Pop star Madonna drew massive applause from a sold-out crowd in Paris when she dedicated her version of John Lennon's peace ode Imagine to the Russian hostage crisis.
Imagine there's no countries, it isn't hard to do. Nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too. Imagine all the people, living life in peace...
Addressing the audience midway through her show last night, Madonna spoke briefly about the tragedy at a Russian school that left at least 350 dead, including pupils, teachers and mothers.
Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can. No need for greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man. Imagine all the people, sharing all the world...
As video images of war and children were broadcast behind her on giant screens, the pop diva urged her fans at Paris' Bercy stadium to think about what happened in Russia and to think about Lennon's lyrics.
You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us and the world will live as one.
By Madonna and Peace 9 September 04
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