Venezuela Aid Live

{{further|Crisis in Venezuela|shortages in Venezuela|Venezuelan presidential crisis#Humanitarian aid crisis}}

File:Por_qué_hay_desabastecimiento_en_Venezuela.ogv explaining the shortages]]

Shortages in Venezuela have occurred since the presidency of Hugo Chávez, with the country experiencing a scarcity rate of 24.7% in 2007.{{cite news|url= http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/120106/shortage-at-its-highest-since-may-2008 |title= Shortage at its highest since May 2008|date= 6 January 2012|work= El Universal |author= Cárdenas, Gerardo |access-date= 11 February 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170806145021/http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/120106/shortage-at-its-highest-since-may-2008 |archive-date= 6 August 2017|url-status=bot: unknown }} Venezuela has also been suffering a socioeconomic crisis under Nicolás Maduro, as rampant crime, hyperinflation and shortages diminished the quality of life since 2010.{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/06/business/venezuela-chavez-oil-economy/|title=Chavez leaves Venezuelan economy more equal, less stable|author=Kevin Voigt|date= 6 March 2013|access-date= 6 March 2013| work=CNN}}
* {{cite news|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2013/03/07/the-house-that-chavez-built/|title=The House That Chavez Built|author=Corrales, Javier|date=7 March 2013|work=Foreign Policy|access-date= 6 February 2015}}
* {{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/12/25/373128433/for-venezuela-drop-in-global-oil-prices-could-be-catastrophic|title=For Venezuela, Drop In Global Oil Prices Could Be Catastrophic|author=Siegel, Robert|date= 25 December 2014|access-date= 14 January 2015|publisher=NPR}}
* {{cite news|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/03/15/coup-fatigue-in-caracas-venezuela-maduro/|title=Coup Fatigue in Caracas|author=Lansberg-Rodríguez, Daniel|date= 15 March 2015|access-date= 10 July 2015|agency=Foreign Policy}}
* {{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/node/21526365|title=Venezuela's economy: Medieval policies|date= 20 August 2011|newspaper=The Economist|access-date= 24 August 2014}} Beginning in 2015,{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/13/americas/cnnphotos-venezuela-food-crisis/|title=The face of hunger in Venezuela|author=Charner, Flora|date=15 October 2016|work=CNN|access-date= 19 February 2019}} the Maduro government rejected offers of aid, stating that there was no humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and that such claims were only used to justify foreign intervention; his refusal of aid worsened the situation.{{Cite news|url=https://www.lapatilla.com/2018/09/26/maduro-niega-la-diaspora-venezolana-en-la-onu-se-ha-fabricado-por-distintas-vias-una-crisis-migratoria-que-se-cae-por-su-propio-peso/|title= Maduro niega la diáspora venezolana en la ONU: Se ha fabricado por distintas vías una crisis migratoria |trans-title= Maduro denies the Venezuelan diaspora at the UN: A migratory crisis has been manufactured through different channels| date= 26 September 2018|work=LaPatilla.com|access-date= 20 February 2019|language=es}}
* {{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/venezuelans-die-as-maduro-government-refuses-medical-aid-1523025805|title=Venezuelans Die as Maduro Government Refuses Medical Aid|author=Vyas, Kejal and Ryan Dube|date= 6 April 2018|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date= 20 February 2019|issn=0099-9660}}
* {{Cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-country-of-hunger-inside-the-deep-suffering-in-venezuela-s-hospitals-a-1221061.html|title=The Country of Hunger: A State of Deep Suffering in Venezuela's Hospitals|author=Glüsing, Jens|date= 8 August 2018|work=Der Spiegel|access-date= 20 February 2019}} The National Assembly of Venezuela declared a "health humanitarian crisis" in January 2016, given the "serious shortage of medicines, medical supplies and deterioration of humanitarian infrastructure", asking Maduro's government to "guarantee immediate access to (...) essential medicines".{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias/2016/01/160125_venezuela_crisis_humanitaria_medicinas |title= Asamblea Nacional de Venezuela declara "crisis humanitaria de salud" por escasez de medicamentos |trans-title= National Assembly of Venezuela declares "humanitarian health crisis" due to shortage of medicines|date= 27 January 2016|access-date= 20 February 2019|agency=BBC|language=es}}

Near the end of 2018—before the Venezuelan presidential crisis when Juan Guaidó swore an oath to serve as interim president—the Maduro government said aid from other countries would be coordinated through the UN.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-un/u-n-approves-9-million-in-aid-for-crisis-stricken-venezuela-idUSKCN1NV2AR|title=U.N. approves $9 million in aid for crisis-stricken Venezuela|author=Nebehay, Stephanie and Brian Ellsworth|date= 26 November 2018|work=Reuters|access-date= 20 February 2019}} Reuters reported concerns that the UN funding would be lost to corruption in Maduro's government. After the 2019 presidential crisis, Maduro continued to refuse aid, saying that Venezuela was not a country of "beggars".{{Cite web|url= https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/02/19/la-contradiccion-de-nicolas-maduro-sobre-la-ayuda-humanitaria-en-14-dias/| title=La contradicción de Nicolás Maduro sobre la ayuda humanitaria en 14 días |trans-title= Nicolás Maduro's contradiction regarding humanitarian aid in 14 days |date= 19 February 2019 |website=Infobae|language=es|access-date=20 February 2019}}

Guaidó made bringing humanitarian aid to the hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans who could die if aid does not arrive a priority.{{cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190205-venezuela-opposition-warns-military-against-preventing-entry-aid|title=Venezuela opposition warns military against preventing entry of aid|date= 2 February 2019|work=France24|access-date= 5 February 2019}} Cúcuta has become the hub and focal point of the humanitarian aid crisis in Venezuela; in addition to being the site of the concert, it was the main border crossing point for thousands of Venezuelans fleeing their country in the Venezuela–Colombia migrant crisis, and the location where most of the aid was stockpiled.{{cite news |url= https://www.univision.com/univision-news/latin-america/venezuela-aid-live-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-concert-on-the-border |work= Univision |date= 21 February 2019 |access-date= 22 February 2019 |title= Venezuela Aid Live: What you need to know about the concert on the border}} Images of the Tienditas Bridge, joining Colombia and Venezuela at Cúcuta, have come to symbolize the crisis because the "Venezuelan government blocked it with shipping containers". Due to the migrant crisis, the bridge was never opened after its 2016 completion,{{cite web|url=https://www.laopinion.com.co/cucuta/tienditas-el-puente-de-40-millones-de-dolares-que-no-han-estrenado-106377|title=Tienditas, el puente de 40 millones de dólares que no han estrenado|last=Opinión|first=Diario la|website=La Opinión}} and was previously closed with fences and concrete block.{{cite news |url= https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/venezuela-bridge-aid-pompeo-1.5018432 |title= How a bridge between Colombia and Venezuela became part of a propaganda fight |work= CBC News |date= 15 February 2019|access-date= 20 February 2019}}

