Living up to all expectations, the Crisis in Asia gig on 19/20 February 2005 goes down as one of the top music events in recent history. As one gig-goer said, it was a ‘once-in-a-life-time type thing’.

The Coral more photos >>

Admittedly it’s still early in the year to make such declarations, but putting this down as one of the gigs of 2005 really doesn’t seem too reckless.

Setting the scene

The evening began with some excellent warm-up sets, followed by Liverpool band The Coral. They wooed the crowd with unplugged versions of some of their biggest hits, and set the scene for an evening which got better by the minute.

Next, Robert Plant and The Strange Sensations delivered a lovely laid-back set, delighting the many Led Zeppelin fans present.

Damon Albarn more photos >>

Blur’s Damon Albarn made a surprise entrance as the evening’s very special guest – and sang his first ever solo acoustic set. In his own original way, he reminded us that, “Helping tsunami victims is not just about giving money – it’s also about people working together and raising awareness”. With a beautiful and very fitting acoustic rendition of ‘Tender’, the packed crowd sang along as one: “Come on, come on, come on… Love’s the greatest thing”.

Make Poverty History

But as Damon reminded us, the night wasn’t just about raising money. A crack team of top Oxfam volunteers were on hand to help hundreds of people sign up to the Make Poverty History campaign. They were also rushed off their feet selling t-shirts and thousands of Make Poverty History white bands – by many accounts the accessory of the moment. The trendy folk of Bristol didn’t hesitate to snap a few up for themselves.

Massive Attack more photos >>

Massive Attack were up next, ‘nearly unplugged’ and without the usual huge screens and light show – so we could concentrate on the wonderful music which makes them such a remarkable band.

They finished with a rendition of Portishead’s Glory Box, to an amazing response from the crowd. This only intensified when singer Beth Gibbons joined them on stage and the two bands jammed the song together.

Portishead more photos >>

Even after seven years away, Portishead sounded as fresh and amazing as ever, treating us to some of their greatest songs – a welcome return for a truly great band.

Thank you!

A fantastic night was had by all, topped off by the fact that the event is set to raise over £100,000 to help thousands of people affected by the tsunami.

A massive, massive heartfelt thank you to all those who gave so much of their time and talent to make the whole event possible.