Live 8 - Does Anyone Care?

[Ksyrup]

So these shows are happening this weekend, I guess. Excuse me for not being very excited, but the lineups are effin' awful. Aside from the Pink Floyd reunion - which will probably be available for download by the end of the weekend anyway - I really don't see a single must-see/hear performer. Here are the lineups:

UK:

Annie Lennox (http://www.alennox.net/)
Bob Geldof (http://www.bobgeldof.info/)
Coldplay (http://www.coldplay.com/index.php)
Dido (http://www.didomusic.com/)
Elton John (http://www.eltonjohn.com/)
Joss Stone (http://www.jossstone.co.uk/)
Keane (http://www.keanemusic.com/)
Killers, The (http://www.thekillers.co.uk/)
Madonna (http://www.madonna.com/)
Mariah Carey (http://www.mariahcarey.com/mariahcarey/index.las)
Ms. Dynamite (http://www.msdynamite.co.uk/)
Paul McCartney (http://www.paulmccartney.com/)
Pink Floyd (http://www.pinkfloyd.co.uk/)
Razorlight (http://www.razorlight.co.uk/site.php)
REM (http://www.remhq.com/flash/index.html)
Robbie Williams (http://www.robbiewilliams.com/)
Scissor Sisters (http://www.scissorsisters.com/)
Snoop Dogg (http://www.snoopdogg.com/)
Snow Patrol (http://www.snowpatrol.net/)
Stereophonics (http://www.stereophonics.com/)
Sting (http://www.sting.com/home.php)
Travis (http://www.travisonline.com/)
U2 (http://www.u2.com/)
UB40 (http://www.ub40.co.uk/)
Velvet Revolver (http://www.velvetrevolver.com/)

France:

Andrea Bocelli (http://www.andreabocelli.com/) with the Philarmonie der Nationen (http://www.philharmoniedernationen.de/)
Axelle Red (http://www.axelle-red.com/)
Calogero (http://music.channel.aol.com/artist/main.adp?artistid=529713)
Cerrone / Nile Rogers (http://www.cerrone.net/)
Craig David (http://www.craigdavid.co.uk/)
Cure, The (http://www.thecure.com/)
Diam's (http://www.diams.tv/)
Dido (http://www.didomusic.com/)
Disiz La Peste (http://www.disizlapeste.com.fr/)
Faudel (http://faudel.artistes.universalmusic.fr/)
Florent Pagny (http://florentpagny.artistes.universalmusic.fr/)
Johnny Hallyday (http://music.channel.aol.com/artist/main.adp?artistid=24398)
Kool Shen (http://www.ivmypeople.com/koolshen/)
Kyo (http://music.channel.aol.com/artist/main.adp?artistid=470630)
Louis Bertignac (http://www.bertignac.com/)
Muse (http://www.muse.mu/)
Placebo (http://www.placeboworld.co.uk/)
Shakira (http://www.shakira.com/)
Sheryl Crow (http://www.sherylcrow.com/)
Tina Arena (http://www.tinaarena.com/)
Yannick Noah (http://music.channel.aol.com/artist/main.adp?artistid=591990) (the tennis player?!)
Youssou N'Dour (http://www.youssou.com/)

Germany:

A-ha (http://www.a-ha.com/)
Audioslave (http://www.audioslave.com/)
Bap (http://www.bap.de/)
Brian Wilson (http://www.brianwilson.com/)
Chris de Burgh (http://www.cdeb.com/)
Crosby Stills & Nash (http://www.crosbystillsnash.com/)
Die Toten Hosen (http://www.dietotenhosen.de/)
Faithless (http://www.faithless.co.uk/)
Green Day (http://www.greenday.com/)
Herbert Groenemeyer (http://www.groenemeyer.de/)
Joana Zimmer (http://www.joanazimmer.com/)
Juan Diego Florez (http://www.jcarreras.homestead.com/Florez1.html)
Juli (http://www.juli.tv/)
Katherine Jenkins (http://www.katherinejenkins.co.uk/)
Reamonn (http://www.reamonn-music.de/)
Renee Olstead (http://www.reneeolstead.com/)
Roxy Music (http://www.roxymusic.co.uk/)
Sasha (http://www.sasha.de/)
Silbermond (http://www.silbermond-rockt.de/)
Soehne Mannheims (http://www.soehne-mannheims.de/)
Wir Sind Helden (http://www.wirsindhelden.com/)

Italy (bizarre lineup):

Antonello Venditti (http://www.antonellovenditti.it/)
Articolo 31 (http://www.articolo31.com/)
Biagio Antonacci (http://www.antonacci.com/)
Faith Hill (http://www.faithhill.com/)
Francesco Renga (http://www.francescorenga.it/)
Gemelli Diversi (http://www.gemellidiversi.net/)
Irene Grandi (http://www.irenegrandi.it/)
Jovanotti (http://music.channel.aol.com/artist/main.adp?artistid=44980)
Laura Pausini (http://www.laurapausini.com/)
Le Vibrazioni (http://www.levibrazioni.it/)
Max Pezzali (http://canzoni.lycos.it/artisti/max_pezzali/)
Negramaro (http://www.negramaro.it/)
Nek (http://www.nek.net/)
Noa (http://www.noasmusic.com/)
Tim McGraw (http://music.channel.aol.com/artist/main.adp?artistid=40295)
Tiromancino (http://www.tiromancino.com/)

