Hugo Chavez Saves Shakira Concert  11/14/06

Colombian pop star Shakira performed to 10,000 fans in Venezuela on Saturday night (11NOV06), thanks to President Hugo Chavez who stepped in and helped her find a venue.

Chavez claims the singer was struggling to find a suitable site in the capital Caracas, until he granted her permission to use a military airbase that was part of a coup in 2002 that temporarily robbed the leader of power.

After an appeal from Shakira's promoters, Chavez allowed them use of the La Carlota base, he revealed in a televised interview.

Chavez even claimed he may attend the gig in disguise, saying, "Maybe I'll put on a wig and go see Shakira."