02.07.05 - Live 8

So here it is. Live 8

'Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band' seemed a little lacklustre to me but U2's set after that really set the standard. The accompanying horn section with the shows opener dressed in Sgt Pepper uniforms was a tad nauseating. Later on the BBC Macca said he'd never played that song live. Sadly dementia may have set in because I have a live album & dvd & that song is played on both. As recent as 2001.

'Vertigo' I think should have opened the whole show. It truly rocked & 'Beautiful Day' had to be played. A great uplifting God filled anthem. I thought they'd play Pride & Streets but 'One' ends the set featuring a snippet of 'Unchained Melody'. Full marks to the biggest band on the planet. We're definitely going.

People have been very cynical about this series of concerts as many were about the original Live Aid almost twenty years ago. To bring awareness & NOT to ask for money is a bold step. People have said there aren't enough African artists on the bill but this isn't an event to promote African artists. Many I'm sure will say after the fact that these events brought no real change whatever announcement comes out of the G8 later this week. I personally think we'll have to wait quite a few years to know fully it's impact.

There's something about Coldplay that I'm just not sure about. I love alot of there songs but anyone that describes Richard Ashcroft as the best singer in the world has something wrong with his ears. Ok so it's a big day boys but don't get to carried away. I think 'Clocks' would have been a much better opener than 'In My Place'. Coldplay end there three song set with 'Fix You' from the new album 'X & Y'. Quite U2-ish really & genuinely moving.

Elton John opens with 'The Bitch Is Back' & certainly proves he still has it. Even if the hair has changed somewhat over the years. 'Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting' follows before Peter Doherty (formally of The Libertines & now Baby Shambles) joins in for a version of Marc Bolan & T-Rex's 'Children Of The Revolution'.

Geldof is then introduced as The Boss & for a split second I thing Mr Springsteen has turned up. Not yet. Sadly. Geldof introduces Bill Gates who then talks about the hope of humanity & it's so easy to lean towards cynicism. Still he has no reason to be in Hyde Park unless he genuinely believes in the cause. It's not as if he needs the publicity.

Dido follows & while she's certainly shifted alot of "units" over the past few years I think she has the most average voice since the destruction of averageville. Youssou N'Dour joins her on stage & he proves why he is the ambassador for African music. Even if he's singing an average song ('Thank You') once sampled by Eminem. It should be Dido appearing with Youssou in my opinion not the other way around. 'Seven Seconds' ends the set & is by far the best song.

Sterophonics are next & they surprise me with how great they are. Ricky Gervais then brings some much needed humour. I laugh out loud & that doesn't happen to often. He thanks the audience for voting out Saskia. He even does "the dance" before introducing R.E.M. 'Everybody Hurts' is a real honest anthem free of the cheese that accompanies such songs as Robbie Williams 'Angels'. 'Man On The Moon' closes R.E.M.'s set & although the BBC fuck up & miss the beginning of the song it doesn't totally ruin it. It's a fabulous crowd sing along.

Kofi Annan says a few words & then Ms Dynamite takes to the stage. The highlight of her set is a cover of Bob Dylans 'Redemption Song'. Keane follow & then Travis. We've arrived at the bland section of the show indeed. Why Travis are here & not Radiohead or Doves is beyond me but I guess they can't make everybody happy. As an event this is still surreal & almost unbelievable to watch. Despite the blandness of Travis when they play a snippet of The Bee Gee's 'Staying Alive' I'm actually up dancing. Credit to them for that.

The obligatory performance of The Boomtown Rats classic 'I Don't Like Mondays' is next & though it seems a little nostalgic there's nothing wrong with that. The man put this whole thing together, the least we can allow him is a moment on the stage doing what he does second best.

Brad Pitt says a few words before introducing Annie Lennox. There's definitely more men here than women on the bill but I'm sure that's not intentional. 'Why' is haunting & beautiful.

We then see by video links The Black Eyed Peas perform 'Where Is The Love?' & Green Day 'American Idiot'. Both are lyrically perfect for the day. UB40 follow in London. I remember the saying, "If you haven't got anything good to say don't say anything at all" so concerning UB40 I simply have nothing to say whatsoever.

Huggy Bear himself Snoop takes to the stage next. Not knowing his music I don't know what to expect. We've already had a few choice swear words (& before the watershed too) so a few more don't matter. "PUT YOUR MOTHER F*G HANDS IN THE AIR!" He's great & gets everybody going. Very soulful too. I didn't think I'd enjoy the Dogg as much as I did.

Razorlight are the first real suprise of the day for me. That is I'd never heard them before & they were fantastic. I'm sure they didn't really wish they could be somewhere else. They could well be my new favourite band. Today could be the real birth of this fantastic five piece from America, England & Sweden collectively.