Philly:

Will Smith (http://www.willsmith.com/)
Bon Jovi (http://music.channel.aol.com/artist/main.adp?artistid=3734)
Dave Matthews Band (http://www.davematthewsband.com/)
Destiny's Child (http://www.destinyschild.com/)
Jay-Z (http://music.channel.aol.com/artist/main.adp?artistid=195154)
Kaiser Chiefs (http://www.kaiserchiefs.co.uk/)
Keith Urban (http://www.keithurban.net/)
Linkin Park (http://www.linkinpark.com/)
Maroon 5 (http://www.maroon5.com/)
P Diddy (http://music.channel.aol.com/artist/main.adp?artistid=214335)
Rob Thomas (http://www.robthomasmusic.com/)
Sarah McLachlan (http://www.sarahmclachlan.com/)
Stevie Wonder (http://www.steviewonder.net/)

Canada (with Dan Akroyd/Tom Green :eek: ):

African Guitar Summit
Barenaked Ladies (http://www.bnlmusic.com/)
Blue Rodeo (http://www.bluerodeo.com/)
Bruce Cockburn (http://www.brucecockburn.com/home.html)
Bryan Adams (http://www.bryanadams.com/)
The Bachman Cummings Band
Deep Purple (http://www.deep-purple.com/)
DobaCaracol featuring Kna'an
Gordon Lightfoot (http://www.lightfoot.ca/)
Great Big Sea (http://www.greatbigsea.com/)
Jann Arden (http://www.jannarden.com/home.php)
Les Trois Accords
Motley Crue (http://www.motley.com/)
Our Lady Peace (http://www.ourladypeace.net/)
Sam Roberts (http://www.samrobertsband.com/)
Simple Plan (http://www.simpleplan.com/)
Tegan & Sara (http://www.teganandsara.com/)
The Tragically Hip (http://www.thehip.com/)
Tom Cochrane (http://www.tomcochrane.com/)

Japan:

Bjork (http://www.bjork.com/)
Def Tech (http://www.deftech.jp/html/)
Dreams Come True (http://www.dctgarden.com/index2.html)
Good Charlotte (http://www.goodcharlotte.com/)
McFly (http://www.mcflyofficial.com/)
Rize (http://www.rize-on.net/)

South Africa:

4Peace Ensemble
Jabu Khanyile and Bayete
Lindiwe
Lucky Dube
Mahotella Queens
Malaika
Orchestre Baobab
Oumou Sengare
Zola

Russia:

Bravo
B-2
Moral Code X
Spleen
Valery Sutkin



I also read that the Who and Sex Pistols are supposed to play as well. Big whoop.

[Easy Mac]

Coldplay
Keane
Killers, The
Razorlight
Green Day
Dave Matthews Band
Kaiser Chiefs
Linkin Park
Tegan & Sara

I'll probably tune in for these bands, but no, I could care less about their message. I'm just wondering... do people actually think we can somehow eradicate poverty? Seeing as how no one has done it in the history of humanity, I find it difficult to believe we'll come up with a magic solution in the next 50 years.

[Ksyrup]

They have a message? I thought this was just Bob Geldof craving the attention he got 20 years ago. The only thing I've heard about him since 1985 is that Michael Hutchence stole his wife, but he ended up with Hutchence's kids (ouch!).

[CraigSca]

I agree with Ksyrup, but I have a bad history with these things. Living in the Philadelphia area, I was offered a chance to go Live Aid but turned it down (and have absolutely no regrets about doing so). Then again, I've never been a big fan of mainstream music and at the time the only thing I was interested in seeing was Run-DMC.

[Mustang]

Celebrities/Musicians are not going to incite me to care... Whatever, go away.. move along.

But, did all the 1985 Live Aid performers go to Germany this time? A-ha? Roxy Music? Chris de Burgh? I mean, what the fuck? And Tim McGraw in Italy??

[Ksyrup]

I vaguely remember Live Aid, although I do remember watching quite a bit of it. But then again, I was like 13 or 14. I don't know...looking at it objectively, I can see a dozen or so newer acts that people would want to see, and a couple of older acts, but the rest are just crap.

Having DMB, Maroon 5 AND Rob Thomas in one place is complete overkill. They should have just added John Mayer and ended all of humanity (and I like DMB and even Maroon 5 a bit, but I don't feel a burning need to see them, and certainly not together). Italy with twice as many country singers as the US is odd, too.

[bosshogg23]

I care cause I live in Philly and its gonna be hellish getting around here for a week. People are coming for the Live 8 and staying because 2 days later Elton John is doing a free concert in the same place.

I dont know anyone who lives here that is actually going to see the performances.

[Suicane75]

I will be naked all weekend to commerate Live "8".

[Cringer]

Shakira, up close. I want that....oh I want that.

Tegan and Sara have a couple decent songs.
Green Day would be cool.
Gordon Lightfoot is the man!

Why did Faith Hill and Tim McGraw end up in Italy? They really seem to stand out there.....

[Crapshoot]

Coldplay
Keane
Killers, The
Razorlight
Green Day
Dave Matthews Band
Kaiser Chiefs
Linkin Park
Tegan & Sara

I'll probably tune in for these bands, but no, I could care less about their message. I'm just wondering... do people actually think we can somehow eradicate poverty? Seeing as how no one has done it in the history of humanity, I find it difficult to believe we'll come up with a magic solution in the next 50 years.


