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Review: Jack Foley
A FEW minutes after Big Ben chimed 2pm, a voice rang out in the
Hyde Park sky stating: "This is our time, this
is our moment, this is our chance to stand up for what's right.
We're not looking for charity, we're looking for justice. We're
not looking to fix every problem, just the one's we can."
The voice belonged to U2's Bono and marked the first significant
statement of Live 8 London - the event dubbed
'the greatest show on Earth'.
On Saturday, July 2, 2005, the music world came together as one
to unite people of all nations and to issue a statement of intent
to world leaders that we will no longer tolerate debt, poverty
or unncessary suffering.
The London event - held as part of a world-wide day of music
that incorporated Japan (Tokyo), America (Philadelphia) and Europe
(Rome, France and Berlin) - was not about making money, but rather
gaining support.
200,000 people packed into Hyde Park in a show of support for
Live 8's aims and to declare to members of the G8 - comprised
of the world's wealthiest leaders - that the time has come to
help Africa, to cancel debt and to make trade fair.
Kicking off the event was Sir Paul McCartney and U2 with a lively
version of The Beatles' classic, Sgt Peppers' Lonely Hearts
Club.
The 'supergroup' was preceded by a performance from the Queen's
Guards, dressed in their distinctive red uniforms.
But they departed the stage just ahead of Macca and Bono's entrance
and an almighty roar from the crowd.
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Following Sgt Pepper, U2 went on
to deliver a set of their own, kicking off with Beautiful
Day - a track that was given extra significance given the
occasion.
The Edge's guitar work did much to illuminate the grey skies
above, while Bono's vocals were as strong and vibrant as ever.
A flock of white doves was released midway through in a symbolic
gesture of peace.
Next up for U2 was their recent No.1 hit, Vertigo, a
lively crowd-pleaser that really got people jumping up and down
and during which Bono seemed to find his swagger.
With its catchy guitar riffs and chant along chorus, the song
perfectly suited the occasion and capably demonstrated why U2
continue to be one of the biggest bands in the world.
The final song, One, was an absolute humdinger, a timeless
anthem that was immaculately delivered and rich in relevance.
Its lyrics include the telling phrase, 'we're one,
but we're not the same, we've got to carry each other'...
It was a sentiment that admirably reflected the intentions of
the day.
Perhaps most significant, however, was another of Bono's messages,
delivered direct to the G8 leaders themselves:
"This is your moment too, make history by making
poverty history."
All eyes now look to Edinburgh...
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reaction
Stereophonics
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Snoop Dogg reviewed
Razorlight show
no sign of nerves at Live 8
Madonna ensures her Music
makes people come together
Pink Floyd reunion reviewed
Live 8: Overview (the day in review)
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