Well, Sean Penn did anyway, but that was expected.
Making his newly scheduled appearance from the Gobi Tent, the crowd quickly jumped to its feet before Penn took the stage. Two kids behind me said, “I’ve never heard this band.” (They didn’t quite get it.)
Launching his “Dirty Hands Caravan” campaign, Penn spoke for about 5 minutes and said it’s time for this generation to give back for the weekend of music they’ve just enjoyed.
Two biodiesel buses are scheduled to leave the Empire Polo Field on Monday at 1 p.m. to make the cross-country trip to New Orleans by May 4.
His speech wasn’t without controversy, though, as he had some words for President Bush they won’t let me print here.
“In either case, the 3,000 lives lost during 9/11 are matched by 4,000 deaths in this criminal war,” Penn said. “We let it happen… but the most powerful third party is you and me.”
About a dozen of those in the audience rushed over to the nearby tent to sign up for the trip that leaves tomorrow. Others were more skeptical.
Meanwhile, the mercury just hit 97 degrees. Though most concertgoers don’t look too affected, one guy lying facedown in the grass by the bamboo waves was a bit questionable.
— John Asbury
jasbury@PE.com