File:5.3.10RichardBransonByDavidShankbone.jpg

Branson and his friend, Colombian businessman Bruno Ocampo, spoke of Venezuela and their passion for human rights in December 2018. Six weeks later, Branson wrote to Ocampo, inquiring about ways to help Venezuela, and by 30 January, they had made contact with interim president Guaidó and his mentor Leopoldo López. Branson announced on 14 February 2019 that his inspiration to organize the benefit concert was Guaidó and Lopez asking for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Venezuela.{{Cite web|url= https://www.iq-mag.net/2019/02/richard-branson-plans-venezuela-aid-live-concert/ |title= Richard Branson plans Venezuela Aid Live concert|date=15 February 2019|website=IQ Magazine|access-date=15 February 2019 |author= Grace, Anna}}{{Cite news |url= https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-14/branson-plans-live-aid-style-concert-on-venezuela-s-border|title=Richard Branson Plans Live Aid-Style Concert on Venezuela's Border|website=www.bloomberg.com|access-date=15 February 2019 |author= Bristow, Matthew |date= 14 February 2019}} The concert was held only three weeks after the four men spoke.

Branson said the event was held to raise money for aid in Venezuela, to pressure the government of Nicolás Maduro to allow the humanitarian aid funded by various nations and stored in Cúcuta to be distributed within Venezuela, and to raise awareness of the crisis in Venezuela. He criticized Maduro's regime for refusing aid.{{Cite web|url= https://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/join-venezuela-aid-live-support-cause |title=Join Venezuela Aid Live, support the cause|date=15 February 2019|website=Virgin|access-date=15 February 2019}} The concert's Spanish website listed five general groups in Venezuela which the concert aimed to help: children who go hungry every day, grandparents left to die in the streets due to lack of welfare, parents who work hard and still can't provide, young people unjustly persecuted, and humanity deserving a life in peace.

A press release from Venezuela Aid Live said that all money donated to the cause would be given in humanitarian aid to the people of Venezuela.{{Cite press release|title= Richard Branson confirma asistencia al concierto en Cúcuta, No. 2, 15 Feb 2019 |lang= es|url= https://ayudaylibertad.com/COMUNICADONo2Es.pdf |date= 15 February 2019 |access-date= 18 February 2019 |publisher= Virgin |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190216153211/https://ayudaylibertad.com/COMUNICADONo2Es.pdf |archive-date= 16 February 2019}} Branson asked for donations to reach "$100 million dollars in 60 days".{{Cite web|url=https://venezuelaaidlive.com/|title=Every dollar counts for Venezuela|website=venezuelaaidlive.com|access-date=15 February 2019}} The concert was livestreamed on the Internet, with the aim to raise additional funds via website donations. Organizers said the concert was entirely funded through donations,{{Cite magazine|url= https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/8498701/venezuela-live-aid-carlos-vives-fonseca-lele-pons|title=Richard Branson Organizes Venezuela Live Aid: Carlos Vives, Fonseca, Juanes, Maluma, Lele Pons & More to Perform|magazine=Billboard|access-date=16 February 2019 |date= 15 February 2019 |author= Cobo, Leila}} artists were not compensated for performing,{{cite news |url= https://elcomercio.pe/mundo/venezuela/venezuela-aid-live-richard-branson-espera-concierto-cucuta-salve-vidas-venezuela-noticia-608943 |trans-title= Richard Branson hopes concert in Cúcuta will save lives in Venezuela|work= El Comercio |language= es |date= 19 February 2019 |access-date= 19 February 2019 |title= Richard Branson espera que concierto en Cúcuta salve vidas en Venezuela}} and the concert was free.{{cite news |url= https://www.semana.com/gente/articulo/quien-es-richard-branson-el-multimillonario-que-organizo-el-concierto-por-venezuela/601957 |work= Semana |language= es |date= 19 February 2019 |access-date= 19 February 2019 |title= Richard Branson, el multimillonario que orquestó el concierto por Venezuela |trans-title= Richard Branson, the billionaire who orchestrated the concert for Venezuela}}

Branson advertised that the concert would be "a beautiful concert", featuring a "fantastic line-up of top Latin American and global artists", that would be live-streamed around the world. The Spanish website of the concert featured the story of a young man who watched his mother suffer in pain from cancer, with a highlighted statement that 50% of cancer patients in Venezuela receive no treatment.

The concert was modelled after The Concert for Bangladesh and Live Aid. It took place in Cúcuta, a Colombian city near the border with Venezuela, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. It was originally planned to be held on the San Martín Roundabout, a short distance from the Simon Bolivar International Bridge, but the location was changed to the Tienditas Bridge.{{cite web |url= https://www.colombia.com/musica/conciertos-y-festivales/concierto-por-venezuela-cambia-locacion-en-cucuta-y-la-lista-de-artistas-se-crece-219459 |publisher= Colombia.com |language= es |date= 18 February 2019 |access-date= 20 February 2019 |title= Concierto por Venezuela cambia locación en Cúcuta y la lista de artistas ¡se crece! |trans-title= Concert for Venezuela changes location in Cúcuta and the list of artists grows!}}

Colombian producers were businessmen Ricardo Leyva, and brothers Fernán and Bruno Ocampo.{{cite news |url= https://www.elperiodiquito.com/noticias/99341/Organizador-del-Venezuela-Aid-Live-Este-es-un-concierto-historico-para-poder-salvar-vidas |work= El Periodiquito |language= es |date= 20 February 2019 |access-date= 20 February 2019 |title= Organizador del Venezuela Aid Live: Este es un concierto histórico para poder salvar vidas |trans-title= Organizer of Venezuela Aid Live: This is a historic concert to save lives}} Leyva, who owns a marketing company called Sistole, was brought to the project by Bruno Ocampo, who had never previously organized a concert, and Leyva said they made it a priority to "guarantee world class content, with great sound and great production".

