ELTON JOHN'S WORLD : HONORS

 

PARIS : Elton John kicks off world-spanning gigs for climate, vaccines. The Honored Global Citizen wants two billion vaccines delivered to poor countries.

A ''once-in-a-generation'' global music event kicked off Saturday with pop megastars BTS and Elton John launching Global Citizen Live - 24 hours of shows around the world to raise awareness on climate change, vaccine equality and famine.

The ''Rocketman'' got things going in Paris, performing hits including ''Tiny Dancer'' and '' Your Song ''  in front of the Eiffel Tower in a dazzling green suit.

''No one should be left behind,'' said the 74-year-old pop legend, who appeared despite a hip injury that forced him to cancel the rest of his tour dates this year.

NGO Global Citizen wants one billion trees planted, two billion vaccines delivered to the poorest countries and meals for 41 million people on the brink of starvation.

The broadcast on social media opened with a pre-recorded performance by BTS in Seoul.

It was followed by dozens of live performances from around the world, and is to include Billie Eilish, Coldplay and Jennifer Lopez in New York's Central Park, where Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were also due on stage.

Ed Sheeran was the head-liner in Paris alongside Black Eyed Peas and Stormzy while Stevie Wonder tops the bill in Los Angeles.

''There has never been a greater need for advocacy than right now,'' said Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra hosting the live broadcast from Paris.

Tens of thousands won tickets for the concert [which required vaccination proof or negative tests] by signing up for the Global Citizen app and sharing its message on social media.

Pre-recorded performances were also delivered by Green Day in Los Angeles, a DJ superstar Alok in Rio, Kylie Minogue in London and Andrea Boceilli in Tuscany.

This week's comeback gig by The Fugees in New York - their first in 15 years - was also billed as part of the event.

WHO head Tedros Ghebreyesus, lent his support to the campaign, urging vaccine equality.

''We now face a two-track pandemic of haves and have-nots.'' he said ahead of the event. ''We cannot disregard this gross inequity or become complacent.'' [AFP]