Elton John, Paul McCartney and Eddie Vedder among names confirmed for TV charity event

Elton John, Paul McCartney and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder
Elton John, Paul McCartney and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder (Image credit: Dave Simpson/WireImage, Samir Hussein/WireImage, Kevin Mazur - Getty)

Lady Gaga will curate a TV event later this month which will raise money for the COVID-19 Response Fund – a special show that will include some of the most famous names in rock.

One World: Together At Home will be broadcast globally on April 18 through streaming platforms including YouTube, Twitter, Twitch and Facebook, while TV networks ABC, Bell Media, NBC, ViacomCBS Networks and iHeartMedia will also broadcast the event live in North America.

The BBC have secured rights for the UK market, with a highlights package featuring exclusive performances from some of the UK artists along with interviews with workers who are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus set to air on April 19 on BBC One and iPlayer.

Artists confirmed so far include Elton John, Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Billie Eilish, Alanis Morissette and Stevie Wonder, while talk show favourites Jimmy Kimmell, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon will host proceedings.

Controller of BBC pop Lorna Clarke says: “I’m thrilled that BBC One is to broadcast coverage of this very special event, featuring some of the world’s most loved musicians, to show support to care workers all over the world at this challenging time.”

Global Citizen and the World Health Organisation are behind the TV special, with Lady Gaga confirming that since the fund was set up last week, $35 million had already been raised.

She says: "It is so important to think globally and support the World Health Organisation to curb the pandemic and prevent future outbreaks. We want to highlight the gravity of this historical, unprecedented, and cultural movement.

“We are all so very grateful to all of the health care professionals across the country and around the world who are on the frontlines during COVID-19. What you are doing is putting yourselves in harm's way to help the world and we all salute you.”

For further information about the COVID-19 Response Fund, visit the official website.

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 35 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott keeps Louder’s buyer’s guides up to date, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more for Louder. Over the last 10 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, The Tragically Hip, Marillion and Rush.