The Concert for Bangladesh: August 1, 1971

The Concert for Bangladesh was a pioneering music event that took place on August 1, 1971, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This landmark event was organized by former Beatle George Harrison and celebrated Indian sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar. It aimed to raise awareness and funds for the ongoing refugee crisis stemming from the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Background

The Bangladesh Liberation War began in March 1971, when Bangladesh, then known as East Pakistan, sought independence from West Pakistan. The conflict resulted in widespread atrocities and a humanitarian crisis, forcing millions of refugees to flee to neighboring India. The sheer scale of the crisis prompted an urgent international need for humanitarian aid.

The Organizers

George Harrison, motivated by his friendship with Ravi Shankar and his growing commitment to humanitarian causes, spearheaded the effort to organize the concert. Ravi Shankar, deeply affected by the plight of his people, reached out to Harrison to draw global attention to their suffering.

The Event

The Concert for Bangladesh consisted of two shows on the same day, attracting approximately 40,000 attendees in total. It featured a star-studded lineup of performers, including:

• George Harrison, who headlined the event
• Ravi Shankar, performing traditional Indian music
• Bob Dylan, marking his first major performance since the late 1960s
• Eric Clapton, who played despite health challenges
• Ringo Starr, joining his former Beatle bandmate
• Billy Preston, known for his dynamic stage presence
• Leon Russell, who delivered a rousing performance

Impact and Legacy

The concert was groundbreaking as it set a precedent for future benefit concerts, combining popular music with philanthropic efforts. It successfully raised attention and funding, with proceeds going to UNICEF for relief efforts in Bangladesh. The album and a film of the concert further amplified its reach, continuing to generate funds long after the event.

Beyond its immediate humanitarian impact, The Concert for Bangladesh demonstrated the potential for artists to use their influence to effect positive change. It laid the groundwork for later initiatives like Live Aid and Farm Aid, showcasing the role of music in global advocacy.

The event left a lasting legacy in the world of music and philanthropy, cementing George Harrison’s reputation as a pioneer of using music for social change.