Updated: Huge crowd for MTV concert, some wear masks in jest

A huge crowd has turned up for the Isle of MTV concert, filling the Granaries in Floriana.

The show, which will feature the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, Metro Station and Esmée Denters fittingly started with a tribute to Michael Jackson, with his music being the first to blare out on the huge loudspeakers.

The cheering and enthusiastic crowd appeared to be undaunted by swine flu fears, and a few actually made fun of the whole thing. Two wore face masks, one reading Swine Flu, ersaq l-hemm (Swine flu, keep away) and the other Mhux swine flu imma alcohol biss (Not swine flu, but alcohol only).

A very small number did, however, appear to be taking the matter seriously and wore masks, athough some were actually dust masks. Others took off their masks after a short while.

Lady Gaga, known for what she wears as much as what she sings, went on stage wearing a mirrored outfit, a space version of a ballet tutu, matching a half face Venetian mask which she then took off.

She later changed to a black skin suit, not unlike Batman's, along with black sunglasses, and came out on stage on a scooter.

The public gave her an enthusiastic welcome and sang along with her songs. She delighted them by singing Pokerface, after changing yet again and performing many stage antics.

She was followed by Black Eyed Peas, who got a massive audience response. A tribute to Michael Jackson which mixed Don't stop till you get enough and Thriller, which had the public screaming.

Observers said they estimated some 50,000 attended the show.