July 7, 2007 22:20

Live Earth Rio kicks off despite threats

Xuxa wows lifts spirits on Copacabana Beach

Fears concerning the Rio Live Earth concert were brushed aside as Brazilian TV superstar Xuxa launched the event today (July 7) with an army of dancers.

As previously reported on NME.COM, the Brazilian leg of the eco-extravaganza – the only free Live Earth leg - was nearly scrapped due to safety concerns, with police would be concentrating on preparations for the upcoming Pan American Games on July 13 authorities claimed the event should be scrapped

However with the event getting the legal go-ahead things kicked off as planned,

Singer and presenter Xuxa drew huge cheers from the crowd on Copacabana Beach, even though, at this early stage, there were still not the 700,000 as hoped.

Organisers are expecting the numbers to swell throughout the course of the day, which includes acts such as Lenny Kravitz, Pharrell Williams and Macy Gray.