Chris Martin, left, lead singer of Coldplay performs with Australian John Farnham during the Sound Relief concert in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday. (Rob Griffith/Associated Press)

A parade of music stars, from Coldplay to Kylie Minogue and a reunited Midnight Oil — featuring ex-frontman Peter Garrett, now Australia's environment minister — played to sold-out crowds Saturday night at two charity concerts for victims of Australia's deadly wildfires.

Stormy weather did not deter crowds from turning out to the Sound Relief concerts in Sydney and Melbourne. Organizers say they hope to raise about $5 million Australian ($4.18 million Cdn) from the charity events.

The recent fires killed 210 people and devastated hundreds of families.

"I'm so thankful I can make it home tonight and share this with all of you," said Minogue, who flew back from a Bollywood film shoot in India, before leading the 80,000-strong Melbourne crowd to a singalong of I Still Call Australia Home.

Others taking part in the Melbourne concert included Jack Johnson and Wolfmother.

"There's a thing we talk about a lot, which is the Australian spirit, and I believe that it's in evidence tonight all around the country," said Minogue, who performed without her usual band of dancers.

Both events also paused for a minute's silence for victims of the fires.

The Melbourne concert was headlined by Midnight Oil, which broke up in 2002 when Garrett left to pursue a career in politics. He was appointed environment minister in 2007.

The band, whose hits included Beds Are Burning and The Dead Heart, reunited earlier this week for two warm-up gigs and took the stage Saturday to an enthusiastic roar.

Olivia Newton-John closes Sydney event

In Sydney, Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin bounced off the stage and ran through the crowd embracing fans after the band's set, which included their hits Yellow and Viva La Vida.

"Today's the only day in the world where we can claim to be honorary Australians," Martin said. "Thank you for letting us be part of this very special event."

Martin also backed John Farnham on a rendition of You're the Voice.

A few other broken-up bands reunited for the charity concert, including Hunters and Collectors, Split Enz and Crowded House.

Olivia Newton-John, who closed the night's entertainment in Sydney, said she felt compelled to return to her homeland from California, where she now lives, to support the event.

"I was devastated, particularly the images of the animals," she said. "It's just shocking, so shocking," said the Grease star, who closed the event in a duet with Bee Gees member Barry Gibb on Islands in the Stream.

With files from the Associated Press