The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Kanye West and many other musical acts performed in an hours-long concert aimed at raising money for the victims of the Atlantic superstorm Sandy in the New York and New Jersey region.

Rock-and-roll legend Bruce Springsteen, a native of the hard-hit New Jersey shore, was the opening act at the “12-12-12” concert at New York City's Madison Square Garden Wednesday night. He was later joined by fellow New Jersey native Jon Bon Jovi in a rendition of the Springsteen classic “Born to Run.”

The show's organizers said up to two billion people worldwide would experience the “12-12-12” concert live through streaming video online, as well as radio and television and even at specially equipped movie theaters.

More than $30 million has already been raised from ticket sales and sponsorships. Viewers were urged to donate either online or by text message to a local nonprofit anti-poverty foundation involved in the relief efforts.

Superstorm Sandy struck the U.S. East Coast in October, killing over 100 people and causing more than $50 billion in damages. Scores of residents along the coastal areas of New York and New Jersey were either left homeless, or without electricity for several weeks.