The Concert for New York City (2001 TV Special) User Reviews

Great

[jlaughlin05 · 9/10 · 17 January 2006]

I thought it was great. Sure, it was put together in some haste but overall it was very well done. In my view, The Who almost stole the show. I was moved by the way they started with the Union Jack as a backdrop and then replaced it at a dramatic moment with the Stars and Stripes (I think during Baba O'Reilly). That was followed with the US and British flags side by side, depicting the solidarity between our two nations, not just post-9/11 but really extending back in time to the musical British invasion in the sixties, and further still to WWII. The array of artists who turned out was similarly impressive. From David Bowie to Destiny's Child to Bon Jovi to Five for Fighting to Paul McCartney, it was quite a lineup. I would watch again anytime.

Very dissapointed!

[Timelles · 1/10 · 6 February 2002]

I was very dissapointed with the concert, I'm sorry I purchased it on DVD, the only good thing is the money (hopefully) went to aid the victim relief. From Opera-man forgetting that kids were in the audience to the Backstreet Boys dedicating "Quit Playing Games With My Heart" to the victims families, it was obvious that the concert was "rushed". It truly lacked continuity.

I would highly recommend watching "America: A Tribute To Heroes" It was a phenomenal event that truly lived up to it's title.

Outstanding from start to finish

[tnothnagle · 10/10 · 19 December 2001]

From the reunion of the Who, to Billy Joel performing Miami 2017, to Adam Sandler's Opera Man, to getting to see Hillary Clinton booed off the stage -- this was an outstanding concert. It took place in Madison Square Garden, and the audience was comprised of NYPD, FDNY, POPD officers, and other rescue workers. It was absolutely inspiring to see such talented musicians expressing their appreciation for their hard work. To the best of my knowledge, the original 5 hour VH1 concert was never rebroadcast. CBS aired a truncated version the following week, but I certainly hope that if and when Viacomm releases it onto DVD, it is released in its full format.

This is a must see concert, if you can find it.

Best Concert Special Ever

[Catalyst-3 · 10/10 · 28 March 2002]

I was lucky enough to catch this when it first aired on VH1, and I still look back on it fondly months later. The selection of musicians is great, and Woody Allen's and Kevin Smith's short films are both touching and hysterically funny. Jon Bon Jovi's performance is my favorite. Don't miss this one.

Quite Simply One Of The Best Concerts Ever Put Together

[carologletree · 10/10 · 8 July 2016]

I was 5 years old when the 9/11 attacks took place. Of course, 9 and a half years later, Osama Bin Laden was put to justice. Looking back on it, my parents told me that there was a really cool concert taking place a few weeks after the terrorist attacks. They ordered it on Amazon for my birthday earlier this year on May 3rd. This concert was incredible in every sense of the word. The whole intention of this concert was the main thing about it, but it just happens to also have tons of quality stuff on it.

There are many amazing musical performances. The Who were one of the highlights of the night. They put an unbelievable amount of energy and passion into the concert they put on. They chose just the right songs: "Who Are You", "Baba O'Riley", "Behind Blue Eyes", and "Won't Get Fooled Again".

Paul McCartney also put on a great show. The song "Freedom" that he wrote and performed that night is the definition of an anthem. We also get to hear "I'm Down", "Yesterday", and "Let It Be."

The Rolling Stones were as great as always, performing "Salt of The Earth" and "Miss You." Bon Jovi, James Taylor, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Billy Joel, and Five For Fighting also delivered.

There are plenty of entertaining segments. I loved the Adam Sandler "Operaman" segment. Most of Sandler's material is rather juvenile, but on that night, he hit all the right funny bones. Also, Howard Stern's antics actually felt appropriate for once. I do find the appearance by Will Ferrell's George Bush impersonation to be rather questionable, though.

We also get appearances by Harrison Ford, Michael J. Fox, Jim Carrey, Halle Berry, David Spade, Hilary Swank, Robert DeNiro, The Clintons, and many more. Of course, we also get to see videos giving tribute to New York City.

I could not have asked for a better birthday present. The show as a whole was simply impeccable. The effort they put into this was very evident, giving the people of New York City the condolences and proper respect that they deserve. Get this show now!

RATING: A+

Historical concert when the world changed forever!

[dvisker-08212 · 10/10 · 2 April 2016]

I remember watching this when it was broadcast live, and was fortunate to get a copy of this on DVD not soon after 9/11. I get this out about once a year and watch it in its entirety. Not just a stellar lineup of some of the finest musicians of the time, but most importantly a tribute to the fallen of that horrible day, and those that survived. The firemen, police and all first responders, and just normal everyday folks, who so selflessly put their lives on the line amidst the chaos and horror. You can't help but watch this and feel absolute pride and hope in the human spirit when it is so displayed in humility and grace, and love for one another. Highly recommend obtaining a copy of this if you can find one. In light of all the truths (and untruths) that we have learned of since that horrible day 9/11, the message is still clear and timeless....we must NEVER forget. This concert is important to watch and re-watch as a reminder of that. Jim Carrey has a speech in here that is wonderful. The Who tear down the joint. David Bowie intro will bring you to tears. It was an incredible event.