And doing nothing is a much better solution. bravo.

[Mustang]

Why did Faith Hill and Tim McGraw end up in Italy? They really seem to stand out there.....

Probably vacationing in the area, decided to swing in.

[sovereignstar]

Auf wiedersehen! I'm going to Germany so I can catch A-ha!!

Taaaake oooonn meeeeeeeeeee
Take on me

[Franklinnoble]

No.

[Mustang]

Auf wiedersehen! I'm going to Germany so I can catch A-ha!!

Taaaake oooonn meeeeeeeeeee
Take on me

Touch meeeeee...
How can it be
Believe me
The sun always shines on T.V


Ok, I should have the crap kicked out of me for knowing another A-ha song...

[HomerJSimpson]

Coldplay
Keane
Killers, The
Razorlight
Green Day
Dave Matthews Band
Kaiser Chiefs
Linkin Park
Tegan & Sara

I'll probably tune in for these bands, but no, I could care less about their message. I'm just wondering... do people actually think we can somehow eradicate poverty? Seeing as how no one has done it in the history of humanity, I find it difficult to believe we'll come up with a magic solution in the next 50 years.



I could add a few more, but that is a good list of bands to start. I don't think the "message" is going to be very successfull, but I'll enjoy watching some of the concerts.

[Suicane75]

Ill try and catch the Canadian set, but not much more strikes my fancy.

[HomerJSimpson]

Looking at the list, more than a few

Joss Stone
Pink Floyd
REM
Sting
U2
The Cure
Sheryl Crow
Shakira
A-Ha
Maroon 5
Sara McLachlan
BNL
Simple Plan


Man, it is great to have diverse musical taste and not set up artificial barriers to what you listen to! Should be a good weekend of music.

[Ksyrup]

Man, it is great to have diverse musical taste and not set up artificial barriers to what you listen to! Should be a good weekend of music.
What do these shows have to do with diverse musical taste? I listen to all sorts of stuff, just none of it is represented here. The bands you listed can mostly be heard on the same radio station, so I hardly find that to be diverse. Or, maybe I'd call it ClearChannel Diversity. It's not the different types of music that do not excite me, it's the particular bands they've chosen.

[rkmsuf]

What do these shows have to do with diverse musical taste? I listen to all sorts of stuff, just none of it is represented here. The bands you listed can mostly be heard on the same radio station, so I hardly find that to be diverse. Or, maybe I'd call it ClearChannel Diversity. It's not the different types of music that do not excite me, it's the particular bands they've chosen.


nobody wants to hear your Kings X crap.

:p

[Ksyrup]

Nah, I'm past that. You couldn't put them in one of these shows. Although they did pplay Woodstock 94... but anyway, I think my main problem with these bands is that a few are in their prime, but plenty are way past and have no business being here (U2, REM, Elton John, Madonna, Sting, Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox, Cure, Stevie Wonder, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue). I understand a couple of them, but geez... they're the Dick Motta's of the festival circuit. I'd include Pink Floyd as well, but since it's a reunion, I'll give them a pass.

A few others are way too new and have obviously only been added to boost appeal (I know that's the underlying reason for all of them, but these moreso than others) - Killers, Kaiser Chiefs, Scissor Sisters.

The actual hard rock bands are junk - Audioslave and Velvet Revolver (redundant), Linkin Park (thought these guys disappeared with Fred Durst), Bon Jovi and Motley Crue. Woo-hoo!

A few of these deserve to be there based on relevancy - Coldplay, Audioslave, Green Day, Joss Stone, Maroon 5, hell, even Rob Thomas. I wouldn't want to see any of them, though.

[rkmsuf]

Where the f-ck the rappers at?

Rappers have no time for this nonsense.

[Wolfpack]

Touch meeeeee...
How can it be
Believe me
The sun always shines on T.V


Ok, I should have the crap kicked out of me for knowing another A-ha song...

There's another A-ha song?

[dawgfan]

Yeah, how horribly misguided for these musicians to try and raise awareness of worldwide poverty and offer some means of trying to do something about it. Shame on them. Are we really so cynical that we have to trash on this and consider it nothing more than a publicity stunt and a way for musicians to feed their egos and feel important? Do you really believe that this concert will do nothing useful?

As for the lineup, there's a reasonable amount of diversity when you have:

Bjork
Motley Crue
Stevie Wonder
Coldplay
Audioslave
Tim McGraw
Snoop Dogg
Roxy Music
Scissor Sisters
Dave Matthews Band

...just to name a small fraction.

Yeah, most of these acts are well-known and not really "edgy" or "new", and there are a few dinosaurs in there - but so what? It's aiming to be more universal than something like a Lollapallooza or Warped tour, and while I doubt anyone is excited about every act on the bill, I think most will find a great number of acts that will interest them.

If I wasn't on a plane home to Seattle that day, I'd be parked in front of my TV/radio/computer to see as much as I can. There's no way I'd be able to see all the ones I'd be interested in:

Coldplay
The Killers
Pink Floyd (this reunion alone would be worth it for me, since I figured there was no way in hell they'd ever play together again)
REM
Scissor Sisters
Snoop Dogg
Stereophonics
Travis
U2
The Cure
Placebo
Audioslave
Green Day
Roxy Music
Dave Matthews Band
Stevie Wonder
Bjork

...and I'm sure that I would find other acts I don't know very well interesting to watch as well.

