Coronavirus: Post Malone gives Nirvana-themed concert for charity

Authored by eu.usatoday.com and submitted by 2RoamRome
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Coronavirus: Post Malone's virtual Nirvana tribute concert raises $2.6M for relief efforts

Post Malone's concert may be virtual, but it sure "Smells Like Teen Spirit."

On YouTube Friday, the "rockstar" singer gave a virtual concert in honor of the '90s grunge band Nirvana to raise money for The United Nations Foundation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for The World Health Organization.

Google.org has pledged to match the amount of money donated during the stream at a 2:1 rate up to $5 million.

Throughout the show, Malone, whose real name is Austin Richard Post, performed renditions of 13 of the band's rock classics, including "Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle," "Drain You" and "Come as You Are."

“What’s up, party people" said Malone, who donned a loose floral dress reminiscent of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain's September 1993 cover shoot for The Face magazine. "We're here to play some songs for you and just, you know, try our best to stay at home and still make some rock and roll and party hard."

Malone sang and played electric guitar while accompanied by three band members, including Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker.

By the end of the almost 80-minute show, Malone had racked up over $2.6 million for his cause.

In contrast to the singer's smoother pop tunes, like "Circles" and "Sunflower," Malone embraced the grunge style of Nirvana by showing off a raspier side of his voice. Performing from his home in Salt Lake City, Malone apologized for the state of his virtual stage while standing in front of a counter with multiple dishes.

“This is live from my house, and I apologize if my (expletive) is dirty," he said. "I have all the time in the world to (expletive) clean.”

He also thanked Courtney Love, who was married to Cobain from 1992 until his suicide in 1994, for tuning in.

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M​​alone isn't the only musical artist to put on a virtual concert in the name of the greater good.

Andrea Bocelli used the power of his voice to deliver an Easter message in "Music for Hope: Live From Duomo di Milano," a live-streamed concert that echoed around the world from the empty famed cathedral.

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During the April 12 show, Bocelli, 61, who has been blind since age 12, spoke only during the opening scenes, which featured a flyover of Duomo di Milano and its 135 spires, as well as the deserted city. The Italian opera singer said he happily accepted the opportunity to send an Easter message even without a live audience, as the public wasn't allowed in the cathedral because of the coronavirus.

"On the day we celebrate the trust in a life that triumphs, I'm honored and happy to answer 'si,' " Bocelli said. "Thanks to music, streamed live, bringing together millions of clasped hands everywhere in the world, we will hug this wounded Earth's pulsing heart."

Andrea Bocelli's stunning 'Music for Hope' Easter concert breaks YouTube record

Smarkysmarkwahlberg on April 25th, 2020 at 06:44 UTC »

My man opened with Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle. This is sick.

Hobofisherman on April 25th, 2020 at 04:16 UTC »

Travis on drums, nice.

CSMastermind on April 25th, 2020 at 02:23 UTC »

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7eaGcIyhPU

He did a really good job.