Kampala — Concerts were canceled. Celebrities disappeared from newspapers.

But in the days to come, countless artistes put on benefit shows and donated money. Old songs took on new meaning, nurturing weary souls.

In a rare showing of unity, nearly every TV network joined to air a two-hour commercial-free broadcast, America: A Tribute To Heroes, on Sept. 26, bringing together an unprecedented lineup of all-star talent, raising about $ 150 million in pledges.

Pop stars who had never been expected to provide much more than light entertainment suddenly found they had a tremendous role in soothing the pain, songs like Five For Fighting's "Superman" and the Calling's "Wherever You May Go" became anthems.

Other musicians, like U2's Bono and Bruce Springsteen, articulated the pain in heartrending detail.

Here are what some entertainers had to say, in the aftermath of Sept. 11.

- Bruce Springsteen, recalling how he watched the disaster at the twin towers from his home in New Jersey.

"We pray today that from the ashes of the Trade Center, the Pentagon, and that field in Pennsylvania that will rise a new spirit of beauty and unity in our country, creating a new tapestry of one heart, one hope, one voice, one America."

- Oprah Winfrey, at an inter-faith prayer service at Yankee Stadium for victims' loved ones.

"I'd like everyone to say a prayer for peace. I'd like everyone to say a prayer that President Bush practices restraint in his decision-making because violence only begets violence ... "

- Madonna, the first major entertainer to perform after the attack, on stage in Los Angeles, on Sept. 13.

"The show's producer called me and there is no question for me to come and sing my song and try and help. I mean, there's no other answer. Even if I were incapable, I would show up and do my best to try to sing."

- Mariah Carey, who was hospitalised for nervous exhaustion in the summer of 2001, on performing "Hero" at the Tribute to Heroes telethon.

"I was scared that we were all going to die. As a Canadian, I didn't go through this experience any different than you. It touched my heart as much. "

- Sheryl Crow, at the City of Hope dinner last October, talking of the need to write music the attacks.

"Fate really took hold of our album and really changed those songs. I didn't know what they were about."

- Bono on how Sept. 11 made U2's multiple Grammy-winning album All That You Can't Leave Behind take on a new meaning.

"I think people were looking for a way to focus their emotions ... and pay tribute to people. It was cathartic to play The Concert for New York. I actually had a chance to sit down and show how much I love and respect these people who showed us the best of themselves."

- Five for Fighting's John Ondrasik, on performing his hit "Superman" for rescue workers.

"I had a hard time. There was part of me that wanted to pack my bags and go home to Phoenix to my mom and dad and I really had a long talk with my mother and she said, 'You know, in World War II there was the USO and there were people who played for the troops and that's who you are right now. You need to get a grip on the sadness that you feel."

- Stevie Nicks, who was in New York during the attacks and contemplated canceling her tour last fall.

"In the days and weeks ahead, when you see us out here being silly and telling jokes, some people will understand and some won't and those that don't, well, you know, Nightline is a great show, too."

- Jay Leno on returning to the air a week after the terrorist attacks.