Liam Gallagher to headline ‘Live Aid’ homelessness fundraiser gig

Liam Gallagher is among the A-list stars to have signed up to headline a mass sleep-out fundraiser in Edinburgh later this year.

Organised by Social Bite and Sir Bob Geldof – and dubbed Scotland’s answer to Live Aid – Sleep in the Park will bring the Oasis icon to Princes Street Gardens alongside Scots stars Deacon Blue, Amy Macdonald and Frightened Rabbit for special acoustic “busking” sets in December.

It is hoped that up to 9,000 people will “sleep rough” in West Princes Street Gardens and around Edinburgh city centre, with the aim of raising £4m to tackle homelessness in Scotland.

Comedian Rob Brydon will host, Monty Python legend John Cleese will read a bedtime story, while a a host of sports stars, celebs and politicians are also expected to take part in the sleep-out.

No tickets will be sold, with members of the public and businesses encouraged to join the event by reaching fundraising targets.

Gallagher said: “Ever since Oasis got signed in Glasgow at King Tut’s, Scotland has always had a special place in my heart.

“The fans are among the best in the world. I’m looking forward to playing in Edinburgh and supporting this charity. I hope the event helps as many people back on their feet as possible.”

We've a plan to eradicate homelessness in Scotland. For Good. Join us and an amazing line up @ https://t.co/ZC5eGUyI3Rpic.twitter.com/NCRKFp0LsR

— Social Bite (@SocialBite_) August 30, 2017

Josh Littlejohn, co-founder of Social Bite (pictured below), said: “We reached out to lots of people to come and support the event in different ways and really try and make it exciting for 9,000 people to come along to.

In my mind, I see this as the Live Aid of homelessness in Scotland

“We managed to get different musicians who are going to be buskers and do a stripped-back acoustic set.

“We’ve got a bit of an all-star line-up. In my mind, I see this as the Live Aid of homelessness in Scotland. We can use the event as a catalyst to do something really meaningful about the issue.”

Sir Bob added: “When we launched Live Aid in 1985, it showed the power of music and events to create real and important social change. I first met Josh and Alice from Social Bite five years ago and I am delighted to support them and their effort to eradicate homelessness in Scotland by sleeping out in the cold at the event.

“The event has the potential to be a game changer in tackling the issue and I am right behind it, even if a little nervous to brave a cold Scottish winter’s night. I know Scotland to be a compassionate nation and I would implore you to get involved.”

This announcement comes as work continues on Social Bite’s new “homeless village” on the outskirts of Edinburgh, in which 10 purpose-built two-bedroom homes will offer accommodation for 20 people from homeless backgrounds. The first residents are expected to move in before Christmas.