Leyva hired Persival and Árbol Naranja, production companies with experience at producing music concerts. A rotating stage {{convert|16|meters|feet}} high with 11 sound towers and 400 tons of equipment were installed on the bridge. The rotating stage allowed one musician to be preparing during another's performance.{{cite news |url= http://www.wradio.com.co/noticias/actualidad/han-confirmado-tantos-artistas-que-nos-tocara-ampliar-el-concierto-por-venezuela-leyva/20190218/nota/3865437.aspx |work= W Radio |language= es |access-date= 21 February 2019 |title= Han confirmado tantos artistas que nos tocará ampliar el Concierto por Venezuela: Leyva |trans-title= So many artists have confirmed that we will have to expand the Concert for Venezuela: Leyva}} Support for setting up live streaming was provided by YouTube, and WK Entertainment got streaming rights cleared.

At least 1,800 local police provided security, and hospital services were on alert.{{cite news |url= https://noticias.caracoltv.com/mundo/tarima-de-concierto-de-maduro-estara-solo-300-metros-del-evento-en-lado-colombiano |work= Noticias Caracol |language= es |date= 21 February 2019 |access-date= 21 February 2019 |title= Tarima de concierto de Maduro estará a solo 300 metros del evento en lado colombiano}} The aircraft flying in musicians and producers were quickly cleared through airports by Colombia, and a civic holiday was declared for the city of Cúcuta on the day of the concert. There were 1,300 journalists accredited to work the event (800 Colombian and 500 international); 1,800 people did logistical work, and 800 volunteers helped as well.

Organizers said the space could accommodate up to 500,000 people, while they hoped for about 250,000.{{cite news|url=https://www.rcnradio.com/colombia/santanderes/movilizacion-de-miles-de-personas-por-el-concierto-venezuela-aid-live| title=Movilización de miles de personas por el concierto Venezuela Aid Live | work=RCN| date=22 February 2019| access-date=27 February 2019}} The Los Angeles Times{{cite news |title= Standoff escalates over Venezuela aid; Opposition leader Juan Guaido appears in Colombia, as a clash elsewhere kills 2. |author= McDonnell, Patrick J and Chris Kraul |work= Los Angeles Times |date= 23 February 2019 |page= A.3 |via= ProQuest}} and National Radio of Colombia estimated there were more than 200,000 present.{{cite news |url= https://www.infobae.com/america/fotos/2019/02/22/las-fotos-del-concierto-venezuela-aid-live-en-la-frontera-con-colombia/ |title=100 fotos del concierto Venezuela Aid Live en la frontera| work=Infobae| date=22 February 2019| access-date=27 February 2019}} Colombia's English-language newspaper{{cite news |url= https://thecitypaperbogota.com/news/we-are-all-united-in-latin-america-states-duque-as-venezuela-aid-draws-huge-crowd/21711 |work= The City Paper of Bogota |date= 22 February 2019 |access-date= 27 February 2019 |title= 'We are all united in Latin America' states Duque as Venezuela Aid draws huge crowd |author= Emblin, Richard}} and Billboard reported 300,000 or more. Concert organizers said the attendance was 370,000, as reported by CNN en Español.{{cite news |url= https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2019/02/28/370-000-personas-asistieron-al-venezuela-aid-live-se-han-recaudado-mas-de-2-millones-de-dolares/ |title= 370.000 personas asistieron al Venezuela Aid Live; se han recaudado más de 2 millones de dólares |work= CNN Español |date= 28 February 2019 |access-date= 1 March 2019 |language= es}}{{ cite news |url= https://www.cnn.com/videos/spanish/2019/03/02/venezuela-aid-live-donaciones-no-se-logro-meta-bruno-ocampo-entrevista-serbia-dinero.cnn |date= 2 March 2019 |access-date= 2 March 2019 |title= Venezuela Aid Live: ¿por qué no se logró la meta de US$ 100 millones? |language= es |work= CNN}}

Juan Guaidó defied the restriction imposed by the Maduro administration on him leaving Venezuela, and showed up at the concert.{{cite news |url= https://www.apnews.com/0c1c016d7e3d4e5594e5ef53b84a2c53 |work= Associated Press |date= 22 February 2019 |access-date= 22 February 2019 |title= The Latest: Venezuela's Guaido shows up at benefit concert}} In a move that tested Maduro's authority, he was met by Colombian president Iván Duque, and welcomed by a crowd chanting, "Juan arrived!" Duque, Chilean president Sebastián Piñera,{{cite news |url= https://www.elpais.com.co/colombia/maduro-es-parte-del-problema-no-de-la-solucion-pinera-tras-aterrizar-en-cucuta.html |work= El Pais|language=es |date= 22 February 2019 |access-date= 22 February 2019 |title= 'Maduro es parte del problema, no de la solución': Piñera tras aterrizar en Cúcuta}} Paraguayan president Mario Abdo Benítez,{{cite news |url= http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/mundo/presidente-paraguay-confia-que-venezuela-recuperara-democracia_271894 |work= El Nacional |language=es |date= 22 February 2019 |access-date= 22 February 2019 |title= Presidente de Paraguay confía en que Venezuela recuperará la democracia}} and Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States attended.{{cite news |url= https://www.analitica.com/actualidad/actualidad-internacional/presidente-de-paraguay-viajo-a-cucuta-para-entrega-de-ayuda-humanitaria/ |work= Analitica |language=es |date= 22 February 2019 |access-date= 22 February 2019 |title= Presidente chileno Sebastián Piñera: La dictadura de Maduro tiene sus días contados}} Piñera said he was at the concert to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Venezuela, to help them recover democracy under the leadership of Guaidó, and to support the collection and distribution of humanitarian aid. He described the Maduro government as lacking in respect for human rights and undemocratic, and said that "Maduro is part of the problem, not the solution." Benítez expressed confidence that the people of Venezuela, for resisting tyranny, would go down in history, adding that a free Venezuela was close.

Juanes, one of the performers, commented that "Music and art will always be fundamental in building peace in any society. The world’s atmosphere is more tense now. There’s less innocence and more information online. The presence of the presidents, in a way, changed the humanitarian slant and made it different."

