Some of the biggest artists in the world will take part in what organizers are calling “Live 8,” a series of 5 concerts around the world aimed at educating people on the African poverty crisis and pressuring world leaders into acting upon it.
The concert comes 20 years after Live Aid, a similar event benefiting Ethiopia.
Bob Geldof is once again the man in charge.
He has enlisted the help of such artists as Madonna, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Sting, and U2.
Five concerts will be held on July 2, all free: London, Paris, Berlin, Rome and Philadelphia.
The event is being held less than a week before G8 leaders meet in Britain.
The concerts are not intended to raise money. “We don’t want people’s money. We want them,” said Geldof at a news conference today.
People who want to attend in London can enter to win a ticket through text messaging.
No information on television has been released, but the concerts will be televised around the globe.
The artist lineup for London is most impressive: McCartney, John, Madonna, Sting, Mariah Carey, Coldplay, Dido, Keane, Annie Lennox, Muse, Razorlight, REM, Scissor Sisters, Snow Patrol, Stereophonics, Joss Stone, Robbie Williams, U2, Velvet Revolver, Geldof, The Killers and The Cure.
In Berlin, a-ha, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Brian Wilson, Lauryn Hill, Die Toten Hosen, Peter Maffay and Bap will all perform.
Will Smith will host the Philadeplphia concert, which will feature: Bon Jovi, Maroon 5, Dave Matthews Band, Sarah McLachlan, Rob Thomas, Keith Urban, Jay Z, Stevie Wonder, 50 Cent, Kaiser Chiefs and P. Diddy.
In Paris: Andrea Bocelli, Craig David, Calo Gero, Jamiroquai, Kyo, Yannick Noah, Youssou N’Dour, Placebo, Axelle Red, Johnny Halliday, Manu Chao and Renaud
And performing in Rome: Duran Duran , Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Irene Grandi, Jovanotti, Nek, Laura Pausini, Vasco Rossi and Zucchero.
