Live 8

Masterminded yet again by Sir Bob Geldof, the Live 8 concerts were essentially a follow-up to the 1985 Live Aid concerts that took place in London and Philadelphia.

However in contrast to the charity-driven Live Aid concerts, the 7 concerts taking place in London, Philadelphia, Cornwall, Paris, Tokyo, Johannesburg, Toronto, Moscow and Rome on the 6th July are aimed at creating more awareness of the plight of the many millions of people living in poverty in Africa and around the world. The concerts are to coincide with the G8 summit in Gleneagles, Scotland.

It is hoped that highlighting this problem through the concerts and subsequent "Make Poverty History" rallies will apply pressure to this meeting of the richest countries in the world into improving free trade laws and eradicating poverty forever.

The wealth and volume of musical talent taking part across the globe is nothing short of amazing.

Hyde Park in London sees a massive 24 bands and artists taking part, with such illustrious names as Sir Paul McCartney, U2, Elton John, Annie Lennox, Coldplay, REM, Pink Floyd and of course Bob Geldof himself all playing. Philadelphia sees the legendary Stevie Wonder along with Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews Band and Destiny's Child, while Paris hosts an intriguing and diverse line-up: Dido, Muse, The Cure, Youssou N'Dour and a welcome return for Shakira among the highlights.

Rome hosts a country music dominated gig, with Faith Hill and Tim McGraw playing along side Duran Duran and a host of Italian artists. Sixties' legends Brian Wilson and Crosby, Stills and Nash are the stand-outs of the Berlin gig, with Green Day, Lauren Hill and Roxy Music also playing at the Brandenburg Gate.

Toronto sees native artists Bryan Adams, Gordon Lightfoot and Barenaked Ladies take the stage, along with rock legends Deep Purple, while Tokyo have McFly, Good Charlotte and Bjork to look forward to.

Meanwhile, other concerts are taking place in Johannesburg, Cornwall and Moscow, the first 2 featuring predominantly African artists.

For more information, check out the Live 8 website www.live8live.com

By: Patrick Duffy

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