[Ksyrup]

To be honest, I didn't even realize there was an actual cause associated with this. I just figured it was the 20th anniversary of Live Aid. Is it the same world hunger deal? That's cool. I was just referring to the music itself. These shows have me as excited as an NBA basketball game. To give you some perspective, I only own albums from 2 of these artists; 3, if you count the Beatles as being Paul McCartney. So I'm hardly a fan of any of them, diverse though they may be as a group.

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://www.accessatlanta.com/entertainment/content/shared-gen/ap/Recordings/Live_8_Philadelphia_Acts.html
Alicia Keys, the Black Eyed Peas, Josh Groban, Def Leppard and Toby Keith have been added to the lineup of Saturday's Live 8 concert in Philadelphia.

Celebrity presenters at the show also will include actors Salma Hayek, Natalie Portman, Chris Tucker, Jennifer Connolly, Jimmy Smits and Kami, an HIV-positive Muppet from the South African version of "Sesame Street," organizers said Monday.
... Hip-hop impressario Russell Simmons has signed on as a producer.

[Raven]

an HIV-positive Muppet from the South African version of "Sesame Street,"


WTF?!

[Wolfpack]

I'm sure that's been thrashed a bit somewhere in the board's past. Do a search and I'm sure there'll be something already expressing your sentiments somewhere.

[stevew]

How did the muppet get HIV?

[dawgfan]

How did the muppet get HIV?

Rent "Meet the Feebles"...

[oliegirl]

There are quite a few on there I'd love to see...Joss Stone, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, REM, Paul McCartney, The Killers, The Cure, UB40, Barenaked Ladies (the best live band EVER!)...but since we'll be in NC this weekend for the holiday, I probably won't get to see any of it. Hopefully they will have downloads available in the next week or so...

[Mac Howard]

What an insular bunch you Generation Xers are ;)

I'll be glued to the set this weekend. There's no end of interesting artists in there.

The event has been set up to coincide with the meeting of the G8 countries in Edinburgh. Already they've agreed to cancel the debt of 40 third world nations and the event organisers are trying to influence the politicians to go beyond the debt relief and make a genuine effort to reduce poverty. Of course they'll have limited effect, don't we all, but if you don't buy the ticket you don't win the lottery. They're using their celebrity status in the only way they can - generating a high profile for poverty relief arguments - and the fact we bystanders have such a festival of music to enjoy is fine by me. I'd certainly far rather see this than the riots we'll have from protesters during the G8 meeting.

The original Live Aid concert may have produced relief of minor proportions by poverty standards but it brought home to many people living in considerable affluence that many parts of the world live in extreme misery. From the above comments it does seem that the message needs to get out to an new generation of people.

[JonInMiddleGA]

What an insular bunch you Generation Xers are ;)


I dunno 'bout that (in my case) ... I just think the roster of acts fairly well sucks.

Combine that with a general disapproval of wiping out the existing debts that are owed & this is one of the bigger "non-events" I can recall in recent years AFAIC.

[Ksyrup]

I'm a product of the 80's and I have no desire to see Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, REM, U2, Annie Lennox, A-Ha, Madonna, etc. Or Def Leppard (no offense Kodos).

[ISiddiqui]

Combine that with a general disapproval of wiping out the existing debts that are owed.
Disapproval? As Mac pointed out the G8 is wiping out the debts of 40 countries. How does that show disapproval?

[Ksyrup]

I think he means his personal disapproval.

[ISiddiqui]

Oh, if that be the case, then I'll continue ignoring him ;).

[Crapshoot]

I dunno 'bout that (in my case) ... I just think the roster of acts fairly well sucks.

Combine that with a general disapproval of wiping out the existing debts that are owed & this is one of the bigger "non-events" I can recall in recent years AFAIC.

Jon, In an attempt to find the human in you that I'm convinced exists, I wonder if you're aware that some of these countries spend more on debt relief than they spend on health care or feeding their population. Its not luxury - believe me (I spent 4 years in Ethiopia) - there is starvation everywhere you go. The sole goal of a day for most of the continent is not happiness or tranquility- its finding enough food to survive for one more day of the same. There is certainly corruption there, but corruption alone isn't enough of an explanation - and the West( Europe, not really America) for one raped the continent for 200 years - stripping it of a development period. One of the ideas behind logical debt relief is to tie it to countries that show improved attempts at transparency and building a more effective system. But just like the US wants the rest of the world to wipe Iraq's debts due to being under Sadaam (since the people didnt have much of a choice), so it seems reasonable, now that many of these places are democracies for the first time, for these countries to have some shot at a second chance.

[Mac Howard]

I dunno 'bout that (in my case) ... I just think the roster of acts fairly well sucks.

Some of the artists don't appeal to me either, mainly because I have little interest in their kind of music and I shall use my pdr to skip through those, but the list is intended to appeal to a wide range of people who wouldn't normally be interested in "worthy" events about poverty.

Combine that with a general disapproval of wiping out the existing debts that are owed & this is one of the bigger "non-events" I can recall in recent years AFAIC.

