Paul McCartney Looks Back on 9/11 Benefit Concert With New Film

Paul McCartney's journey through the events of 9/11 and the organization of 'The Concert For New York City' is chronicled in the new feature film 'The Love That You Make,' which will premiere in select theaters on September 8.

McCartney was personally moved by the 9/11 happenings – he had been on a plane set to depart from New York City that day. As things began to unfold, his flight was canceled and he returned to the city instead. There, he witnessed the New York citizens and rescue workers struggling to cope with the previously unthinkable events of that day and later, working to move forward and rebuild.

Inspired, McCartney opened up his Rolodex and began making calls to his many peers to arrange a special concert to benefit the many who had been affected by the tragic events.

In little more than a month, the former Beatle assembled an impressive lineup of his musical brethren, political figures, sports and film stars, as well as some perfectly-timed comic relief from Jerry Seinfeld and Adam Sandler, who appeared in his much-loved 'Operaman' persona.

'The Concert For New York City' featured an A-list bill of talent, opening with David Bowie's back to back performances of Paul Simon's 'America' and 'Heroes' from his own catalog. A parade of heavy hitters followed, including Eric Clapton, The Who (sadly, this would be John Entwistle's final North American performance with the band prior to his unexpected death eight months later) , Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Billy Joel, Elton John, John Mellencamp and Bon Jovi.

McCartney himself closed the evening with an emotional performance that featured guest appearances from many of the night's performers, as well as on-stage appearances by members of the New York City fire and police departments and rescue workers.

The concert was a huge success, raising over 30 million dollars for the Robin Hood Relief Fund, established to benefit the victims and survivors of 9/11. It was an entirely unselfish gesture from McCartney, who has a lengthy history of lending his musical hand to others in their time of need.

On the 10^th anniversary of 9/11, VH-1 and VH-1 Classic will re-air the entire five and a half hour concert commercial free beginning at 4P ET. The rebroadcast will be hosted by New York native director/actor Edward Burns. Maintaining the original spirit of the event, donations can be made to the ongoing relief fund and viewers can learn what still needs to be accomplished 10 years later.

'The Love That You Make' will premiere in select theaters on Sept. 8. Unfortunately, it appears that you need an American Express card to gain access to the screenings, so don't leave home without it. For those without American Express perks, the documentary will debut officially on Showtime on Sept. 10.