With a goal to raise US$100 million in 60 days from 22 February, in the first four days, US$2.5 million was raised online, with donations to be accepted through 22 April. Facebook expedited their process for setting up non-profit status, to help get donations in quickly. Ocampo explained that credit card processing was not fully in place at the time of the concert, and that credit card penetration in Latin American is low, but that other donation methods were put in place after the concert.

Some musicians were flown to the concert, but none charged to perform; total costs for artists was US$60,000 and the overall cost of the concert was under US$600,000. The main donors were Argos, Betcris and WeSend.

{{image frame|content= {{Photomontage

|photo1a=Ricardo-Montaner.jpg

|photo1b= Juanes ZMF 2015 jm49108.jpg

|photo2a=Paulina_Rubio_@_Asics_Music_Festival_04.jpg

|photo3a=Maluma - Espaço das Américas (37591053894).jpg

|size=225

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|align=left

|caption= Top: Ricardo Montaner and Juanes;
middle: Paulina Rubio; bottom: Maluma

}}

Most of the 31 performers{{efn|Some sources say there were 32 performers; Rudy Mancuso, who was among the 32 performers invited, did not attend.}} were Venezuelan and Colombian; they were joined by artists from Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, Sweden and the United States.{{Cite news|url= http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/18/danny-ocean-confirmo-su-participacion-en-el-concierto-por-venezuela-y-agradecio-iniciativa-por-el-pais-video/|title= Danny Ocean confirmó su participación en el Concierto por Venezuela y agradeció iniciativa por el país (VIDEO) |date= 18 February 2019|website=La Patilla|language=es-ES |access-date=18 February 2019}} Branson joined some on stage.

Caterina Valentino, Erika de la Vega, George Harris, Lele Pons, Luis Chataing,{{cite news |url= http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/entretenimiento/luis-chataing-asistira-concierto-benefico-venezuela-aid-live_271634 |work= El Nacional |language= es |date= 20 February 2019 |access-date= 20 February 2019 |title= Luis Chataing asistirá al concierto benéfico Venezuela AID Live}} {{ill|Nelson Bustamente|es}}, Patricia Velásquez, and Patricia Zavala (all Venezuelans) were announcers, as were {{ill|Camila Canabal|es}}, Hannah Stocking, and Juanpa Zurita.

Performing artists were:

{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|

1. Alejandro Sanz (Spanish)
2. Alesso (Swedish)
3. Camilo Echeverry (Colombian)
4. Carlos Baute (Venezuelan)
5. Carlos Vives (Colombian)
6. {{ill|Cholo Valderrama|es}} (Colombian)
7. Chyno (Venezuelan)
8. Danny Ocean (Venezuelan)
9. Diego Torres (Argentine)
10. Fonseca (Colombian)
11. {{ill|Gusi|es}} (Colombian–Venezuelan)
12. Jencarlos Canela (Cuban–American)
13. Jorge Glem (Venezuelan)
14. Jorge Villamizar (Colombian)
15. José Luis Rodríguez "El Puma" (Venezuela)
16. Juan Luis Guerra (Dominican Republic)
17. Juanes (Colombian)
18. Lele Pons (Venezuelan–American)
19. Luis Fonsi (Puerto Rican)
20. Maluma (Colombian)
21. Maná (Mexican)
22. Mau y Ricky (Venezuelan)
23. Miguel Bosé (Panamanian–Spanish)
24. Nacho (Venezuelan)
25. Paulina Rubio (Mexican)
26. Reik (Mexican)
27. Reymar Perdomo (Venezuelan)
28. Reynaldo Armas (Venezuelan)
29. Ricardo Montaner (Venezuelan–Argentine)
30. Santiago Cruz (Colombian)
31. Silvestre Dangond (Colombian)

}}

Venezuelan musician Franco de Vita said that he had been told that there was so much interest from musicians that there was no more room and he could not be included; he said it was unfortunate that he was unable to participate, but he encouraged people to donate.{{cite news |url= http://www.ntn24.com/entretenimiento/venezuela/franco-de-vita-no-estara-en-concierto-por-venezuela-no-habia-espacio-para |work= NTN 24 |language= es |date= 20 February 2019 |access-date= 20 February 2019 |title = Franco De Vita no estará en concierto por Venezuela: No había espacio para nadie más}} The Venezuela Live Aid organization issued a press release, in which they apologized for not being able to accommodate all of the artists who wanted to participate, asked for their understanding, and said they hoped to do more benefit concerts in the future.{{cite press release |url= https://www.venezuelaaidlive.com/PRESS6.pdf |publisher= Venezuela Aid Live |title= Press release 6 |access-date= 21 February 2019}}

During his performance, Bosé said, "Enough oppression already. The people shout, united today for their freedom”. He directed comments at Maduro, saying Venezuelans wanted him out now, that he "should be captured and accused of crimes against humanity", and reminding Maduro that Venezuela does not belong to him and his narcos.{{cite news |url= https://noticias.caracoltv.com/venezuela-en-el-limite/maduro-largate-ya-miguel-bose-en-el-venezuela-aid-live-ie34052 |work= Caracol TV |language= es |date= 22 February 2019 |access-date= 22 February 2019 | title = 'Maduro, lárgate ya': Miguel Bosé en el Venezuela Aid Live}} He also directed comments at the United Nations Michelle Bachelet, telling her to "move your buttocks" to come and personally see the situation in Venezuela.{{cite news |url= https://www.latercera.com/mundo/noticia/video-la-intervencion-miguel-bose-emplaza-vivo-michelle-bachelet-ir-venezuela-medio-del-aid-live/540228/ |work= La Tercera |language= es |date= 22 February 2019 |access-date= 22 February 2019 | title= El video de la intervención en que Miguel Bosé emplaza en vivo a Michelle Bachelet a ir a Venezuela en medio del Aid Live}} He was criticized for his offensive tone and later apologized, saying instead that Bachelet should "raise her voice".{{cite news |url= https://www.infobae.com/america/entretenimiento/2019/02/25/desde-aqui-le-pido-perdon-la-disculpa-de-miguel-bose-por-su-comentario-sobre-bachelet/ |title= 'Desde aquí le pido perdón': la disculpa de Miguel Bosé por su comentario sobre Bachelet |language=es |date= 25 February 2019 |access-date= 27 February 2019 |work=Infobae}}

Rubio expressed pride to be present, and thanked Venezuelans for "believing that change is possible", while Dangond said it was an honor to be able to contribute. Torres said, "We are artists united without any political flag and we are here to help the people who need it. It is important to never lower your arms."