There isn't really much disapproval outside of America and even there some of that is a rational one that debt relief will do nothing. But the event organisors are partially in agreement with you in that they believe that debt relief is insufficient, in some case irrelevant because nothing is being paid of the debt, and that much more is needed to address the awful levels of poverty. Politicians react to voters, many of whom know or want to know little about African poverty, but musicians feel, and after the original Live Aid with some justification, that they can reach these people. Influence the voters and you may influence the politicians.

There is obviously an optimistic, possibly naive, aspect to this but, hey, it beats smashing up hotel rooms :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

... I wonder if you're aware that ...

Saving space, I'll just assure you that I pretty much got those details.

I'm not sure that my concerns are as much focused on "corruption" as a singular detail as they would be on "competence" ... I'm not at all convinced that an entire nation worth of GDP aid and all the debt forgiveness in the world is enough to bring these 3rd & 4th world nations into the 21st century.

Also, a pretty decent article here as well
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4084072.stm

A couple of good points in this, one that sums up my preference for a more German/Japanese approach to the subject -- Japan and Germany have always been reluctant to agree a complete write-off of debts, preferring to have greater leverage over the behaviour of the highly-indebted countries by offering to pay off their debt service instead.

The other point in this article concerns how to handle trade issues, including opening the potentially lucrative agricultural markets to the West. Until those issues are settled, I believe giving away a favorable settlement on the debt issue prior to settling the trade issues is simply tossing away a valuable piece of leverage.

[Easy Mac]

And doing nothing is a much better solution. bravo.
I prefer to promote change in my own way, not by prancing around on stage like a self-important asshole.

[Crapshoot]

I prefer to promote change in my own way, not by prancing around on stage like a self-important asshole.

Agreed- but in the abscence of doing nothing, what exactly have you done for poverty alleviation ? What's your background on the issue ?

[EagleFan]

Interesting mix. There aren't really any that would make me stop what I was doing to watch. There are a handful that I would watch if I was flipping by and saw them, for various reasons:

Elton John - not a fan but he is a good musician
Mariah Carey - maybe just to see how she looks
Paul McCartney - maybe if there is nothing else on, like a MASH rerun
Pink Floyd - just to see
U2 - as long as he just shuts the hell up and only sings, little chance of that
Shakira - only because she is hot, hit the mute button at that point (that France lineup is thin, must have been waving the white flag when they were fighting over the talent ;) )
Green Day - just to see if I can remember who the hell they are, I've heard the name and know I've heard songs just can't remember if I liked any of the songs
Faith Hill - like Shania much better but would watch her
Tim McGraw - he's a good singer, would watch Tug's son
Will Smith - good entertainer
Bon Jovi - saw them live, very tight in concert
Keith Urban - good singer
Linkin Park - for the attitude
Motley Crue - maybe, liked them a lot better when I was in high school, can't find that ame reaction now
Bjork - I have no freaking clue why, she just works for me and I'm not talking musically

[Easy Mac]

Agreed- but in the abscence of doing nothing, what exactly have you done for poverty alleviation ? What's your background on the issue ?
I've tried to give plenty to those in poverty. I've worked on a few funds, helped habitat for humanity. I'm not saying I'm mother theresa, but i do what i can when i have the time. to think we can eradicate poverty is asinine, and those who get pissed off because they don't feel like others are doing enough are just as bad as the people who do nothing. there will always be the haves and the have nots, and its not like it will stay the same. hell, 2 generations ago, by grandpa crossed the border with no money to his name. my mom didn't finish college until her mid 30's. now all of her kids have graduated college, 1 has a masters, 1 is working on it, and hopefully i'll go to law school in a couple of years. now, not everyone can just cross borders, but these things aren't absolute. some people get lucky and work hard to break the cycle, some people are lucky to be in the right place at the right time, some families just have to wait longer to get the breaks..

[Mac Howard]

A couple of good points in this, one that sums up my preference for a more German/Japanese approach to the subject -- Japan and Germany have always been reluctant to agree a complete write-off of debts, preferring to have greater leverage over the behaviour of the highly-indebted countries by offering to pay off their debt service instead.

But agree they have, in preference to doing nothing and allowing the status quo. The debt write off isn't unconditional but is only offered to those countries that will allow "greater leverage over the behaviour". It does not apply to all countries. The lesson that pouring money into a country that wastes it in whatever way is counterproductive has been learned and influence over the behaviour of the recipient country is demanded.

The other point in this article concerns how to handle trade issues, including opening the potentially lucrative agricultural markets to the West. Until those issues are settled, I believe giving away a favorable settlement on the debt issue prior to settling the trade issues is simply tossing away a valuable piece of leverage.

One of the demands of the event organisers is that the European Common Agricultural policy should be changed (Tony Blair is beating that particular drum in the EU currently also) along with the agricultural policies of other first world countries to allow access by third world countries to first world markets.

That's their point. Debt relief is insufficient and aid given without insistence of correct use or as a bandaid solution is no use. These haven't worked in the past and won't in the future. The "west" needs to become much more involved in the elimination of poverty and the development of these countries and open trade is very much part of that.

These guys are not as naive or as far away from your opinions as you may think. They are well aware that aid given as charity is a failure and that involvement by the giver nations needs to be far greater. Cancelling debt was never going to be that important because it was never going to be repaid and had already been written off by those owed. More needs to be done and it needs to be done more intelligently.

