[Merged] Live 8 Concerts

Originally Posted by Pierre

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertain...ic/4637801.stm

Hear, Hear

The point of Live 8 is to raise awareness which it has more than done. Constant attacks on those that helped just because they are famous (and not black or african, which people seem to think means they are less worthy to help). I certainly do not belive they 'are part of the problem'.

Live Aid had the best motives. But to pretend this emotional, ad hoc response to the complex and chronic problem of famine in Africa made a positive difference was naive, rooted in a fictional idea that rock changes the world.

It did make a difference, people still remember Live Aid and why it took place. Geldof and all those that Joined him did raise the profile of africa and are doing so today. Just because, after one concert, the problem didnt go away out doesnt mean it was a failure.

I simply do not think it is right that ex-pop star Bob Geldof should be the human catalyst for one of the biggest problems facing mankind - it is beyond the wisdom of Solomon, let alone Geldof. He is not up to the job.

Again rubbish, he is trying and he certainly has not made the problem worse. It is sad to see people attacking someone who is actually trying and has brought the issue of Africa into the headlines.

If you dont like the Idea of Live 8 then fine, thats your choice but I wish people will stop continually trying to take something away from those taking part and have succesfully brought it to peoples minds. Always accusing those who are doing something of being selfish, part of the problem and so forth. They are doing something and just because they are rich does not mean they care less

[Gareth]

Damien, you're entitled to your opinion, but I find myself agreeing more with the author of the BBC article that Pierre quoted. I watched 15 mins of Live8 earlier today, and seeing Geldof, Dido, 2 spoilt brats in the VIP area (who were they anyway...?) spouting on and on, I had to switch off and preferred watching Mork and Mindy.

[Paul K]

Bit of a limp rendition of Sgt Pepper to begin with, don't think the crowd woke up until U2 turned the volume up a bit. Hope they don't kill the grass today, we need somewhere to sit next weekend lol.

[Hom3r]

late tonite bed at 3:30am

"Ultimately", says Mr Stubbs, "I won't be watching Live8 because of the dire bill". Well I concur with his view of the acts but it does beg the question that if "credible" acts like Interpol, Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, Arcade Fire, Youssou'n Dour etc were playing then he would watch Live8 - and what, then support it? Can't quite follow his reasoning there especially when he links undoubtedly conservative music to the world's ills. Jeez, I thought I was a cynic.

He also bemoans artists for thinking they can effect change. Well, Rock Against Racism certainly did play its part in bringing down the National Front in the late seventies by challenging racist thought and action and making racism uncool (at a time when people like Clapton were spouting offensive drivel). And the impressive thing about Live8 is that it is about ideas, not fundraising. Again I may share Stubbs's uncomfortableness at popstars assuming the mantle, but who else is? The impact on the generation emerging into adulthood of movements like this - the linked cause of environmentalism being another - will count in years to come. Sure the isue is complex, but the fundamentals are effectively being promoted; unfair debt, unfair trade.

Finally, quite what does he want Geldof to do when meeting Blair, Bush etc? Punch them in the gob? Gratifying as that might be for us all, it's hardly going to get the argument across. These people need persuading and there's nothing like a popular movement in doing that. Having said that I will be surprised if true fair trade emerges at the other end but there might be a significant step in the right direction.

[Gareth]

Yep, his parting comment was a bit of a let down. The bill is OK, imo. It's the principle that I object to.

[Tezcatlipoca]

Originally Posted by Damien

Again rubbish, he is trying and he certainly has not made the problem worse. It is sad to see people attacking someone who is actually trying and has brought the issue of Africa into the headlines.

Have a read of this article about the 1st Live Aid....

http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,1513284,00.html

[Bifta]

Hahaha .. how mullered was Pete Docherty? Heroin, just say no!

[Paul K]

Originally Posted by Bifta

Hahaha .. how mullered was Pete Docherty? Heroin, just say no!

Did look a little "dazed" at times Must be something in the bottled water they are all drinking
Nice to see Sir Bob hasn't lost the knack of using the word Crap on telly
WTF!!! Bill Gates?? Quick everyone down to Hyde Park, first one to get his wallet pays for the drinks

[Marge]

Bit surprised to see Bill Gates there lecturing on poverty, like he knows all about it

[Paul K]

Is it me or does Billy sound like Kermit?
__________________

Originally Posted by Marge

Bit surprised to see Bill Gates there lecturing on poverty, like he knows all about it

He was a student once you know, couldn't afford a decent haircut for years......

[Marge]

Crikey, Dido sounds a bit ropey, I sound better after several pints of the strong stuff

[Paul K]

Originally Posted by Marge

Crikey, Dido sounds a bit ropey, I sound better after several pints of the strong stuff

I sound a bit husky after a few pints of apple juice too I was waiting for BillG to get his guitar out and busk Never mind, maybe next time

[Chimaera]

Originally Posted by Marge

Crikey, Dido sounds a bit ropey, I sound better after several pints of the strong stuff

I thought so too - I'd have been disappointed if I'd paid to go and see her!