Will they or won't they?
 |
The much speculated about Live Aid anniversary event is going ahead. Live8 will comprise at least five concerts in the G8 countries on 2nd July. I watched the news conference – here’s some key bits of information that may be of interest to readers. |
Bob Geldof said that the aim of the event was not to raise money but to, “tilt the world a little bit on it’s axis in favour of the poor.” This ahead of the key G8 summit to take place at Gleneagles, Scotland in July. Despite his reservations about trying to recreate the spirit of the original Live Aid concerts he was now convinced that “we could gather together again not for charity but for political justice.”
The assembled journalists watched again the harrowing footage of the 1985 Ethiopian famine with the soundtrack, ‘Who’s gonna drive you home tonight?’ [The Cars]
Geldof used this to set the agenda for the Live 8 event:
“That’s still continuing – that must not stand.”
Richard Curtis, who is one of the key organisers went further.
“About 50000 people die unnecessarily each day as a result of extreme poverty. If that were to happen in Europe they would find the money to solve that particular problem. It’s a tiny amount of money”.
“70 million dead of AIDS in Africa – that’s more than died in the holocaust. We’re asking for 100% cancellation of unpayable debts, a doubling of aid and serious progress on trade justice.
Debt, Aid, Trade”.
Harvey Goldsmith – the promoter, confirmed that the concerts would be free of charge and revealed the names of some of the artists who had already agreed to appear.
London – Hyde Park
Mariah Carey, Coldplay, Dido, Keane, Elton John, Annie Lennox, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Razorlight, REM, Stereophonics, Scissor Sisters, Sting, Joss Stone, Robbie Williams, U2, REM
Philadelphia – Museum of Art
Will Smith, Bonjovi, Dave Matthews, Stevie Wonder, Jayzee, Puff Daddy, Il Divo.
Berlin – Strasse 17 juni
A-ha, Lauren Hill, Brian Wilson, + others tba
Paris – Tuileries
Craig David, Jamiroquai, Youssou N’Dour, + others tba
Rome – Circus Maximus
Faith Hill, Duran Duran, + others tba
There are also tentative plans for events in Japan and Ottawa. Geldof also gave some cryptic references to legendary bands possibly reforming for the event.
He emphasised time and again that Afican poverty could be solved,
“we know what it costs, we know what to do. Do it”
Elton John spoke about the work of his Aids foundation and said that he was deeply committed to Live8. “I would go on a dangerous mission for Bob, I trust him with my life.” He revealed that Geldof had met with and written to the new Pope, Benedict XIV, and that he may visit the G8 summit which will be the focus of Live8’s attempt’s to achieve change. Geldof was equivocal here and commented, “I think he should show up. It should be his first gig.”
UK tickets will be by competition.
People will be invited to text the answer to a question to a given number from Monday morning at 8am – all radio stations and newspapers will carry details. Texts will cost £1.50 each and there is no limit on the number of texts that can be sent = proceeds will go to charity. The text line will remain open for seven days when winners will be selected at random.
The website, www.live8.org is currently under construction.
Geldof’s signature line:
“If any of them won’t come to our party, and believe me it’s going to be some party, they can Fuck Off”.
Applause.