The whole point of the concert is to say to the G8 countries "Get your act together and do something realistic about world poverty. The technological solutions are there but the political will is missing. We may not be world leaders but we can see when world leaders are screwing up and we're calling you out in a way the world will hear."

[Mac Howard]

I prefer to promote change in my own way, not by prancing around on stage like a self-important asshole.

They share your preference - they are "prancing around on stage like self-important assholes" because that is their way and the reason that they can communicate with people that politicians will never reach.

[Crapshoot]

I've tried to give plenty to those in poverty. I've worked on a few funds, helped habitat for humanity. I'm not saying I'm mother theresa, but i do what i can when i have the time. to think we can eradicate poverty is asinine, and those who get pissed off because they don't feel like others are doing enough are just as bad as the people who do nothing. there will always be the haves and the have nots, and its not like it will stay the same. hell, 2 generations ago, by grandpa crossed the border with no money to his name. my mom didn't finish college until her mid 30's. now all of her kids have graduated college, 1 has a masters, 1 is working on it, and hopefully i'll go to law school in a couple of years. now, not everyone can just cross borders, but these things aren't absolute. some people get lucky and work hard to break the cycle, some people are lucky to be in the right place at the right time, some families just have to wait longer to get the breaks..

Been there- I have a family that two generations ago was in a village in India and now- well, lets say they're doing fine. Nonetheless, I fail to see what this has to do with the thread in question. Why the urge to criticise these guys ? if it helps raise some money, and it helps the artist profile or rep- its a win-win for all involved.

Secondly, this very American concept of the cycle and everyone can do it - its wonderfully idealistic, and I tend to agree- in America. In Africa, where these people wake up every goddamn day hoping to have the food to keep them going one more- its not that simple. For the cycle to work, they have to have the opportunity for an education, a life, free time, opportunity - what you don't get is that they don't. Or else, give them an opportunity (through agriculture- US protectionism of big farmers is shameful- though nothing compared to the hypocritical bastards at the EU ) - with agriculture, you and I pay the price of highly inflated food prices. You need to understand that the "everyone can go somewhere" premise relies upon everyone having the ability or time to better themselves- what I'm trying to explain is that many don't. Take your grandad- today, they probably wouldn't let him in, because some jackass would be braying about immigration and how "They're taking er jobs!".

[Mac Howard]

Ito think we can eradicate poverty is asinine

Not as asinine as you make out but at the moment we should aim at relief rather than eradication.

hell, 2 generations ago, by grandpa crossed the border with no money to his name. my mom didn't finish college until her mid 30's. now all of her kids have graduated college, 1 has a masters, 1 is working on it, and hopefully i'll go to law school in a couple of years.

And therein lies a lesson. Your grandpa moved to a country of opportunity. That is what these third world countries need - opportunity to sell their goods in first world markets free of trade barriers.

Opportunity is also why debt relief was given. Debt robs you of the opportunity to develop by syphoning off the profits that you make instead of them being plowed back to achieve growth. The third world countries that have tried to develop have seen their efforts disappear in debt repayment and others have just given up what they see as fruitless effort. That's why debt relief was considered important by some.

[ISiddiqui]

opportunity to sell their goods in first world markets free of trade barriers.
Indeed. Free trade (TRUE free trade) can benefit the 3rd world as well as the 1st world.

[AZSpeechCoach]

Why all the hatorade for Paul McCartney? The man may be 60+, but he can still rock. And he was a fucking Beatle.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Why all the hatorade for Paul McCartney? ... And he was a fucking Beatle.

I think you just answered your own question ;)

[Ksyrup]

Why all the hatorade for Paul McCartney? The man may be 60+, but he can still rock. And he was a fucking Beatle.I have huge respect for him - my CD collection is largely made up of bands that emulate him - but he hasn't been musically relevant as anything other than a museum prop since the late 70's. I'd love to meet him, but I have no interest in seeing him perform. Especially since he just did the Super Bowl. That was enough for me.

[Ksyrup]

To add insult to injury, XM is broadcasting this over most of the rock stations I would typically listen to (40-46). Argh!

[Ksyrup]

Here's the blow by blow for the London show:


McCartney w/ U2: Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
U2: One
Coldplay: In My Place, Fix You
Coldplay w/ Richard Ashcroft: Bitter Sweet Symphony
Elton John: Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting, The Bitch Is Back
Elton John w/ Pete Doherty: Children Of The Revolution
Dido: Life For Rent, White Flag, Thank You
Stereophonics: TBA
REM: The One I Love, Losing My Religion, Imitation Of Life, Everybody Hurts
Ms Dynamite: Dy-na-mi-tee, Judgement Day, Redemption Song
Keane: Everybody's Changing, Somewhere Only We Know
Travis: Sing, Turn, Why Does It Always Rain On Me?
Annie Lennox: Walking on Broken Glass, Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves, Sweet Dreams
UB40: Food For Thought, Red Red Wine
Snoop Dogg: TBA
Razorlight: Somewhere Else, Golden Touch, Vice
Madonna: Like a Prayer, Music, Ray Of Light
Snow Patrol: Chocolate, Run
Joss Stone: I Had A Dream, Super Duper Love
Scissor Sisters: Laura, Take Your Mama
Velvet Revolver: TBA
The Killers: TBA
Sting: Every Breath You Take, Message in a Bottle, Desert Rose
Mariah Carey: Make It Happen, Vision Of Love
Robbie Williams: Let Me Entertain You, Rock DJ, Feel, We Will Rock You
The Who: Won't Get Fooled Again, Baba O'Riley
Pink Floyd: Money, Comfortably Numb, Wish You Were Here
Paul McCartney: The Long and Winding Road
Grande Finale: Paul McCartney w/ Mick Jagger and George Michael

[rkmsuf]

Needs more George Michael.

