June 17, 2007 13:00
Elton John performs free Aids awareness gig in Ukraine Elton John Tickets
Singer plays the country's biggest ever gig
Elton John has performed a free open air concert in Ukraine to promote HIV-Aids awareness.
The star played in front of an audience of 200,000 people in the main square of the capital Kiev for the country's biggest ever show on live TV.
The event had earlier stirred up controversy among religious groups who urged Ukranians to boycott the event branding it "blasphemous". They also accused the singer of trying to promote a gay lifestyle.
President Viktor Yushchenko also attended the gig which saw free condoms handed out along with leaflets on HIV testing and counselling centres at the start.
During the show, the singer told the crowd that he would do all he could to help Ukraine in its battle against the disease.
According to the country's Anti-Aids Foundation, Ukraine has one of the highest HIV infection rates in Europe with a new case every 10 minutes, reports BBC News.
Visit NME Video for the latest music videos and artist interviews
You may need to upgrade your Flash Player
You can download the latest flash plugin here.
If you have installed flash but keep getting this message:
1. Try to bypass flash plugin detection here.
2. Ensure you have javascript enabled in your browser.
3. Try using Firefox
Listen to more Free Music at we7.com| Date/Time | Venue | Town/City | Seetickets | Viagogo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 03, 2012 16:00 | Somerset County Cricket Ground | Taunton | Tickets not currently available. |
Buy Elton John Tickets |
| Jun 03, 2012 18:00 | Somerset Ccc | Taunton |
Buy Elton John Tickets |
Buy Elton John Tickets |
| Jun 05, 2012 16:00 | Great Yorkshire Showground | Harrogate | Tickets not currently available. |
Buy Elton John Tickets |
Comments do not always reflect the views of NME, or IPC Media, for guidelines visit our Ts & Cs page