12 Unforgettable Photos from the Epic 12-12-12 Sandy Benefit Concert

By Kari CollinsDec. 13, 2012

It was a concert for the record books. Over six hours, some of rock’s biggest names performed some of the most iconic songs of all time. There were duets, fashion surprises, celebrity operators and, of course, lots of donations. Before Wednesday’s 12-12-12 concert even began, $30 million had been raised from ticket sales, which ranged between $150-$2,500, and sponsors, with all proceeds donated to the Robin Hood Relief Fund—the same foundation that organized the Concert for New York City after 9/11. The sold-out show was televised live, streamed online, played on the radio and talked about worldwide.
TIME’s Olivia Waxman already reported on what it was like behind the scenes at the music spectacle (read her full report). Here, the 12 most unforgettable sights from the 12-12-12 music marathon:

Kevin Mazur / WireImage

Nils Lofgren, Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt of The E Street Band perform during “12-12-12″ a concert benefiting the victims of Hurricane Sandy at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 12, 2012 in New York City.

Lucas Jackson / Reuters

Eric Clapton performs during “12-12-12″ a concert benefiting the victims of Hurricane Sandy at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 12, 2012 in New York City.

Lucas Jackson / Reuters

Roger Waters performs during “12-12-12″ a concert benefiting the victims of Hurricane Sandy at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 12, 2012 in New York City.

Lucas Jackson / Reuters

Kanye West performs during “12-12-12″ a concert benefiting the victims of Hurricane Sandy at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 12, 2012 in New York City.

Lucas Jackson / Reuters

Singer Alicia Keys performs during “12-12-12″ a concert benefiting the victims of Hurricane Sandy at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 12, 2012 in New York City.

DON EMMERT / AFP / Getty Images

Jon Bon Jovi (R) performs during “12-12-12″ a concert benefiting the victims of Hurricane Sandy at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 12, 2012 in New York City.

DON EMMERT / AFP / Getty Images

Chris Martin (L) performs with Michael Stipe (R) during “12-12-12″ a concert benefiting the victims of Hurricane Sandy at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 12, 2012 in New York City.

Larry Busacca / Getty Images

Roger Daltrey (L) and Pete Townshend of The Who perform during “12-12-12″ a concert benefiting the victims of Hurricane Sandy at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 12, 2012 in New York City.

Kevin Mazur / WireImage

Roger Waters and Eddie Vedder perform during “12-12-12″ a concert benefiting the victims of Hurricane Sandy at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 12, 2012 in New York City.

Larry Busacca / Getty Images

Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi perform during “12-12-12″ a concert benefiting the victims of Hurricane Sandy at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 12, 2012 in New York City.

Kevin Mazur / WireImage

Sir Paul McCartney performs during “12-12-12″ a concert benefiting the victims of Hurricane Sandy at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 12, 2012 in New York City.

Lucas Jackson / Reuters

Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones performs during the “12-12-12″ benefit concert for victims of Superstorm Sandy at Madison Square Garden in New York Dec. 12, 2012.