After Torres performance, Mexican motivational speaker Daniel Habif took the stage to give what Milenio called the "most moving moment of the concert".{{cite news |url= https://www.milenio.com/virales/venezuela-aid-live-discurso-mexicano-llorar |title= El mexicano que hizo llorar a todos en el Venezuela Aid Live |work= Milenio Digital |language= es |date= 22 February 2019 |access-date= 22 February 2019}} Complete text of speech at [https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/02/22/el-texto-completo-del-mensaje-daniel-habif-el-hombre-que-hizo-llorar-a-todo-cucuta/ Infobae.] He said "this situation is not the death of Venezuela, rather its birth before the world". Speaking to a crowd he brought to tears, he said, "You, Nicolás [Maduro], rotted before you matured", and "faith has been activated as a cannon".

Baute called it a "magical day to build bridges of hope ... We want and we demand free elections now", adding: "We are not only here to open the humanitarian channel, but because tomorrow we will be free."

In an emotional moment that brought the crowd to cheers, Nacho began to speak about union, reconciliation and forgiveness, then invited Chyno (Chino) to the stage; they were reunited in support of Venezuela for the first time in two years,{{cite magazine |title= Chino & Nacho Reunite at Venezuela Aid Live Concert: Watch |author= Fernandez, Suzette |magazine= Billboard |date= 22 February 2019 |access-date= 1 March 2019 |url= https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/8499679/chino-and-nacho-reunite-venezuela-aid-live-concert-video}} since their enmity and separation as the successful duo of Chino & Nacho.{{cite news |url= https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/video/chyno-nacho-reconciliacion-union-cucuta-abrazo-sot-brk-venezuela-aid-live/ |title= La reconciliación de Chyno y Nacho enardece a las multitudes en el Venezuela Aid Live | work= CNN Español |date= 22 February 2019 |access-date= 1 March 2019 |language= es}}

File:Shakira at Obama Inaugural (cropped).jpg shared support for the event]]

Juan Guaidó showed his support to every artist that confirmed their presentation at the Aid Live concert.{{cite news |title=Guaco mostró su apoyo a los artistas que se presentarán en el Aid Live |url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/musica/guaco-mostro-apoyo-los-artistas-que-presentaran-aid-live_271523 |access-date= 21 February 2019 |agency=El Nacional |date= 19 February 2019 |language=es}} On the other hand, he characterized the announcement of Maduro's rival concert as a bad joke, saying, "... to mock the Venezuelan's people's needs in this way, you have to be very cynical"{{cite news |url= http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/politica/guaido-sobre-concierto-anunciado-por-rodriguez-hay-que-ser-muy-cinico_271288 |work = El Nacional |date= 18 February 2019 |access-date= 18 February 2019 |language= es |title= Guaidó sobre concierto anunciado por Rodríguez: Hay que ser muy cínico}} to take Venezuelan food to Colombia during Venezuela's humanitarian crisis.{{cite news |url= https://www.vanguardia.com/mundo/guaido-considera-una-burla-que-maduro-lleve-ayuda-a-colombia-CF520598 |work= Vanguardia |language= es |date= 18 February 2019 |access-date= 18 February 2019 |title= Guaidó considera 'una burla' que Maduro lleve ayuda a Colombia}}

Rolling Stone magazine said the musical production "left much to be desired due to technical difficulties, issues with instruments, the overuse of backing tracks and the crowd being excessively far from the stage", while acknowledging that Branson had succeeded in bringing world attention to the effort.{{cite magazine |url= https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/venezuelan-live-aid-border-music-concert-humanitarian-maduro-799348/ |magazine= Rolling Stone |title= Venezuela Aid Live: A Music Event Spurs Confrontations at the Border |date= 22 February 2019|access-date= 1 June 2020}} One of the coordinators involved in the attempts to bring aid shipments into Venezuela, Vladimir Torres, stated that the concert was a "beautiful mistake"; the Miami Herald reported that less than one percent of the concert goers stayed to help bring aid through the border the day after the concert, and many volunteers who attended were physically drained by the day-long concert.{{cite news |title= As hopes for a quick victory fade, Venezuela's opposition braces for a grinding battle |url= https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article226972339.html |author= Wyss, Jim |date= 1 March 2019 |access-date= 2 March 2019}}

Roger Waters made statements and released a video on Twitter opposing the Venezuela Aid Live concert. He said: "The Red Cross and the U.N., unequivocally agree, don’t politicize aid. Leave the Venezuelan people alone to exercise their legal right to self determination."{{cite news |author=Exposito, Suzy |title=Roger Waters Blasts All-Star Venezuela 'Aid Live' Show |url= https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-latin/roger-waters-venezuela-aid-live-concert-richard-branson-794610/ |access-date= 20 February 2019 |publisher=Rolling Stone |date= 19 February 2019}} In the video, he says the concert "has nothing to do with humanitarian aid at all. It has to do with Richard Branson … having bought the U.S. saying, ‘We have decided to take over Venezuela, for whatever our reasons may be.’ Do we really want Venezuela to turn in to another Iraq or Syria or Libya? I don't and neither do the Venezuelan people." Argentina's Clarín newspaper said earlier in the month that Waters called Venezuela a "true democracy", and was criticized by his fans for his stance.{{Cite news|url= https://www.clarin.com/espectaculos/musica/roger-waters-convoco-marchar-apoyo-nicolas-maduro-llovieron-criticas_0_m-eYt5ruv.html|title= Para parar el "Golpe de Trump" Roger Waters convocó a marchar en apoyo a Nicolás Maduro y le llovieron las críticas| work= Clarín (Argentine newspaper) |date= 4 February 2019 |access-date= 20 February 2019}} Branson responded that Waters is one of the few musicians in the world who does not know, with respect to Venezuela, what he is talking about.{{citation |url= https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/video/branson-richard-venezuela-aid-live-respuesta-roger-waters-entrevista-panorama-mundial/ |work= CNN en Espanol |lang= es |date= 20 February 2019 |access-date= 20 February 2019 |title= Richard Branson: Estaría defraudando a la gente si no voy a Cúcuta}} Branson expanded: "He says that it's a democracy, people are not suffering, and it's just not true. Anybody who knows anything about Venezuela should know that that is a load of a rubbish and Venezuelans need help."{{cite news |url= https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/02/21/19/billionaire-branson-hopes-aid-concert-opens-venezuelas-borders |work= ABS CBN News |date= 21 February 2019 |access-date= 21 February 2019 |title= Billionaire Branson hopes aid concert opens Venezuela's borders |publisher= Reuters}} Colombian singer Juanes, one of the Aid Live performers, was asked what he thought of Waters' statements, and replied that, while he is a great fan of Waters, Waters "does not have any idea what is going on in Venezuela. No idea. Him, Sean Penn and everyone who has talked that way, have no idea what they are talking about."{{cite news |url= https://www.clarin.com/espectaculos/musica/juanes-protagonista-festival-live-aid-venezuela-venezolanos-recuperen-libertad_0_J_2UZVD3q.html |work= Clarin |language= es |date= 20 February 2019 |access-date= 20 February 2019 |title= Juanes, protagonista del festival Live Aid Venezuela: 'Me uno para que los venezolanos recuperen la libertad' |author= Doallo, Dario}} Juanes said he joined the Venezuela Aid Live concert "to give voice to Venezuelans and what is happening there ... [to] recover their freedom".

