The Rock in Rio festival in Lisbon, Portugal, observed three minutes of silence in an effort to promote world peace. The festival, which has attracted bands from all over the world and 27,000 music fans, flashed scenes of sunsets and tropical birds on video screens. Acts appearing at the festival include Metallica, Sting, Britney Spears and Gilberto Gil. The show, held in Lisbon for the first time, is modelled on a Brazilian event. Gilberto Gil, Brazil?s Minister of Culture, took to the stage at the end of the three-minute silence, and played Imagine with Portuguese rock star Rui Veloso.

Two of Portugal?s three free-to-air TV channels also marked the three-minute silence. The festival included a set by former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney in front of more than 50,000 fans. Sir Paul pre-empted the festival?s silent vigil by criticising Britain?s decision to go to war in Iraq in a magazine interview. ?It would have been better if the UN had been together,? the 61-year-old singer said. ?Now it?s become very bloody with Iraq, it?s very difficult.?