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Adele asks fans to donate to Grenfell fire victims instead of spending money on 'overpriced wine'

'I can't tell you how out of control and how chaotic it still is down there, it's been two weeks since this happened... it's atrocious that we can't get answers'

Roisin O'Connor
Music Correspondent
Thursday 29 June 2017 12:01 BST
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Adele urges concert-goers to donate to Grenfell

Adele paid tribute to the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire during her first of four sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium in London.

The singer encouraged fans to donate money to help those affected, calling Wembley's prices "extortionate" and asking the audience to give their money to charity instead of wasting it on "overpriced wine".

"It's been two weeks since the fire and still the people who were affected by it are homeless," she said in a video message before the show.

"I promise that the money we raise together will go directly to the people who are living in that block."

Later during the show she dedicated her song 'Hometown Glory' to the victims and said: "Usually I ask everyone to get their phone out and put their lights on. But before I do that I want you to donate.

"Did anyone see the video before I came on? I've been down to Grenfell Tower. I can't tell you how out of control and how chaotic it still is down there, it's been two weeks since this happened... it's atrocious that we can't get answers.

"It's our job as human beings to be compassionate... You'll be hearing a lot more from me about [Grenfell] in the days and weeks and probably years to come."

Police have said that 80 people are currently presumed dead after the blaze broke out at the tower block in west London on 14 June.

Adele's concert was attended by 98,000 people - a stadium record for a music event - according to the BBC.

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In a handwritten note that was printed in the programmes for the concert, she also explained how it is likely that she will finish touring after her London shows.

I've done 119 shows and these last 4 will take me up to 123, it has been hard out an absolute thrill and pleasure to have done," she said.

"I only ever did this tour for you and to hopefully have an impact on you the way that some of my favourite artist have had on me live.

“And I wanted my final shows to be in London because I don't know if I'll ever tour again and so I want my last time to be at home. Thank you for coming, for all of your ridiculous love and kindness. I will remember all of this for the rest of my life. Love you. Goodnight for now.”

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