Colombian singer Shakira shared support for the event, stating "I join this initiative for the Venezuelan people who are going through one of the most difficult moments in their history, we can not allow the struggle of some politicians and the interests of a few to be above the needs of people".{{Cite web|url=https://elcomercio.pe/luces/musica/venezuela-aid-live-shakira-suma-iniciativa-benefica-video-twitter-noticia-nndc-610504|title=Venezuela Aid Live: Shakira se sumó de esta forma a la iniciativa benéfica {{!}} VIDEO|date=22 February 2019|website=El Comercio|language=es|access-date=24 February 2019}} Shakira also called for the entry of aid in Venezuela and promoted donations for the event.

In an article entitled "Eight memorable phrases of Venezuela Aid Live" ({{langx|es|Ocho frases memorables del Venezuela Aid Live}}), National Radio of Colombia (RNC) said that concert-goers enjoyed a sunny day with no significant inconveniences, and highlighted the inspirational words of Carlos Baute twice, Miguel Bosé, Silvestre Dangond, Paulina Rubio, and Diego Torres, in addition to the words of Wendy Villamizar and the speech by motivational speaker Daniel Habif.{{cite news |url= https://www.radionacional.co/actualidad/noticias-venezuela-aid-live |work= Radio Nacional de Colombia |language= es |date= 22 February 2019 |access-date= 22 February 2019 |title= Ocho frases memorables del Venezuela Aid Live}}

Funds raised were to be used for "sustainable, effective and transparent" humanitarian aid for Venezuela, according to the organizers. The organizers stated that funds would be split between Venezuela and Colombian refugees in Venezuela, and that they would not deliver money to any government or political organization.{{Cite web|title=COMUNICADO OFICIAL - Aid Live Foundation (este es el único comunicado emitido por nuestra organización. Cualquier comunicado adicional a este por parte de Aid Live Foundation o Virgin Group, es completamente FALSO).pic.twitter.com/TFEp0g9s1O|url=https://twitter.com/aidlivefoundati/status/1140774527384903680/photo/1|last=Foundation|first=Aid Live|date=17 June 2019|website=@aidlivefoundati|language=es|access-date=1 June 2020}} PricewaterhouseCoopers published a 2020 report on the allocation of funds, stating that no abnormalities were found.{{Cite web|author= Fermín Kancev,María Victoria |title= Dinero del Venezuela Aid Live ayudó a venezolanos en Colombia, señala informe |trans-title= Venezuela Aid Live money helped Venezuelans in Colombia, report says |url= https://efectococuyo.com/politica/dinero-del-venezuela-aid-live-ayudo-a-venezolanos-en-colombia-senala-informe/|date= 27 May 2020|work= Efecto Cocuyo|language=es|access-date=1 June 2020}}{{Cite web|title= Publican en qué se ha invertido el dinero recaudado en el Venezuela Aid Live |trans-title= Venezuela Aid Live publishes what the money raised was invested in|url= https://www.ntn24.com/america-latina/venezuela/publican-en-que-se-ha-invertido-el-dinero-recaudado-en-el-venezuela-aid |work= NTN24 |language=es|access-date=1 June 2020}}

File:Caja CLAP.jpg

The Maduro government responded by saying it would hold a rival concert on the Venezuelan side of the border{{cite magazine |url= https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8498843/venezuela-maduro-concert-rivaling-richard-branson |magazine= Billboard |publisher= Associated Press |date= 19 February 2019 |access-date= 19 February 2019 |title= Venezuela's Maduro to stage concert rivaling Richard Branson}}{{cite news |url= https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/19/richard-branson-maduro-concert-on-venezuela-border.html |work= CNBC |date= 19 February 2019 |access-date= 19 February 2019 |title= Richard Branson faces competition from Maduro with rival concert on Venezuela's border |author = Gibbs, Alexandra}}{{cite news |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/19/maduro-government-richard-branson-rival-venezuela-concerts |work= The Guardian |date= 19 February 2019 |access-date= 19 February 2019 |title= Maduro government and Richard Branson to hold rival Venezuela concerts}} at the Simón Bolívar International Bridge on 22 and 23 February,{{Cite news|url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics/venezuela-stages-own-concerts-in-response-to-bransons-live-aid-show-idUSKCN1Q71RT |title= Venezuela stages own concerts in response to Branson's Live Aid show |date= 19 February 2019|website=Reuters|access-date= 18 February 2019}}{{cite news |url= https://www.elpais.com.uy/mundo/gobierno-maduro-anuncio-gran-concierto-lema-manos-fuera-venezuela.html |title= Gobierno de Maduro anunció "gran concierto" bajo el lema 'Manos fuera de Venezuela' |language= es |work= El Pais |date= 18 February 2019 |access-date= 18 February 2019}} with a proposed slogan of "Nothing for war, hands off Venezuela". A little more than one day before the planned event, United Socialist Party of Venezuela politician Darío Vivas announced that the location would be changed, and that the event would be held instead at the opposite end of the same bridge as the Venezuela Aid Live Concert, about {{convert|300|meters|yards}} away. Vivas said, "What they do on the other side of the border is their problem ... We will defend our territory."{{cite news |url= http://www.la-razon.com/mundo/Guaido-Maduro-alistan-sabado-humanitaria_0_3097490273.html |work= La Razon |language= es |date= 20 February 2019 |access-date= 21 February 2019 |title= Guaidó y Maduro se alistan para el duelo del sábado por la ayuda humanitaria |author= Sanchez, Maria Isabel}}