[TLK]

From what I have caught, this has been a pleasent surprise. Everything has been decent, and nothing too offensive for my ears. Pink Floyd was far and away the best thing that I have seen...

[Coder]

Only caught a few acts starting with Green Day.. loved GD, loved Stereophonics and Audioslave did well too.

I'm not as articulate as Mac Howard has been in the thread but I agree with every word he's said.. I definately don't see why these bands need to be criticized for what they're doing.. they're calling for attention towards a topic in the best way they can, and they're certainly being successful. Great music too :).

[HomerJSimpson]

From what I have caught, this has been a pleasent surprise. Everything has been decent, and nothing too offensive for my ears. Pink Floyd was far and away the best thing that I have seen...


Coverage has sadly sucked on MTV/VH1. But, AOL did a good job (*shudder*) streaming every concert online live.

[Buccaneer]

My wife has been absolutely livid all afternoon. Live 8 and CMT have promised country acts (like McCraw/Hill) and VH1 has chosed not to show. But what they have chosen to show were some time wasters and acts of questionable merit. She sticking it out just in case they redeem themselves but she's in a bad mood about it. She is planning on writing Viacom but she expects to get a reply about her not being in the right demographics. :mad:

[HomerJSimpson]

My wife has been absolutely livid all afternoon. Live 8 and CMT have promised country acts (like McCraw/Hill) and VH1 has chosed not to show. But what they have chosen to show were some time wasters and acts of questionable merit. She sticking it out just in case they redeem themselves but she's in a bad mood about it. She is planning on writing Viacom but she expects to get a reply about her not being in the right demographics. :mad:


Chances are they'll be on the ABC coverage. VH1 hasn't shown anything from Rome all day.

[Buccaneer]

Ok, I'll tell her to catch them in Rome (don't know why CMT said UK). She is also waiting for her favorite, Keith Urban, in Philly.

[HomerJSimpson]

Ok, I'll tell her to catch them in Rome (don't know why CMT said UK). She is also waiting for her favorite, Keith Urban, in Philly.


He has already played, and they didn't show it on tv. The VJ's said that he was one of the best acts to perform.

[Buccaneer]

I just mae the mistake of going back up stairs and she bit my head off. I had never seen her this mad (I know, it's only a show) but her point is that these people took the time to do this and VH1 did not even bother to show them. As Homer said, I think what kicked her over was not showing Keith Urban and instead yapped over his piece. I told her about ABC but she said that's only 2 (?) hours, they'll do the highlights.

[Suicane75]

Thats been my problem with this whole thing, there is no "Big Event" feeling to it. I don't remember much of Live Aid, but what I do remember was it being an all day, huge event, shit like that just doesn't happen nowadays.

I didn't even hear about this until about a month ago, and no stations are really simulcasting things, it just doesn't have the same effect as it would if it was treated as a bigger event, but i guess ratings and tv stations have to look out for their bottom line first.

This event could of used a major network with all day coverage and major lead up coverage, I think it could of been a monumental thing, but as it is it will just fade away within a weeks time.

[Mustang]

I didn't pay attention to this today.. highlights on in the background on ABC right now. In reading the articles on CNN and such, seems like Geldoff is just as interested in hyping this as the greatest concert ever.. Still think it is a ego thing with him...

[TurnerONU22]

Bucc,

CMT is having a special tomorrow night, where I have heard that they'll show the entire performances of the country acts. I believe its tomorrow (Sunday) night at 11:30 ET. My girlfriend and I watched Keith Urban online, and it sucked that they didn't show him on MTV/VH1, as he probably puts on the best show in country music right now. We've been to a few of his concerts and even met him in Nashville, great guy.

[Joe]

Bucc,

CMT is having a special tomorrow night, where I have heard that they'll show the entire performances of the country acts. I believe its tomorrow (Sunday) night at 11:30 ET. My girlfriend and I watched Keith Urban online, and it sucked that they didn't show him on MTV/VH1, as he probably puts on the best show in country music right now. We've been to a few of his concerts and even met him in Nashville, great guy.


thats awesome they're gonna show it. I was disappointed when I didnt see him on MTV or VH1 today. On a side note, how can this be considered the concert of the century when it was over before 7 PM?

[Ksyrup]

I saw about 10 minutes total. First time I turned it on, I realized that MTV and VH1 had the same feed. WTF? Two channels showing the exact same crappy coverage? Next time I heard what is left of Chris Cornell's voice absolutely butchering a song. Holy crap I used to love that guy, now he is the vocal equivalent of a porn star in her 50s. Finally, I got lucky enough to turn it on during Pink Floyd, only to have MTVH1 cut off Comfortably Numb. What a bunch of dumbasses.

