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They joined other U2 members, Adam Clayton, The Edge and
Larry Mullen Jr., to perform the group's songs as crowds packed
the center of Manhattan bundled in coats and hats and huddled
under umbrellas as rain fell.
Former President Bill Clinton, opening the concert, said he
received an email from Bono, who is recuperating in Ireland from
a cycling accident in New York last month, asking Clinton to do
the introduction.
"This year for the first time ever, more people were put on
life-saving medicine than were diagnosed with AIDS," Clinton
told the cheering crowd.
"We can end AIDS but we all have to do our part," he added.
Martin pranced on the plastic covered stage in the heart of
Manhattan and kicked off the concert with U2 with the song
"Beautiful Day" as the crowd raised smartphones to record the
moment, followed by "With or Without You" from the group's
album, The Joshua Tree.
Messages about the AIDS pandemic that began more than 30 years
ago were broadcast to the crowd between sets. United Nations
data show that in 2013, 35 million people were living with the
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS, 2.1 million
people were newly infected with the virus and some 1.5 million
people had died of AIDS.
Singer Carrie Underwood sang two songs, followed by rapper Kanye
West, performing a set to the delight of the crowd, before U2
returned with Springsteen, who led the group with "Where The
Streets Have No Name."
Bono, who has lobbied for a variety of causes including debt
relief, world poverty and AIDS, earlier on Monday said on the
group's website that this year was a World AIDS Day like no
other because 13 million people have access to life-saving
drugs, up from 300,000 just over 10 year ago.
The Irish rocker was hurt while cycling in New York's Central
Park. He sustained injuries to his face, shoulder blade and arm,
which required hours of surgery.
Three metal plates and 18 screws were needed to repair the bone
in his upper arm. He will have intensive therapy but is expected
to make a full recovery.
(Reporting by Patricia Reaney; Editing by Richard Chang and Ken
Wills)
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Springsteen,
Chris Martin, U2 rock World AIDS Day concert