Information Minister Jorge Rodríguez said free medical attention would be given to Colombians and Venezuelans at the event. He also said the government would distribute 20,000 boxes of subsidized food from the Local Committees for Supply and Production (CLAP)—a program from which, according to the Attorney General Luisa Ortega Díaz, Maduro personally profits{{efn|According to Ortega Díaz, CLAP made contracts with Group Grand Limited, a Mexican entity owned by Maduro through frontmen. Group Grand Limited would sell foodstuffs to CLAP and receive government funds.{{cite news|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/politica/maduro-seria-dueno-empresa-mexicana-distribuidora-los-clap_200140|title=Maduro podría ser dueño de empresa méxicana distribuidora de los CLAP|date= 23 August 2017|work=El Nacional|access-date= 19 February 2019|language=es}}{{cite news|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article168977357.html|title=Venezuela's ex-prosecutor Luisa Ortega accuses Maduro of profiting from nation's hunger|author=Wyss, Jim|date=23 August 2017|work=Miami Herald|access-date= 24 August 2017}}{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/brazils-chief-prosecutor-institutional-rape-venezuela-49376967|title=Venezuela's ousted prosecutor accuses Maduro of corruption|author=Prengaman, Peter|date= 23 August 2017|agency=Associated Press|access-date= 24 August 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824001526/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/brazils-chief-prosecutor-institutional-rape-venezuela-49376967|archive-date= 24 August 2017|url-status=dead|work=ABC News}}

On 19 April 2018, after a multilateral meeting between over a dozen European and Latin American countries, US Treasury Department officials said they had investigated with Colombian officials corrupt import programs of the Maduro administration including CLAP. They explained that Venezuelan officials pocketed 70% of the proceeds allocated for importation programs destined to alleviate hunger in Venezuela. Treasury officials said they sought to seize the proceeds that were being funneled into the accounts of corrupt Venezuelan officials and hold them for a possible future government in Venezuela.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-corruption-food/u-s-colombian-probe-targets-venezuela-food-import-program-idUSKBN1HQ3AA|title=U.S., Colombian probe targets Venezuela food import program|author=Campos, Rodrigo|date= 19 April 2018|work=Reuters|access-date= 20 April 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/us-officials-16-nations-agree-to-track-venezuela-corruption/2018/04/19/773021c2-43f6-11e8-b2dc-b0a403e4720a_story.html|title=US officials: 16 nations agree to track Venezuela corruption|author=Goodman, Joshua and Luis Alonso Lugo|date= 19 April 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date= 20 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419222145/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/us-officials-16-nations-agree-to-track-venezuela-corruption/2018/04/19/773021c2-43f6-11e8-b2dc-b0a403e4720a_story.html|archive-date= 19 April 2018|url-status=dead|issn=0190-8286}}}}—to the poor residents of Cúcuta.{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/66f55780a73a4754a41529a062f7d057|title=Venezuela's Maduro to throw concert rivaling Richard Branson|author=Henao, Luis |date= 18 February 2019|work=Associated Press|access-date= 18 February 2019}}

Estimates of attendance ranged from 1,000 to 2,500 people.{{cite news |url= https://www.afp.com/en/news/15/guaido-attends-venezuela-aid-concert-barricaded-border-doc-1dr1dk3 |work= Agence France Presse |title= Guaido attends Venezuela aid concert on barricaded border |date= 23 February 2019 |access-date= 28 February 2019}}

Argentine rock band Bersuit Vergarabat took part in the concert, saying "Venezuela libre! [Donald] Trump, go away, nobody wants you here!"{{cite news |url= https://www.lanacion.com.ar/2223047-bersuit-vergarabat-toco-recital-favor-nicolas-maduro |work= La Nacion |title= Bersuit Vergarabat tocó en el recital a favor de Nicolás Maduro: "¡Venezuela libre!" |date= 24 February 2019 |access-date= 28 February 2019}} Venezuelan heavy metal rocker {{ill|Paul Gillman|es}} also participated.

Two days before the concert, the only participant confirmed was Paul Gillman. La Patilla reported that all other singers proposed had turned down the invitation to perform.{{ cite news |url= https://www.elespectador.com/noticias/el-mundo/gobierno-de-maduro-anuncia-su-propio-concierto-manos-fuera-de-venezuela-articulo-840371 | title= Gobierno de Maduro anuncia su propio concierto: 'Manos fuera de Venezuela' |language= es |work= El Espectador |date= 18 February 2019 |access-date= 18 February 2019}}

César Pérez Rossi of Venezuela's Serenata Guayanesa was reported by NTN24 saying that "it is totally false that we are going to be in this concert." Colombia's National Radio reported that Las Chicas del Can from the Dominican Republic said statements that they would participate were "fake news", and asked that their fans spread word on social media to deny the claim.{{ cite news |url= https://www.rcnradio.com/colombia/fake-news-las-chicas-del-can-no-van-estar-en-concierto-de-nicolas-maduro |work= RCN Radio |title= Fake news: Las Chicas del Can no van a estar en concierto de Nicolás Maduro |date= 22 February 2019|access-date= 28 February 2019 |language= es |author= Rico Torres, Alfonso}} A spokesperson for Colombia's Grupo Niche was reported by LA FM Colombian radio station to have denied the invitation to present, expressing concern about the humanitarian situation in Venezuela.{{cite news |url= https://www.lafm.com.co/internacional/grupo-niche-rechazo-propuesta-de-nicolas-maduro-para-asistir-su-concierto |title= Grupo Niche rechazó propuesta de Nicolás Maduro para asistir a su concierto |language= es |work= LAFM |date= 22 February 2019 |access-date= 28 February 2019 |author= Gonzales Escandon, Maria Monica }}

