Music For Montserrat

We’ll set the scene… The year is 1997. The venue is London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. The cause is a Caribbean island devastated by volcanic eruptions.

In response, legendary producer George Martin rallied together the biggest names in music, including Paul McCartney, Sting, Elton John, Mark Knopfler and Phil Collins, for one extraordinary night of live performance.

More than a benefit concert, Music for Montserrat is considered one of the greatest rock concerts in history.

Let’s dive into how this unforgettable night unfolded, from the cause behind it to the legends who answered the call.

The Island That Inspired Icons

George Martin’s connection to Montserrat began in 1979 when he built AIR Studios, a state-of-the-art recording studio on the island's west side.

Over the next decade, the studio grew to become a renowned creative hub for some of the world’s biggest artists. The Police, Dire Straits, and others were drawn by its world-class setup and the island’s exotic, laid-back vibes.

Within its walls, some of the era’s most influential records were born. Favourites such as Hot Hot Hot, Synchronicity and Brothers in Arms can be attributed to artists’ personal ties with the island, using it as the perfect space to get away from the London hustle and bustle.

How a Volcano Shook the Music World

This was until Hurricane Hugo wreaked havoc in 1989, destroying the island's power infrastructure, damaging 90% of its buildings, and with them, AIR Studios. Left with no choice, George Martin closed the facility but vowed to continue to support the island’s musical future.

Then, in 1995, came an even greater blow. The previously dormant Soufrière Hills volcano erupted, covering the island in ash, taking twenty lives and forcing two-thirds of the population to evacuate.

For George Martin, the island wasn’t just a footnote in his career; it was a part of his legacy. He knew he needed to help the island and its community, which led to the idea of Music for Montserrat.

The Gig to End All Gigs

What better way to raise money than pulling together some of the most famous rock stars on the planet?

That’s exactly what George Martin did. He called on industry friends and collaborators, all of whom not only shared ties with AIR Studios but also a mutual love for the island that had given so much to their music.

You name an 80’s slash 90’s legend, and they were there. Ray Cooper, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Buffett, Mark Knopfler, Sting, Elton John, Midge Ure, Arrow, and many more stepped up to give a one-night-only performance that rocked fans around the world.

Tickets started at just £25, which is pretty incredible considering a) the jaw-dropping line-up, and b) the chance to witness music history inside the Royal Albert Hall.

Setting the Stage: the First Half

The first half of the night mixed energy, humour, and heartfelt performances. Arrow brought the Caribbean spirit with his infectious anthem Hot Hot Hot to warm up the crowd.

Phil Collins delivered the all-time classic In the Air Tonight, before changing the tone with Take Me Home. Carl Perkins brought rock’n’roll nostalgia with Blue Suede Shoes, while Jimmy Buffett lightened the mood with Volcano as a tongue-in-cheek homage.

Sting’s stripped-back renditions of Message in a Bottle and Fields of Gold brought a tear to the audience’s eyes, before Mark Knopfler delivered a cool, collected Brothers in Arms and an unexpected jam with Clapton and Sting on Money for Nothing.

Pumping the Jam: the Second Half

The second half raised the roof. Elton John powered through hits like Your Song and Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, bringing every fan in the arena to life. Eric Clapton returned for a crowd-thrilling Layla and the soulful Same Old Blues.

Then Paul McCartney, and of course, he didn’t disappoint. He brought the room to silence with an acoustic Yesterday, then lifted it with a Beatles medley, Golden Slumbers, Carry That Weight, and The End, joined by Clapton, Knopfler, and Collins. And without a doubt, it was a standout moment and a highlight of the entire evening.

For the final encore, the entire line-up returned to the stage for a beautiful rendition of Hey Jude and a high-energy send-off with Kansas City.

A Lasting Legacy

The concert raised over £1.5 million, with all proceeds going toward rebuilding homes, schools, and infrastructure across Montserrat.

Beyond the numbers, it reminded the world what music can do when people, fans and artists come together and turn one night into a legacy that is still spoken about every day.

Watch the Full Show

Honestly, this is the type of event that you have to see to believe it.

Now, through On Air, you can. Watch Music for Montserrat in full and relive the performances, the unimaginable collaborations, and the magic of what is arguably the best rock concert of all time.

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