International artists mark Iraq war anniversary
Musician Michael Stipe, actor Susan Sarandon were part of US' "Bring 'Em Home Now" concert to aid anti-war campaigns.
Anti-war artists, musicians and activists marked the third anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq with a concert to benefit groups campaigning against the war.
Musician Michael Stipe, actress Susan Sarandon and activist Cindy Sheehan were among the headliners at the Bring 'Em Home Now! concert to call for the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq.
"The arts can speak about critical issues of our time," said Chris Wangro, an event producer who helped to organise yesterday's night concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom.
"I was raised by peace activists," musician Moby announced to the packed crowd from a stage flanked by two oversized peace symbols. He then accompanied activist and singer-songwriter Laura Dawn in a rendition of Buffalo Springfield's Vietnam-era song For What It's Worth.
Organisers said 3,000 tickets were sold, selling out the event that mainly featuring a wide array of musical groups.
"It's awesome to me because there are more and more kids getting involved," said Sheehan at a press conference.
Sheehan, whose son was killed in Iraq, gained international attention last year when she set up a protest camp near US President George W Bush's ranch in Texas.
"It's obvious that things aren't going well over there," Sheehan said at a press conference before the concert. "This is a war based on lies."
Susan Sarandon, who also attended the concert, said that artists were playing their part in the anti-war effort at the concert and through the movies Hollywood is putting out.
