In 1985 Live Aid raised money, and awareness for the poverty in Africa. Now in 2005 they are raising just awareness with Live 8 (Live on AOL Music). Thats nice and all, but I don't think that is enough.
Over 600,000 people made it to the Philly concert alone. Why not charge people $1 or $2 to get in the gate. Why not push for donations by phone?
In out post 9/11 and post Asain Tsunami world, we are far more prone to donate to a good cause. And the poverty in Africa is a cause worth donating to.
Sure it would be nice if the G8 conference held this year convinced our world leaders to help "make poverty history" but I just don't think its going to happen. I am not really a pesimist, but it simply has not happened yet. Our governments have not helped enough with the world hunger problem - yet.
People are not going to these concerts all over the world to get educated about the poverty problem in Africa, they are going for the free music by the worlds best recording artists.
Sure, its nice that they are putting these concerts on for free, but they could be raising a lot of money for Africa right now.
And lets face it, right now is a lot better then whatever Bush or Blair, etc, will be able to do in the coming months or years.
Article comments
1 - jess
i think what you say may be true but how are you to be sure its not helping. I think it probably is you just don't know it!
2 - Aaman
While you're at it, please run a spell check on yr post.
But, you've hit the nail on the head with your insights.
3 - Tan The Man
Live 8 was too commercial to NOT be asking for money.
4 - Max101st
As a child of the sixties, to me this Live whatever is a farce.
We lost the concept of positive change a long time ago. Although many of the musicians mean well, its all about corporate profits.
5 - SphinxMontreal
And huge corporate profits at that. What were the concession prices at the Live 8 venues? How about the endless and annoying commercials on TV? How about the increased record sales for the performers?
Live 8 is helping everyone, except for those who need it the most. The raise awareness angle is just an elaborate smokescreen.