Bob Geldof introduces the original 'Drive' clip from the original Live Aid. You just can't not be moved & challenged by that. This isn't a guilt trip or manipulation but simply education. We just can't continue to live in our rich bubble of a life here in the West whilst these things are STILL happening. The introduction of the grown up child in that film, again, has nothing to do with manipulation. We moan if a political party says they'll have to increase tax but if only we could truly know the value & significance of our small lives. Changing the world may be a concept, a slogan & a dream but today I'm filled with hope. The challenge of course is what can I do?

Madonna who was a new name back in July 1985, it seems, has a career to save. The London Community Gospel Choir with her are superb. Her set is, 'Like A Prayer', 'Ray Of Light' & 'Music'. She definitely holds her own. 'Into The Groove' would have been a stronger last song for me. Music does make the people come together though. Her reference to the crowd as "you fuckers" seems a tad childish. She's hardly rock 'n' roll is she?

Snow Patrol are next & after seeing them support U2 recently in Manchester I feel equally bored. If these guys can get a deal Kyle William definitely should. To me they have nothing original or exciting about them. You realise how amazing Doves are after listening to this soulless dirge. My Mum loves them though.

The Killers are next. Based on there big single I though I'd hate them but again, I'm suprised. I feel I'm running out of expressive words but they are excellent & uplifting. "I've got soul but I'm not a soldier."

A snippet of Brian Wilson & his marvellous band performing 'Good Vibrations' from the Berlin event is worth the license fee alone I think.

As amazing a voice as she has I've never really dug Joss Stone. I'm not really sure why though. It's clearly not a female thing. Her second song is adorable & beautiful. Maybe I'm converted.

Scissor Sisters steal the show. So far anyway. It feels like the Queen moment of the day. & I don't mean because some of them are queens. I mean they're a great band. Some bands have been playing one song, I assume this is a time issue but I'm very happy SS play a full fifteen minute set. They shine from beginning to end. "What is it that you want? What is it that you give? Where do you plan on finding it? How are you gonna live?"

Spinal Tap are alive & well in the guise of ex Guns 'N' Roses guitarist Slash's new band Velvet Revolver. Sting plays the same set as at Live Aid. He looks younger now too. He plays 'Message In A Bottle', a song I'm unfamiliar with (which is by far the best of the three) & 'Every Breath You Take'. As with Elton John, this ageing fella definitely still has it. His voice is better now than it ever has been & his band featuring long time guitarist Dominic Miller is stunning & extremely well rehearsed. The footage shown on the screen at the back of the stage of the G8 leaders while Sting repeatedly sings, "Every move you make, every bond you break, every step you take, I'll be watching you" is a genius moment.

I can't think of anything negative about this entire event. How can it be a bad thing to TRY to bring influence? We live in dark times & this torch is an inspirational experience. Criticism was thrown around when Geldof asked the artists not to use the stage to bash Bush & Blair over Iraq. I fully get his point. I remain very anti-Iraq (the war) but this is an attempt to encourage (agreeable word) Blair & Bush et al to pledge more aid. Maybe if they DON'T deliver that'll be the time to criticise. Still, I live in hope.

Mariah Carey is just painful. The less said about that the better. What a show stopper. Not in the right way either.

The Beckham boy introduces Robbie Williams. He's a bit special really. The slowest moment of the day. That seems strangely apt somehow. I thought he might open the show with 'Let Me Entertain You' but he opens his set with 'We Will Rock You' going into the aforementioned Entertain You. I also thought he'd try & get the Queen moment. I'd still give it to Scissor Sisters. Robbie comes off as a bit try hard. At his best I still think he's a lucky guy to have quit a boy band at the right time. Anyone who covers a Sinatra song & leaves Sinatras voice as if duetting with him is always gonna fail in some way. Still the kids seem to love him & I guess that's all that matters. He encourages the crowd to sing the chorus to 'Feel' & they only know the first line. I mean really, why would anyone want to know it? 'Angels' is a predictable closer but this time everybody really knows the words. It's ok. He'll be off soon.

The magnificent Peter Kay fills beautifully while the stage is re-set for The Who. He leads the audience, or they lead him, in a sing a long of 'Is This The Way To Amarillo?'. A roadie try's to get him thrown off the stage in the most bizarre moment of the day. The BBC then cut away so we can hear Michael George. That was an error. Nice bit of the gay humour though. We like that. Soon enough Peter Kay is back with an encore of Amarillo. He gives a fine introduction to The Who.

The Who intrigue me. The half of them anyway that are still living. Daltrey made a sham of his appearance singing 'I Want It All' at the Freddie Mercury Tribute in 1992. I was there & it was indeed excruciating. Still tonight he's not singing a song by Queen. They open with 'Who Are You' & bloody hell they're good. I mean REALLY good. Daltrey's voice is perfect. Another highlight of this fine day. Maybe THIS will be the Queen moment. Paul Weller's drummer Steve White accompanies them. I'm sure Weller must've been jealous. Pete Townsend is incredible & pulls off the "looking cool" thing perfectly. Daltrey resembles an ageing university professor but that's no bad thing. I'm glad he didn't die before he got old. 'Wont Get Fooled Again' is just a joy in every way.

