a great idea but they would have to get hold of the boys before they could say anymore.

"I have put calls into Louis Walsh and The Corrs' representative over the weekend.

"The Corrs' people came back with a very, very positive response and I think they would be interested in doing this and take part.

"The problem I am having is that a lot of people are out of the country for the Christmas period so I hope to get a clearer picture by the middle of next week. Everybody is aware that this is a global catastrophe and want to do something."

If the concert goes ahead it would be one of the biggest ever events in the country north or south and help raise millions for the countries stricken by the disaster that has already claimed nearly 130,000 lives.

Dana added: "I spoke on the phone to RTE Director General Cathal Goan and Mike Edgar at the BBC in Belfast last Friday and they were both very receptive to the idea.

"What we have in mind here is staging two concerts, one in Dublin, the other in Belfast in a hands-across-the-border co-operation style with both shows being broadcast on BBC and RTE simultaneously."

Dana has also contacted Westlife, Brian Kennedy, Girls Aloud and Enya. Others she hopes will back the gig are Van Morrison, Daniel O'Donnell, The Undertones and Ash in Belfast. And big name acts including Samantha Mumba, The Thrills, Christie Moore, Ronan Keating and The Cranberries would perform in Dublin if it goes ahead.

Irish-based acts such as Lisa Stansfield, Joe Elliott and Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones will also be asked to take part.

Dana will be talking again to RTE and BBC bosses again on Tuesday.

"If the Irish people north and south pull together on this one it just might encourage other nations, in particular divided ones, to do the same," she said.

One idea being suggested by Dana is that for every euro and pound donated north and south, the Irish and British governments would stump up the same amount.

The Government has already pledged EUR10m but the amount raised by such a gig would dwarf that figure. The British Government has pledged pounds 50m.

A decision on hosting the two fundraising concerts could be reached by this time next week.

l Some of the music world's biggest stars are joining forces to release a charity single they hope will raise more than pounds 2 million for the relief fund. Sir Cliff Richard, Boy George and opera singer Russell Watson will all sing on the track, entitled Grief Never Grows Old. Ronan Keating will also take part, providing a recording studio can be found near where he is skiing in Switzerland.