The ‘Like A Virgin’ singer was performing the latest show on her ‘Rebel Heart Tour’ in the British capital when she delivered the heartfelt message to honour her friends who have lost their lives to the infection.
Taking a break from her hit-packed set at The O2, she said: ”I also want to point out that today is World AIDS Day. It’s important to remember that we still haven’t found a cure for AIDS but we have found a way to keep people alive and healthy and that is because so many amazing people for more than three decades have been doing amazing work to make that magic happen.”
Throughout the Eighties and Nineties several of the 57-year-old star’s closest friends died from the HIV/AIDS epidemic including artists Keith Haring and Martin Burgoyne and she paid tribute to them, along with the family of her adopted 10-year-old son David Banda.
She continued: ”I should acknowledge not only the dearest and most amazing friends of mine who died of AIDS so many years ago, and who still do, but the entire family of my adopted son who died of AIDS.”
She concluded by revealing she still believes a cure can be found to stop people dying, and then sang her 1989 hit ‘Like A Prayer’.
She added: ”Let’s give a big thanks to people who continue to fight to find a cure for this disease and let’s acknowledge all the people who have passed who have fought to raise awareness. We shall overcome one day. Just to say thank you I’d like to sing a little prayer to you.”
*The woman who brought up Madonna’s adopted son David Banda in his native Malawi died after losing her battle with pneumonia.
Ed Note: Former Pres Dr Nelson Mandela once declared AIDS is a global phenomenon that needs everyone’s attention, since it knows no colour or greed…
