The Concert for Bangladesh was the first benefit concert of its kind in that it brought together an extraordinary assemblage of major artists collaborating for a common humanitarian cause-setting the precedent that music could be used to serve a higher purpose. The purpose for these musicians to come together was to raise money for the people of Bangladesh. The reason was that these people were living the dire consequences of war, floods, and famine.

There have been many great efforts by those that are gifted with special talents to bring help to those in dire need of the basic necessities of life, but before efforts like "We Are the World,", “USA For Africa”, “Live Aid”, “Concert For New York City”, and other charitable events came around, George Harrison conducted a 1971 Concert for Bangladesh.

The concert sold out at New York’s Madison Square Garden and has helped to generate millions for UNICEF and raised awareness for the organization around the world, as well as among other musicians and their fans. It is acknowledged as the inspiration and the forerunner to the major global fundraising events of recent years. To quote the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, "George and his friends were pioneers." All artists' royalties from the sales of the VCD go to UNICEF. The Concert for Bangladesh was presented by the U.S. Committee for UNICEF.

Those who bought this VCD, later DVD and Blu ray and who were not physically present for the concert, get the rare opportunity to witness this ground breaking great effort.

The event brought Harrison and Starr together on a concert stage for the first time since 1966, when The Beatles retired from live performance, and represented Dylan's first major concert appearance in the U.S. in five years..

The 18 song playlist on two discs, has the who’s who of the music world. George Harrison/Ravi Shankar bring on an Introduction followed by Bangla Dhun by Ravi Shankar and then George Harrison takes control with Wah Wah. Following it is Clapton’s My Sweet Lord, his big hit that would later cause legal trouble for him but it sounds incredible here.

The playlist flows with songs like It Don’t come Easy by Ringo Starr, While My Guitar Gently Weeps by George Harrison, ending Disc One.

Disc Two opens up with a Medley Jumpin’ Jack Flash and Young Blood performed by Leon Russell followed by Harrison’s acoustic version of Here comes the Sun. Leading into 4 songs by Bob Dylan we have his very best at that time namely songs like A Hard Rains a Gonna Fall, It takes a lot to Laugh / It takes a Train to Cry and his classic Blowin’ in the Wind, ending with Just Like A Woman. Harrison fills in with Something and Bangladesh.

This VCD contains a lot of nostalgia when it comes to the music aspect of it. George composed the theme Bangladesh, It's truly an edition you must have. As for the concert itself, you can say, if you are a Beatles devotee you know what it is about and what it contains. Buy it and enjoy classics. An additional fact is the presentation of Bob Dylan, one more reason to have this concert VCD that features Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Ravi Shankar, Ringo Starr, Leon Russell, and Billy Preston unite for the good of all.

There’s no Bonus Material on this as it’s a VCD and with limited space. If you can lay your hands on this piece of history it would be highly recommended, especially if you want to experience the outcome of a great effort transforming into a legacy of great music.

Director: ‎ Saul Swimmer

Released: December 1971

Label: Apple

Run time: ‎Approx 99 minutes

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira