Russell Brand hails 'perfect' anti-addiction concert acts

This joker's wild: a liberated Russell Brand (Reuters)

Russell Brand said he had put together the "perfect bill" for his anti-addiction concert with acts including Noel Gallagher, Rizzle Kicks, and Nicole Scherzinger.

They joined performers including Jake Bugg, Paloma Faith, Jimmy Carr and Eddie Izzard for the Give It Up for Comic Relief show at Wembley Arena.

Brand said organising the gig was "demanding but also very rewarding".

He said: "Like most thrusting endeavours around the pelvic region it's taxing but worthwhile.

"I think it's like the perfect bill".

Gallagher said he only got involved because "Brand got on his knees and grovelled".

Faith said taking part was just the latest in a long line of fund-raising stunts for Comic Relief.

She said: "I feel terrible every year that it's on if I don't do something so from my schooldays to now I've always done something.

"I've been dressed as a tomato at school, I've bathed in beans and this is actually a lot easier, I'm just doing what I do for a living".

Earlier this week, Brand said he was inspired to organise the event in memory of Amy Winehouse, who he believed could have been saved if she had received the right support.

The gig is being broadcast in BBC One, BBC Three and Radio 2.

Money raised from ticket sales goes to help support people affected by drug and alcohol addiction.

PA