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George Harrison's 'Concert for Bangladesh' Streaming This Weekend on His Website

George HarrisonKeystone, Getty Images

There's been Live Aid, Live 8, Concert for New York and dozens of other benefit gigs over the years, but this weekend celebrates the 40th anniversary of one of the biggest and earliest charity gigs. The Concert for Bangladesh, which was created by the late George Harrison along with legendary sitarist Ravi Shankar, was a revolutionary two-part event, and in its honour the live concert film will be streamed on Harrison's official site all weekend long (July 30- Aug. 1)

The star-studded concerts (one at noon and the other in the evening) took place Aug. 1st at New York's Madison Square Garden, and featured Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, the late Billy Preston, Ringo Starr and Leon Russell, among others. It also marked the first time Harrison played live since the Beatles had broken up.

Funds from the concert went to UNICEF while sales of the concert DVD and CD continue to benefit the George Harrison Fund for UNICEF. And now artists such as Arcade Fire, Elvis Costello, My Morning Jacket, Clapton, Starr, Paul Simon and Brian Wilson are paying tribute to 'The Concert for Bangladesh' by encouraging fans and friends during the month of August (designated 'Month of Giving') to donate to Harrison's fund to assist famine- and "drought-stricken regions in the Horn of Africa."

If you can't find the time this weekend to turn back the clock 40 years and relive this special event (though, we suggest you make some), this isn't your only chance to experience the magic.

Between the album of artist performances released in 1971, the 1972 Harrison-produced film and subsequent DVD and documentary in later years, there's enough material to enjoy with the landmark event without going online. But, if you ask us, watching a stream of 'The Concert for Bangladesh' with other Harrison fans from around the world seems pretty fitting considering his unifying vision for the Aug. 1 event.

Watch George Harrison Perform 'Bangladesh' at the Concert for Bangladesh

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duncanmax912

Just finished watching it since it came out in the 70's...WOW... I'd forgotten what a powerful show it was. I think Bob Dylan's set was an all time classic. A true gem !!

July 30 2011 at 11:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
maureen

george..was my favorite..i saw him in concert at msg, playing at the bob fest...a bob dylan concert...i did my beatle scream...thanks george for making a difference to so many, thanks for being the first to do a benefit concert...it is a benefit to hear such great artists together, sing such great rock n roll....thanks...love ya george...

July 29 2011 at 10:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply