On July 30, 2003, an estimated 450,000 to 500,000 people descended on Downsview Park for what was officially called the Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto concert, but more commonly known as SARSstock or SARSfest.The concert was a fundraiser for health-care and hospitality workers and featured an all-star lineup with The Rolling Stones as the headline act along with AC/DC, Justin Timberlake and Canadian acts such as Rush, The Guess Who, Kathleen Edwards and Blue Rodeo.
SARSfest snowballed into one of the most significant events in Toronto's history, giving residents and tourists assurance that normal life in the city was back. Initially, the concert was pitched as a government-funded event, which was heavily criticized at the time."They wanted no part of me because I was suggesting that we the government step up. And then finally when we got Molson's involved, everybody came on side."
The Flaming Lips Wayne Coyne throws out a balloon during their performance at the concert for SARS relief at Downsview Park in Toronto Wednesday July 30, 2003. A fan holds a Canadian flag with SARSTOCK written on it at the Concert for SARS Relief at Downsview Park in Toronto Tuesday July 30, 2003. The Rolling Stones along with more than 15 other acts are expected to draw more than 450,000 people.
Cuddy said he would have liked to see something similar for the country to unite around -- especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger and Keith Richards perform at the Concert for SARS Relief at Downsview Park in Toronto Wednesday July 30, 2003. "It was in the centre of summer, so it was really hot," Avenius said,"I don't think I've ever been to a festival that big ever before."
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