Mandela's speech from Johannesburg is inspiring. The best line of which, & probably this whole event, sums up everything the artists are trying to convey. "While poverty exists, there is no true freedom."

Faithless' performance from Berlin is just great. I've always been intrigued by them but not really heard anything by them. They're a genuinely original, unique & authentic band. Lucky for Berlin & unlucky for Hyde Park. Something about Otis Ferry makes me not want to pay attention to his Dad's band Roxy Music. It's ok, the Floyd will be up in a moment.

Now the moment I've been waiting for. Nick Mason, Roger Waters, Richard Wright & Dave Gilmour take to the stage for the first time since 1980 I believe. I've long dreamed of a re-union with Roger Waters & today has brought this about. They split in 1982 or 83. The very public bust up has been well documented. Several times. This really is a historic moment in the life of these four people & indeed the music loving world. Well, the parts of it that like the Floyd anyway. I love Gilmour & Waters singing together. That's why the Waters-less Floyd of the late 80's & 90's was always a little challenging. Roger Waters live I think sounds more like the Floyd than the Floyd have done. Anyway back to tonight. They open with 'Breathe' from Dark Side. A suprising but wonderful opener. 'Money' is second & it's official. LIVE8 ALL ABOUT THE MAGNIFICENT PINK FLOYD! I don't know how long they've been rehearsing but it sounds like they never stopped playing. Waters looks so energised & into it. No bad vibes at all are present. Wonderful stuff this. I do hope a tour will happen with this line up. The shot of the Battersea power station (used for 1977's 'Animals' album sleeve) is another perfect moment. 'Wish You Were Here' is third & Waters "Emotional" introduction & dedication to Syd Barret is genuinely moving. Fourth is 'Comfortably Numb'. I didn't think they'd play this but I'M SO GLAD they did. The lyrics are about drugs & there effects. To put it simply. In this context however they take on a whole new meaning. The context of everything this is about considered I mean.

Hello
Is there anybody in there
Just nod if you can hear me
Is there anyone at home
Come on now
I hear you're feeling down
I can ease your pain
And get you on your feet again
Relax
I'll need some information first
Just the basic facts
Can you show me where it hurts

There is no pain, you are receding
A distant ship smoke on the horizon
You are coming through in waves
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying
When I was a child I had a fever
My hands felt just like two balloons
Now I've got that feeling once again
I can't explain, you would not understand
This is not how I am
I have become comfortably numb

O.K.
Just a little pin prick
There'll be no more aaaaaaaah!
But you may feel a little sick
Can you stand up?
I do believe it's working, good
That'll keep you going through the show
Come on it's time to go.

There is no pain you are receding
A distant ship smoke on the horizon
You are only coming through in waves
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying
When I was a child
I caught a fleeting glimpse
Out of the corner of my eye
I turned to look but it was gone
I cannot put my finger on it now
The child is grown
The dream is gone
And I have become
Comfortably numb.

Pink Floyd were definitely the best on the day. Maybe it was connected to the re-union as well as the music but they were absolutely perfect. Paul McCartney (& the best band he's played with since The Beatles) closes the show in Hyde Park. Drummer Abe Laborial Jnr is a master craftsmen & a very emotional player. Dare I say one of my favourite drummers in the world? Based on such a small experience of his work? I dare. He's my hero. Fat drummers rule!!! Macca opens his set with 'Get Back'. 'Drive My Car' is next & George Michael helps out on vocals. They like these love-ins huh? Thankfully there's not been to many of them today. Where were Peter Gabriel, Jim Kerr, Phil Collins & Meat Loaf? Weren't they supposed be be backing for Clapton & Dire Straits? It's a shame the recently re-united Cream didn't play actually. 'Helter Skelter' is third in Maccas set & the band really show there talents off. Majestic. 'The Long & Winding Road' is a bit slushy to me but all credit to the Macca man. He does "touching" so well. 'Hey Jude' is certainly a better closer than 'Let It Be' on piano not even coming through the PA. It sounds like everyone in Hyde Park was singing the "na, na, na, na na na naaaa's" & just to be sentimental I'll say everyone watching on tv too. Why not? I sure was :o . It's the perfect closer to a great party. All the days artists came on stage to help take it home. Very apt. Again somehow free of the obvious non-credible sentimentality that can accompany an event such as this. The balance all day of everything has been perfect. Edge even gets the last thankyou from Macca before Geldof says, "See you in Edinburgh". We shall see. I do hope that'll be another historic & peaceful day. "Anything's possible when you put your mind to it" as George tells Marty in 'Back To The Future'.

So it's over. Or the London part of it. What can be said? It's been a far stronger day musically than the original Live Aid event. Nostalgia aside I truly believe that. Signing an online petition, buying a wristband from Oxfam & uploading my photo to the Live8 site seem very insignificant actions. All I can say is at least it's something. I found the whole thing emotional & moving in many ways. A hugely positive act is so refreshing in these dark & cynical times we appear to be living in.

The future's here now & it can be better.