BBC News Online: Entertainment

George's NetAid set gets BBC screening

Michael's performance was one of the highlights of Saturday's concert from Wembley Stadium, part of a global campaign against third world debt.

But he refused permission for the BBC to show his set on highlights programmes at the weekend, claiming he was unhappy with technical problems on the day.

Now his version of Buddy, Can You Spare A Dime will be shown on Top Of The Pops on Friday on BBC One, and his song Father Figure can be seen on BBC Two's TOTP2 on 20 October.

BBC Music Entertainment head Trevor Dann said: "George's performance was the highlight of NetAid so it was disappointing not to be able to use it over the weekend.

"We are delighted that we can now show it. I am sure his fans will be really pleased."

A spokesman for George Michael said: "George wanted to deal with the technical problems before it went out on air, but he was not able to do so in time for the BBC One highlights on Sunday. They have now been ironed out."

Presenter Jayne Middlemiss is also due to reveal news from the singer about his future plans, a BBC spokeswoman said.

The Wembley show was one of three concerts in London, New Jersey and Geneva to raise money to help end third world debt.

Acts appearing in London included David Bowie, Robbie Williams, Bryan Adams, Catatonia and Bush in London, alongside the likes of Sting, Sheryl Crow and Jimmy Page in New York and Des'ree and Bryan Ferry in Geneva.

The concerts were streamed live on NetAid's Website, and organisers said on Tuesday that their Webcast of the event was accessed just under 2.4 million times.

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Internet Links

NetAid
BBC Online - NetAid coverage
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