With Live8, Geldof urges G8 to stamp out poverty

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By Paul Majendie

LONDON - Twenty years after Live Aid, Bob Geldof wants to change the world again, not by fund-raising for famine relief but by staging a concert to pressure world leaders into eradicating African poverty.

Geldof, dubbed "Saint Bob" for organising the 1985 concert to save the starving in Ethiopia, is to announce the line-up on Tuesday for Live8, a July 2 concert designed to influence the G8 group of industrialised nations' summit in Scotland.

"There is more than a chance that the boys and girls with guitars will finally turn the world on its axis," the dishevelled Irish rock star said.

Geldof's powers of persuasion -- his Irish charm is matched only by his penchant for expletives -- have ensured pop fans will be treated to a stellar cast for the concert, expected to be held in London.

The phones have been ringing as incessantly as they did 20 years ago, with Geldof seeking to persuade musicians to take part. Sting accepted, saying Geldof was a man who did not take no for an answer.

The event is expected to feature Irish rockers U2 and former Beatle Paul McCartney, who performed at the 1985 concerts which raised over $100 million for African famine relief.

The Rolling Stones, Eminem and Madonna could also appear and Pink Floyd and The Spice Girls may even re-form for the show.

RALLY TO PRESSURE LEADERS

In 1985, Geldof was shaking his collection bowl as aid agencies raced to save the dying in Ethiopia.

This time he wants to galvanise the world's richest nations into action against African poverty.

Prime Minister Tony Blair has campaigned to help Africa during Britain's presidency of the G8 this year and will host G8 leaders at a summit in Gleneagles in Scotland in July.

But campaigners fear discord between G8 nations on debt reduction and aid spending plans, combined with reluctance in Washington, will wreck Blair's ambitions.

They warn African schools and hospitals could receive no new money from the lavish summit, which could cost as much as 100 million pounds ($180 million) to stage.

"We are really concerned that we're a long, long way away from any kind of breakthrough on tackling poverty in Africa," said Oxfam policy adviser Max Lawson. (Additional reporting by Jeremy Lovell and Madeline Chambers)

Bob Geldof confirms plans for star-studded concert against poverty

The National Post

LONDON - Live Aid founders Bob Geldof and Midge Ure said Thursday they were planning a star-studded concert to fight poverty in Africa - but insisted it wouldn't be Live Aid Mark 2.

Rumours have swirled for weeks that a Live Aid sequel will be held in London's Hyde Park in early July, days before leaders of the world's richest nations meet for a G8 summit in Gleneagles, Scotland. Madonna, U2, Paul McCartney and a reunited Spice Girls have all been mentioned in the possible lineup.

"I can say there's never going to be a Live Aid II but there's something brewing," Ure said Thursday at the Ivor Novello songwriting awards ceremony in London.

"It's big. And it's as petrifying as the buildup to Live Aid, if not more so. We'll have all the biggest names we can find. But it's not just about big names, it's about making a point."

Geldof and Ure received a Novello award for last year's remake of their 1984 charity single Do They Know It's Christmas? That song and the 1985 Live Aid concerts in London and the United States raised millions for Ethiopian famine victims.

Geldof has continued to campaign against poverty in Africa, and British Prime Minister Tony Blair has made aid to the continent one of the key themes for Britain's leadership of the G8 this year.

"Once more into the breach," Geldof said. "What started 20 years ago is coming to a political point in a few weeks.

"There's more than a chance that the boys and girls with guitars will finally get to turn the world on its axis and I need you there with us."

While details remain under wraps, one star confirmed Thursday he would be participating.

"Bob called me up and said I was doing it," Sting said at the Novello awards. "He doesn't ask you, he tells you," he said Thursday.

Live Aid II set for London

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LIVE AID II is expected to take place in LONDON’s HYDE PARK.

The Prince’s Trust has cancelled its annual Party In The Park concert, which was due to take place in the capital on July 2, to make way for the possible event.

According to BBC News, Martina Milburn, chief executive of The Prince’s Trust said it was “delighted to support Live 8” and that Party In The Park would return in 2006.

Live Aid organiser Bob Geldof has so far denied plans for Live Aid II - dubbed Live 8 - though the BBC has said it is in “discussions” with the star to screen the concert.

The event is expected to take place in support of the Make Poverty History campaign, which highlights the global problem that a child dies every three seconds due to extreme poverty.

Acts already linked with Live 8 include U2, The Rolling Stones and Sir Paul McCartney.

Geldof’s spokespeople have confirmed that there are discussions about holding shows and an announcement is expected in the next few days.

It is rumoured that a similar concert may take place in Washington on the same day.

Live 8 would coincide with the G8 conference, which is due to take place in Scotland on July 2.

The original Live Aid concert was held at London’s Wembley Stadium in 1985 and in Philadelphia.

It raised £60 million from pledges by the public and attracted a global audience of 1.5 billion.