U2 frontman Bono and rock band Pearl Jam performed a surprise duet on Friday at an open-air concert on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Melbourne.

The rousing concert pulled Australia, overlooked in last year's Live 8 concerts, into the Make Poverty History campaign. It kick-started an expected three days of protests during this weekend's forum to discuss keys issues in the global economy.

Police have locked down parts of Melbourne, Australia's second biggest city, in advance of the G20. The forum brings together finance ministers and central bank governors from 20 industrialized and developing economies. Canada is among the G7 countries participating. 

Australian fans had expected a brief appearance from Bono and Pearl Jam at the start of an open-air concert featuring some of the biggest names in Australian music.

But they got much more than they bargained for — an impromptu U-Jam concert featuring Bono, U2 guitarist the Edge and members of Pearl Jam.

"It's a beautiful day," said Pearl Jam leader Eddie Vedder, before launching into Neil Young's Rockin' in the Free World.

Bono joined them for the second verse, inserting the line: "We want to make poverty history."

The two superstars traded verses before an enthusiastic crowd. Those who didn't have tickets saw the concert on large screens in Melbourne and in some regional centres.

"The Make Poverty History organizers, we salute you," said Bono. "The politicians have to do what you tell them to do."

An Australian Make Poverty History coalition organized the free concert to draw attention to global poverty on the eve of the forum.

Paul Kelly, Jet, the John Butler Trio, Evermore and Hilltop Hoods were among the participating musicians who said there's a need to put more emphasis on eliminating poverty.

"We cannot win the war on terror unless we win the war on poverty," said Rev. Tim Costello, brother of Australia's treasurer and one of the organizers.

"Global warming, poverty and terror are all linked and it takes a global effort," Costello said during the rock concert.

The first protesters are already camping outside the site of the G20 meeting to draw attention to the need for debt relief for the world's poorest nations.

A major rally is planned for Saturday.

Violent anti-globalization protests marred a world economic forum in Melbourne in 2000.

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/story/2006/11/17/ujam-melbourne.html