Pitchfork: London United Benefit to Feature Kano, Billy Bragg

London United Benefit to Feature Kano, Billy Bragg

Benefit shows come together pretty quickly. Remember those TV telethons/benefits that seemed like they aired the night of September 11? They were actually a couple weeks later, but you get the point: many in the entertainment industry are willing to forego dollars and bullshit when tragedy has struck.

In response to last week's terrorist attacks that killed more than 50 people on London's transit system, the city's Mayor Ken Livingstone has renamed the city's upcoming Rise festival London United. The festival's site says, "Following the London bombings the Rise festival has been renamed London United. London United is being held to remember all of those who died in the attacks last Thursday and to show London's defiance of those who try to change the character of the city through terror."

The festival will be held on Saturday, July 16 at Burgess Park. Headliners include Billy Bragg and Kano, though it is unknown if Kano will be dropping Woody Guthrie rhymes. According to NME.com, Madness singer Suggs, one of the performers, said: "We love London because London lets you be yourself. On Saturday at London United we will show that London stands firm in all its diversity after the terrible events of last week."

Pulp's Jarvis Cocker, while not currently scheduled to perform, also spoke out, saying: "At this time it's important for people from all backgrounds to stand together-- it's also important for them to enjoy themselves. This event allows them to do both."

For more information on performers and events related to London United, please visit the festival's official site.