The promise of rock-n-roll has always been to change the world.  Sting and his wife Trudie Styler organized the first Rainforest Fund Concert 30 years ago. Three decades later it continues to be a very special night.

“We have some of the greatest artists in the world on the same stage competing and helping each other,” Sting said on the red carpet outside the event. “Also the audience comes every time. We don't film it so it's a one off event and that attracts people to it because it's special. And it’s our friends. They’re our friends up there.”

Those friends include John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen. To the delight of the audience, they both took to the stage to play fan favorites.

Money raised supports not just the environment, but also indigenous people in the Amazon and around the world. It's cause that feels close to home to many of the performers, including Ricky Martin, Shaggy, Annie Lenox and Debbie Harry of Blondie.

“Having another purpose besides selling music or performing, but to have it linked to a cause that's vital to all of us,” Harry said.

“He came and did a concert for 20,000 people in Jamaica produced by my wife, and now I'm here for his Rainforest Concert produced by his wife. How about that?” Shaggy said with a smile spreading across his face.

“We want to support the indigenous people and all the animals and the plants and the life of the rainforest,” Lennox added.
 

The music and the mission were so powerful here that legendary hip hop artist Darryl MCDaniels of Run DMC broke into an impromptu rap before the show.

“We can succeed without all the greed by providing a need. And we're gonna win this fight, even if we bleed,” MCDaniels rhymed.

Sting says what has made this concert so special and enduring is that it celebrates great music, philanthropy and friendship.