[November 03, 2012]    

For the victims of Superstorm Sandy, it was a sorely needed message delivered.

From "Livin' on a Prayer" to "The Living Proof," every song Friday at NBC's benefit concert became a message song.

New Jersey's Jon Bon Jovi gave extra meaning to "Who Says You Can't Go Home." Billy Joel worked in a reference to Staten Island, the decimated New York City borough.

The hourlong event, hosted by Matt Lauer, was heavy on stars and lyrics identified with New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area, which took the brunt of this week's deadly storm. The telethon was a mix of music, storm footage and calls from Jon Stewart, Tina Fey, Whoopi Goldberg and others for donations.

The show ended, as it only could, with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, tearing into "Land of Hope and Dreams."

"God bless New York," Springsteen, New Jersey's ageless native son, said in conclusion. "God bless the Jersey shore."

Here, in pictures, are some of the performers on this somber but hopeful night:
 

AP text /AP Photo/NBC, Heidi Gutman

Jon Bon Jovi performs during "Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together" on Friday in New York. Hosted by Matt Lauer, the event was heavy on stars identified with New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area, which took the brunt of this week's deadly storm

From left: Steven Tyler, Jimmy Fallon, Mark Rivera and Bruce Springsteen.

 

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Christina Aguilera, a Staten Island native, performs during "Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together."

 

Billy Joel

Mary J. Blige