Alice Cooper and Queen + Adam Lambert join Australian bushfire benefit concert

Our very own Alice Cooper, plus Queen + Adam Lambert have confirmed that they will be part of the lineup, aiming to raise money for those affected by the gigantic bushfires, that have so far burned through an area comfortably bigger than Ireland, and show no signs of stopping any time soon.

Last week, Queen guitarist Brian May let slip that the band had been approached to play an event "a bit like Live Aid... to try and help out the victims of the fire", but that they were having to look at logistics "very carefully".

On Sunday night (12th January), as the gig was announced, Brian explained to his 2.1m Instagram followers that not only were Queen taking part, but they are actually donating the stage for the benefit show, as it will be held in the 83,500 capacity ANZ Stadium in Sydney, following their show the previous night.

Posting with his trademark passion, Brian exclaimed: "YES !!! It’s official. We’re donating our stage from our QAL show the previous night in Sydney for this great line-up of talent to raise money for Bushfire Relief."

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7OwO89hihi/

A post on Alice Cooper's social media profiles went live a few hours later, with Alice writing "We are headed to Australia next month, and I am proud to announce we will be performing at #FireFightAustralia alongside an incredible line-up of artists to raise money for national bushfire relief."

Other artists confirmed for the Sydney show so far include Australian icons John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John, Canadian popstar k.d. lang and a whole host of other Australian artists, with more to be announced.

All ticket profits and contributions received for the concert will go towards key organisations providing rescue, relief and rehabilitation for the affected areas. These cover rural and regional fire services in affected states, Red Cross Disaster Relief and The RSPCA Bushfire Appeal.

The Australian bushfires have now been ravaging the country for many months, drawing worldwide attention and support for the relief efforts from the international community. The Fire Fight Australia concert is being hosted by Aussie comedian Celeste Barber, whose viral Facebook charity appeal post has so far raised over £26 million for The Trustee for NSW Rural Fire Service & Brigades Donations Fund.

Over the last few weeks musicians from across the world have been donating money. Metallica have pledged nearly £400,000 to Australian fire fighters, and Elton John recently told his fans he's donated $1 million to the cause.

So far, over 65,000 tickets for the benefit show have been sold. For those unable to attend the event, donations are also being accepted at fightfireaustralia.com.

The full lineup of the concert so far, is as follows: Alice Cooper, Amy Shark, Baker Boy, Conrad Sewell, Daryl Braithwaite, Delta Goodrem, Grinspoon, Guy Sebastian, Hilltop Hoods, Icehouse, Illy, Jessica Mauboy, John Farnham, k.d. lang, Lee Kernaghan, Olivia Newton-John, Peking Duk, Pete Murray, Queen + Adam Lambert, Tina Arena, William Barton. More artists are still to be announced.

Queen + Adam Lambert will be coming to the UK in June this year, and tickets are now available to buy from the Planet Rock Ticket Store.

JUNE 2020

London The O2 – Tue 2nd

London The O2 – Wed 3rd

London The O2 – Fri 5th

London The O2 – Sat 6th

London The O2 – Mon 8th

London The O2 – Tue 9th

Manchester Arena – Thu 11th

Manchester Arena - Fri 12th

London The O2 – Wed 17th

London The O2 – Thu 18th

London The O2 – Sat 20th

London The O2 – Sun 21st

The thoughts of everyone here at Planet Rock are with those who have been affected by the Australian bushfire crisis.