The name "LIVE 8" was chosen as a reference to the G-8 summit, a meeting of the world's leading economic powers which will take place at Gleneagles, Perthshire, Scotland from July 6-8, 2005. Twenty years ago Geldof organized the LIVE Aid concerts in London and Philadelphia, and has continue to encourage the world's wealthiest countries to do more to fight famine and poverty in Africa. The name and timing of the 2005 concerts is intended to continue that pressure on the G-8 nations.
The July 13th, 1985 concert was held at the former JFK Stadium in South Philadelphia and included such stars as Mick Jagger, Madonna, and Tina Turner. That concert is reported to have raised at least $80 million for African relief.
The Philadelphia LIVE 8 Concert will be held in conjunction with other concerts at London’s Hyde Park as well as near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Circus Maximus in Rome.
Philadelphia Rundown
- 12:04 -- Paul McCartney & U2 Live from London
- 12:14 -- Black Eyed Peas
- 12:33 -- Bon Jovi
- 12:54 -- Madonna Live from London
- 1:00 -- Destiny's Child
- 1:16 -- Kanye West
- 1:30 -- Will Smith
- 1:50 -- Coldplay Live from London
- 1:56 -- Toby Keith
- 2:13 -- Dave Matthews Band
- 2:40 -- Alicia Keys
- 2:52 -- Def Leppard
- 3:10 -- Linkin Park and Jay-Z
- 3:50 -- Tim McGraw Live from Rome
- 3:56 -- Sarah McLachlan
- 4:11 -- Maroon 5
- 4:28 -- Green Day Live from Berlin
- 4:34 -- Keith Urban
- 4:48 -- Jars of Clay
- 4:56 -- Pink Floyd Live from London
- 5:00 -- Rob Thomas
- 5:21 -- Stevie Wonder
Celebrity presenters at the show also will include Don Cheadle, Jennifer Connolly, Richard Gere, Salma Hayek, Ashley Judd, Jack Nicholson, Natalie Portman, Al Sharpton, Jimmy Smits, Chris Tucker, Naomi Watts, and Kami -- an HIV-positive Muppet from the South African version of "Sesame Street."
LIVE 8 will begin in Philadelphia at 8:00 a.m. with a LIVE telecast from other concert sites, broadcast on "Jumbotrons" spreading the length of the Parkway. LIVE on-stage performances from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will begin at noon and run until 6:00 p.m.