I still can't get over having 2 channels covering the same thing. Seven different concerts at one time, and the two biggest music channels show clips and live snips of the shows. They couldn't have one showing nothing but live feeds from around the world, while the other (MTV of course) spent 75% of their time doing interviews and telling us how great the acts they refused to show were? It's not like one is network and the other premium cable or something - anyone who gets MTV also gets VH1. What, were they afraid baby boomers weren't going to tune into MTV, and would only watch VH1?

[Front Office Midget]

I didn't even realize this was on TV. I would have liked to see Green Day's performance, them being my favorite band.

[HomerJSimpson]

I didn't even realize this was on TV. I would have liked to see Green Day's performance, them being my favorite band.


Green Day doing "We are the champions" was just fantastic.

[Front Office Midget]

I've seen them do it live twice, I know it's fantastic.

That's why I'm not too disappointed, because I've seen them in real life. But still.

[Ksyrup]

Peek-a-boo!


http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/nm/20050703/mdf599551.jpg?

[Buccaneer]

Bucc,

CMT is having a special tomorrow night, where I have heard that they'll show the entire performances of the country acts. I believe its tomorrow (Sunday) night at 11:30 ET. My girlfriend and I watched Keith Urban online, and it sucked that they didn't show him on MTV/VH1, as he probably puts on the best show in country music right now. We've been to a few of his concerts and even met him in Nashville, great guy.
Thanks, she and I got tickets to his September show at Red Rocks. I'm not a big fan of today's country music (I'm more much into "western" music) but Keith does play guitar extremely well.

[Coder]

Thats been my problem with this whole thing, there is no "Big Event" feeling to it. I don't remember much of Live Aid, but what I do remember was it being an all day, huge event, shit like that just doesn't happen nowadays.

I didn't even hear about this until about a month ago, and no stations are really simulcasting things, it just doesn't have the same effect as it would if it was treated as a bigger event, but i guess ratings and tv stations have to look out for their bottom line first.

This event could of used a major network with all day coverage and major lead up coverage, I think it could of been a monumental thing, but as it is it will just fade away within a weeks time.

At least here in Europe it was on all day on different stations. Swedish national television swapped between channels, but it was on from 11 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. if you wanted to. Just like Live Aid.

[dawgfan]

Never mind - I figured it out.

[SFL Cat]

I find it funny that the stars who were supposed to be performing to help battle poverty, have gotten goodie baskets worth $12,000 each.

[HomerJSimpson]

I find it funny that the stars who were supposed to be performing to help battle poverty, have gotten goodie baskets worth $12,000 each.


Yeah, but it really only contained a $50 watch, and a card that said $11,500 was given to "The Human Fund" in their name.

[Coder]

Yeah, but it really only contained a $50 watch, and a card that said $11,500 was given to "The Human Fund" in their name.

....and the other $450? :D

[HomerJSimpson]

....and the other $450? :D


The basket, of course.

[TLK]

I don't know if this will interest anyone, since the whole concert is available on demand at AOL.... but....


MTV, VH1 To Air Live 8 Performances Uninterrupted
07.07.2005 8:34 PM EDT

Ten hours will be broadcast commercial-free on Saturday.

Your parents might not listen, your teachers might not listen, but MTV, apparently, listens.

Responding to viewers and critics, MTV Networks has announced that it will broadcast 10 hours of Live 8 performance footage — including sets from Jay-Z, U2, Paul McCartney and others — commercial-free on MTV and VH1.

MTV and VH1 will each offer five hours of uninterrupted performance footage with differing artist lineups on Saturday. VH1 will air its Live 8 highlights from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, while MTV's batch of highlights will roll out from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

"At MTV and VH1, we're in a constant and candid dialogue with our audience, and in the wake of the live events last Saturday, our viewers have resoundingly told us online they want to see full-set performances from their favorite artists," MTV Networks Music Group President Van Toffler said of the move. "As a result of viewer demand and thanks to the Live 8 organizers and performers, MTV and VH1 will air 10 consecutive hours from one of the most important musical events of our time."

MTV has also announced plans to roll out a half-hour special on the issues behind the Live 8 event on Friday at 9 p.m. ET. "Live 8: Next Steps" will re-air at 8 p.m. on Saturday immediately following the Live 8 highlights.

Both MTV and VH1 will air performances by U2, Pink Floyd, Orchestra Baobab, Coldplay and Sir Paul McCartney. MTV's coverage will also include performances by Linkin Park, Jay-Z, the Killers, Kanye West and Green Day, while VH1's coverage will add Rob Thomas, Dave Matthews Band, Sting and Maroon 5 to the mix. Viewers can also expect to see performances by Destiny's Child, Madonna, Dido, R.E.M., Shakira, Snoop Dogg, Good Charlotte, Audioslave, Mariah Carey, Robbie Williams and the Who, among others.

[Ksyrup]

"Responding to viewers and critics..."

The critics were the viewers, dumbasses!



"At MTV and VH1, we're in a constant and candid dialogue with our audience, and in the wake of the live events last Saturday, our viewers have resoundingly told us online they want to see music performances, not a bunch of self-absorbed, clueless 20-somethings jabbering on about nothing."

Fixed

[Draft Dodger]

links to philly, toronto and london concerts

http://blog.adamjacobmuller.com/2005/07/05/live-8-download/

EDIT:
oh and Rome, Paris and Berlin
http://blog.adamjacobmuller.com/2005/07/05/live-8-download-berlin-paris-rome/