Puerto Rican musician {{ill|Willie González|es}} refused a contract to participate in the Maduro concert, saying that he was fortunate to not need the money and that his dignity was more important to him than money,{{cite news |url= http://talcualdigital.com/index.php/2019/02/18/salsero-willie-gonzalez-rechazo-propuesta-del-maduro-para-cantar-en-su-show/ |work= Tal Cual Digital |language= es |date= 18 February 2019 |access-date= 18 February 2019 |title= Salsero Willie González rechazó propuesta de Maduro para cantar en 'show' el 23-F}}{{cite news |url= http://www.ntn24.com/america-latina/venezuela/salsero-willie-gonzalez-se-niega-cantar-en-concierto-de-maduro-en-la |work= NTN24 |language= es |date= 18 February 2019 |access-date= 18 February 2019 |title= Salsero Willie González se niega a cantar en concierto de Maduro en la frontera}} and saying on Instagram that he was "not political ... but he is human".{{cite news |url= http://www.venezuelaaldia.com/2019/02/18/se-confirma-maduro-convoca-concierto-cucuta-dinero-venezolano/ |work= Venezuela Al Dia | language= es |date= 18 February 2019 |access-date= 18 February 2019 |title= Se 'confirma' que Maduro convoca a concierto en Cúcuta pero con dinero venezolano}} According to Venezuela al Dia, González' rejection of the contract, saying he does not need the money, was an indication that Venezuela's money was being used to fund the concert; the Venezuela Aid Live Branson concert was funded by donations.

Venezuelan musicians Servando & Florentino gave a quick and emphatic "no" to the proposal that they participate in the Maduro concert,{{cite news |title=Servando y Florentino rechazan cantar en el concierto oficialista |url=http://www.laverdad.com/arteyocio/152775-servando-y-florentino-rechazan-cantar-en-el-concierto-oficialista.html |access-date= 21 February 2019 |agency=La Verdad |date= 20 February 2019 |language=es}} although La Patilla said they have supported Maduro in the past.{{cite news |url= https://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/20/servando-y-florentino-concierto-chavista/ |work= La Patilla |language= es |date= 20 February 2019 |access-date= 20 February 2019 |title= Servando y Florentino se negaron a participar en concierto chavista en la frontera}}{{cite news |url= http://www.ntn24.com/america-latina/venezuela/servando-florentino-y-serenata-guayanesa-le-dicen-no-al-concierto-chavista |work= NTN24 |language= es |date= 20 February 2019 |access-date= 20 February 2019 |title= Servando, Florentino y Serenata Guayanesa le dicen "no" al concierto chavista}} Omar Enrique, a Venezuelan singer who according to NTN24 was denied entry into Colombia a few weeks before the concert because of alleged ties to chavismo,{{cite news |url= http://www.ntn24.com/america-latina/venezuela/omar-enrique-intenta-negar-su-relacion-con-el-chavismo-luego-que-colombia |work= NTN 24 |language= es |date= 6 February 2019 |access-date= 21 February 2019 |title= Omar Enrique intenta negar su relación con el chavismo luego que Colombia le negó el ingreso}} rejected what he called United States' "military intervention" and regretted that other commitments kept him from participating.{{ cite news |url= http://www.noticierodigital.com/2019/02/omar-enrique-no-cantara-en-el-concierto-organizado-por-maduro/ |work= Noticiero Digital |language= es |date= 21 February 2019 |access-date= 21 February 2019 |title= Omar Enrique no cantará en el concierto organizado por Maduro}}

Pink Floyd's Roger Waters afterwards dedicated a video of him singing "We shall overcome" ({{langx|es|Venceremos}}) to the Maduro concert.{{cite news |url= https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/02/24/roger-waters-canto-en-un-video-dedicado-al-regimen-de-nicolas-maduro-venceremos/ |title= Roger Waters cantó en un video dedicado al régimen de Nicolás Maduro: "Venceremos"|date= 24 February 2019 |access-date=27 February 2019 |work= Infobae}}

{{see also|Censorship and media control during the Venezuelan presidential crisis}}

The day before the Venezuela Aid Live concert, the Colombian government expelled from Cúcuta five agents of Venezuela's internal security and intelligence service, SEBIN, who Colombia said were in the country on an "irregular" status.{{cite news |url= https://noticias.caracoltv.com/jscroll_view_entity/node/194496/full |work= Noticias Caracol |language= es |date= 21 February 2019 |access-date= 21 February 2019 |title= Los cinco venezolanos expulsados de Colombia pertenecen al Sebin}} A Colombian immigration official said, "We are not going to permit foreign citizens entry to our country to affect the social order and peace." According to El Universal, Colombian immigration official, Christian Krüger Sarmiento, said the government of Maduro had a "manifest interest" in affecting our "national security in the face of the events that are about to take place".{{cite news |url= https://www.eluniversal.com.co/mundo/colombia-expulsa-a-5-venezolanos-por-amenazar-la-seguridad-antes-de-concierto-AN791471 |work = El Universal |language= es |date= 21 February 2019 |access-date= 21 February 2019 |title= Colombia expulsa a 5 venezolanos por amenazar la seguridad antes de concierto }}

During the Venezuela Aid Live concert, NatGeo and Antena 3 were removed from cable and satellite TV providers in Venezuela for broadcasting the event.{{Cite web|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/sociedad/sacaron-del-aire-nat-geo-antena-por-transmitir-venezuela-aid-live_271906|title=Sacaron del aire Nat Geo y Antena 3 por transmitir el Venezuela Aid Live|date=22 February 2019|website=El Nacional|language=es|access-date=23 February 2019}} During the performances, YouTube was also blocked for users of CANTV, the main internet provider in Venezuela.{{Cite web|url=https://netblocks.org/reports/youtube-blocked-during-venezuela-aid-live-concert-3RyjdbAg|title=YouTube blocked during Venezuela Aid Live concert|date=22 February 2019|website=NetBlocks|language=en-US|access-date=23 February 2019}}

• Freddy Superlano
• Live Aid

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.VenezuelaAidLive.com Official website]

• [https://www.infobae.com/america/fotos/2019/02/22/las-fotos-del-concierto-venezuela-aid-live-en-la-frontera-con-colombia/ Infobae]

{{Bolivarian Venezuela Crisis|state=collapsed}}

Category:2019 in Venezuela

Category:Benefit concerts

Category:Musical advocacy groups

Category:2019 music festivals

Category:International reactions to the crisis in Venezuela

Category:Venezuelan presidential crisis